A Year of Innovation in RTD, Wine and Spirits 2026
2026-02-12T09:44:29+00:00
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Report
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Premium quality and flavour innovation take centre stage, while brands balance ABV levels to align with the moderation trend. Zoe Wong, Analyst - Mintel Food & Drink…
Global
Spirits and RTD
Wine
simple
A Year of Innovation in RTD, Wine and Spirits 2026
"Premium quality and flavour innovation take centre stage, while brands balance ABV levels to align with the moderation trend."
Explore the latest innovations in RTD, wine and spirits with Mintel’s global innovation report. The report identifies the major launch activities, pivotal consumer attitudes and most important product developments over the past 12 months.
Key innovation trends in the global RTD, wine and spirits markets are analysed and succinctly presented alongside Mintel’s consumer data and insights. So you can understand changing consumer demands and identify future growth opportunities.
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What we have seen
Our pick of the most innovative launches in this review
Other innovative launches
Other flavour innovations
Global Spotlight: spirits and RTDs
Graph 1: spirts and RTD launches, by share of top five sub-categories, 2025
Global Spotlight: wines and fortified wines
Graph 2: wine and fortified wine launches, by share of top three claim categories, 2025
The Future of Wine & Spirits: 2026
EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA (EMEA)
Europe: premium RTDs make a comeback
The at-home drinking trend continues
Premium claims bounce back in RTD launches
Brands highlight quality cues in RTDs
Europe: flavoured spirits and liqueurs are on the rise
Flavour can open the door for new spirit drinkers
Fruit-flavoured launches look beyond citrus and berry
Graph 3: % of flavoured spirits launches with select flavour subgroups, 2021-25
Heritage icons experiment with flavours
Europe: private-label wines gain share in launch activity
Price-savvy drinkers put value first
Private-label wines are gaining share
Graph 4: wine and fortified wine launches, by share of private label, 2021-25
Private-label wines boost appeal beyond price
The Middle East & Africa (MEA)
Premium claims take the lead in the category
ASIA PACIFIC (APAC)
Asia: brands infuse excitement with cobranded offerings
Younger drinkers crave novelty in alcoholic drinks
Co-branding claims bounce back with fresh partnerships
Graph 5: % of spirits and RTD launches with cobranded claims, 2021-25
Cross-category partnerships in RTDs
Japan leads in cobranded spirits and RTDs
Brand renovation/innovation: South Korea's makgeolli reimagined with whiskey
Asia: floral notes add a wellness-focused halo to RTD launches
Floral flavours are gaining traction
RTD launches with floral flavours are on the rise
Graph 6: % of RTD launches with floral flavour component, 2021-25
Floral-flavoured RTDs are infused with botanicals and herbs
Brand renovation/innovation: Jia Yi Wine targets female drinkers with herb-infused, low-ABV cocktails
Australia & New Zealand
Better-for-you RTDs focus on sugar reduction
Australia & New Zealand: wine brands celebrate local roots
Local wines hold strong appeal
Wine brands are strengthening their local ties
Graph 7: % of wine and fortified wine launches with regional descriptors*, 2021-25
Wine brands highlight local heritage
the americas
North America: spirits and RTD brands ride the sober-curious wave
Health concerns drive alcohol moderation
Alcohol-free claims are making inroads
Graph 8: % of spirits and RTD launches with select alcohol-related claims, 2021-25
Adaptogens are emerging in alcohol-free RTDs
North America: premium spirits and RTDs cater to the less-but-better drinking trend
Consumers are trading up for quality
Premium offerings capture growing launch share
Graph 9: % of spirits and RTD launches with premium claims, 2021-25
Spirits and RTD brands put premium quality in the spotlight
North America: moderation trend fuels interest in low- and no-alcohol wines
Taste is a key driver of alcohol alternatives choices
North America sees a rebound in wines with ABV below standard levels
Graph 10: % of wine launches with ABV below 10%, 2021-25
Flavour profiles at the forefront to provide taste reassurance
Better-for-you attributes are niche but emerging
Latin America: consumers seek more-natural RTD options
RTD launches surge, while natural claims lag behind
Graph 11: % of RTD launches with select natural claims, 2021-25
Natural attributes can resonate with health-conscious consumers
What is 'A Year of Innovation' Report?
To truly understand a market, it’s essential to look at the products that are shaping it. Our ‘A Year of Innovation’ reports provide a detailed review of specific categories, focusing on the most notable product launches from the past 12 months. These reports are designed to give you a clear and comprehensive picture of recent innovation and its impact.
How We Analyse a Year of Innovation
By deconstructing the past year’s activity, we can provide valuable context for your current and future strategies. Here’s how we do it.
A Deep Dive into Product Launches
The core of these reports is a thorough examination of new products. We go beyond simply listing what’s new. Our analysis delves into the “why” behind each product launch, exploring the strategies, ingredients, and marketing claims that are driving innovation. This helps you understand what’s working, what’s not, and where the market is headed.
Powered by the Global New Products Database (GNPD)
Our insights are built on a foundation of robust data from Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD). This powerful tool tracks and catalogues new product launches from around the world. By leveraging the GNPD, we offer a complete exploration of innovative activity within your category, ensuring our analysis is comprehensive, accurate, and relevant.
Uncovering Trends and Consumer Shifts
Our ‘A Year of Innovation’ reports are designed to equip you with actionable insights into how to lead innovation in your category. By studying recent product launches, we can identify shifting consumer habits and preferences. These reports help you connect the dots between what consumers want and how companies are responding. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of emerging trends, allowing you to refine your own product development and marketing strategies with confidence.
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