Focus On RTDs & Spirits: 18 July

By Rob Brown (rob_j_a_brown@hotmail.com) 

Advertising deadline: 19 June 2026

Submissions deadline: 26 June 2026

Print, digital and sponsorship opportunities

From chilli mango to red wine & cola, RTD brands are getting seriously inventive when it comes to flavour innovation. New formats are gaining traction, too, with mini tinnies and spherical ‘cans’ gaining shelf space.

Flavour innovation: The disruptors

• Which wacky flavours have hit shelves in recent months?

• Which suppliers are leading the charge when it comes to disruptive innovation?

• Are the more experimental RTDs likely to have staying power?

Spritz serves: A growing category

• Which spirits and RTD brands are banking on the continued growth of spritz serves?

• How are brands pushing sprtiz serves through their marketing?

• Is the category at risk of becoming over-saturated?

Retro RTDs: Staying relevant

• How are the incumbent RTD brands faring?

• How are they modernising with new flavours and low & no spin-offs?

• Which brands are throwing money behind marketing campaigns?

Spirits brands: The old guard

• Which spirits brands have recently moved into RTDs?

• Are sales of spirits being impacted by moderation and squeezed budgets?

• How are spirits brands adapting their strategies to reach younger adults?

Hard seltzer: The state of play

• How are hard seltzer brands faring?

• Why has the category not taken off in the UK to the same extent as it did in the US?

• Which brands are still on the market?

Brand spotlights: We will profile two brands making an impact in the category. They must provide strong hi res images.

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