Hot Drinks Innovation and the Rise of Indulgence

11 November 2026 | 2pm to 3pm 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.

What to Expect

• 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 to be announced soon.

How to register

This event is exclusive to Global Coffee Institute members.