Focus On Hot Drinks & Cold Brew: 29 August

By Rob Brown (rob_j_a_brown@hotmail.com) 

Advertising deadline: 14 August 2026

Submissions deadline: 7 August 2026

Print, digital and sponsorship opportunities

Historically, java junkies looked down their noses at instant coffee drinkers – but the sector is getting a glow-up. Some brands have launched posh instant coffee lines in the past 12 months and liquid concentrates are flooding the market – so how are they faring?

Instant 2.0: New-wave launches

• Which brands are behind instant coffee’s reappraisal?

• Why are liquid concentrates tipped to be the next big thing?

• Are any tea brands experimenting with liquid concentrates?

Ground coffee: The state of play

• How is ground coffee faring amid the activity in instant?

• How are brands faring versus own label?

• Which brands are the standout performers?

RTD coffee: Functional benefits

• RTD coffee brands are adding fibre and protein – why?

• What other functional benefits are cropping up in RTD coffee?

• What are the trends driving flavoured innovation?

Functional teas: Standout claims

• Which brands are offering functional benefits beyond “calm” and “sleepy”?

• What are the trending ingredients?

• Are shoppers receptive to these products?

Peak matcha: The next big trend

• Does matcha have any more room to grow?

• Which are the latest drinks trends coming through foodservice?

• Could hojicha be the next matcha?

Black tea: The standard brew

• With all this innovation, how is standard black tea faring?

• How are brands performing in relation to own label?

• How are suppliers keeping younger shoppers engaged?

Hot chocolate goes posh: Ranging & merchandising

• Why is Tesco listing posh hot chocolate?

• Which brands are bucking the sector’s declines?

• How are health concerns impacting hot chocolate sales?

ESG: The role of certifications

• How important a role do certifications like Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance play in the category?

• Are these an important purchase driver for consumers?

• Which brands are leading the way in ESG?

Brand spotlights: We will profile three brands making an impact in the category. Please provide strong hi res images.

Innovations: We will profile eight new products or ranges. We need launch date, rsp, and a hi-res picture of each.