Roundtable: Wellness, Functionality & The Rise of Enhanced Beverages

27 May 2026 | 3pm to 4pm GMT | Online

Consumers are increasingly looking for drinks with added benefits – from protein and collagen lattes to lion's mane and adaptogens. This conversation explores the evolving functional-beverage category and how coffee shops can tap into wellness without compromising taste or brand trust.

With guest panellists: Howard Gill, Head of Coffee, Grind, Lucia Parlanti, Founder, Tea Stories, Ryan Milstein, Founder, La Main Noire and Nick Tolley, Founder and CEO, Tools for Being Human.

What to Expect

The benefits consumers are buying into – From energy and focus to gut health, beauty and relaxation – which functional claims are resonating most?
What’s driving demand? – Are consumers are seeking health outcomes, emotional wellbeing, lifestyle alignment or everyday indulgence?
Building functional drinks into your menu – How operators are incorporating wellness-led ingredients in ways that feel relevant, accessible and commercially viable.
Balancing function with taste and trust – How brands can deliver credible benefits without compromising flavour or customer confidence.

The future of functional beverages – What are the biggest opportunities for innovation and growth?