Coffee remains strong, tea celebrates a comeback
Coffee is and remains one of the most important symbols of enjoyment. From innovative brewing techniques to precise sensory analysis, exhibitors such as WMF, Melitta and JURA will demonstrate at INTERNORGA 2026 how current trends in coffee culture can be implemented. From versatile cold brew creations such as nitro coffee or yuzu brew to the purple eye-catcher ube latte with various milk alternatives. At the same time, tea is experiencing a strong comeback as a versatile lifestyle drink. Matcha, hojicha, bubble tea and tea tonics all appeal to consumers who value natural ingredients, quality and mindfulness. Cold-brew tea and iced tea are also celebrating a revival as natural, sometimes sugar-free, alternatives to soft drinks, and are particularly popular with Generation Z. Companies such as Meßmer, Althaus and just green GmbH demonstrate the many different ways in which tea is enjoyed nowadays. ‘Tea is now much more than just a hot drink – it represents a lifestyle, mindfulness and conscious enjoyment. The trend towards organic and reduced-sugar drinks shows how much the industry is changing,’ says Martin Diekmann, Managing Director of just green GmbH.
Conscious enjoyment: mocktails, low ABV and functional hydration
Less alcohol, more mindfulness: the new bar culture focuses on non-alcoholic aperitifs, mocktails and low-ABV (alcohol by volume) creations, appealing to a health-conscious target group. At INTERNORGA 2026, companies such as Franz von Fein, Freikopf, GEMELLii, Dr. Jaglas and Barre will present their latest concepts for enjoyable alternatives. ‘INTERNORGA is the most important industry gathering for us. We meet decision-makers there who understand that conscious enjoyment is not a trend, but the future,’ says Leonard Vinçon, Franz von Fein alkoholfreie Aperitifs. At the same time, the market for functional beverages is booming: electrolyte and vitality drinks offer regeneration and energy. Companies and brands such as HYDR8 GmbH, kraftschluck, ROY Kombucha and mustimo demonstrate the thinking that now goes into making drinks versatile and responsible – from regionally produced smoothies to fermented drinks with probiotic added value and full flavour.
Technology that inspires: automated, precise, scalable
INTERNORGA 2026 also provides a stage for technical innovations in the world of drinks. Automated dispensing and preparation systems, robotics, and smart, modular drinks stations not only ensure faster preparation options, often with higher quality, in bars, cafes and event catering – they also create a special experience for consumers. Companies such as BEERJET GmbH, Bottoms Up and Cocktailblaster are responding to the increased demand for scalable, precise applications with smart solutions ranging from cocktail stations to beer robots.
Once again in 2026, the leading international trade fair will showcase the trends and innovations driving the drinks world forward and demonstrate how they can be implemented in a practical and sustainable way in everyday hospitality and foodservice. The Startups & Drinks area is located in the restructured Hall B5, in the middle of the innovation cluster with the Newcomers’ Area and the Future Food area, as well as the OFF THE RECORD meeting and afterwork lounge.
press material for download: https://hmc.canto.de/b/MRI7B
