Mintel’s 2026 Christmas Drinks Trends

Mintel’s latest festive trend report reveals that food and drink gifting has grown by 81% since 2022, while average spend increased from £357 to £374 between 2024 and 2025, despite continued pressure on household budgets.

The report, as covered by Speciality Food Magazine, explores some useful trends for brands looking to tap into the festive spirit…

Gifting as an occasion: gifts that bring people together, encourage sharing and create a memorable experience.

Selling the story: highlighting provenance, producer heritage, craftsmanship and the people behind the bottle.

Nostalgia with a twist: reinventing familiar festive flavours with unexpected ingredients and global influences.

Affordable luxury: gifts that feel special through their quality, presentation and story, without necessarily carrying a high price tag.

For drinks brands, the opportunity goes beyond what’s inside the bottle. It’s about the moment it creates once unwrapped, and who people choose to share it with.

Link to the original article - https://www.specialityfoodmagazine.com/news/behind-the-sale-christmas-2026s-food-and-drink-trends