Hot Drinks Innovation and the Rise of Indulgence

14 October 2026 | 3pm to 4pm GMT | Online

While cold beverages have driven much of the industry’s recent innovation, hot drinks remain a core element of café sales. This session asks how operators can re-energise hot coffee and hot beverages – from flavour, format and functionality to equipment and experience – and explores where the next opportunities for innovation and growth really lie.

• Indulgence meets premiumisation: How operators can turn familiar comfort drinks into premium, experiential menu propositions.
• The hot chocolate opportunity: Why hot chocolate is resonating with younger consumers and how the category is evolving beyond the traditional cocoa
• Health, wellness and functionality: The rise of functional ingredients and more mindful hot drink choices – and what consumers are looking for
• Innovation that sells: How operators can introduce new hot drink concepts while keeping menus accessible, operationally practical and commercially viable

Guest panellists and tickets to be announced soon.