RTDs on the Rise: What We Learned at the Food & Drink Expo 2025

RTDs on the Rise: What We Learned at the Food & Drink Expo 2025


In April, the Black Label Creations team headed to the Food & Drink Expo in Birmingham—one of the UK’s leading industry events for innovation in food, drink, and manufacturing. With a packed show floor of emerging startups and seasoned manufacturers alike, this year’s event confirmed one major trend: Ready-to-Drink (RTD) beverages are booming—and the innovation in this space is only just beginning.

Here’s a look at what stood out and what brands need to consider when creating the next big thing in drinks.

The RTD Boom: More Than Just Convenience
From wellness shots to sparkling energy sips, the RTD category is evolving fast. Across the board, brands are blending functionality, flavour, and cultural relevance to win over today’s health-conscious consumer. Here are a few highlights from brands that really caught our eye:

🌿 Dosha
Inspired by ancient Indian Ayurvedic traditions, Dosha offers flavour-forward combinations like raspberry & mint, mango & coconut, and lemon & peach—all in a modern, easy-drinking format. A fresh example of cultural heritage meeting clean, functional wellness.

☕ Good Koffee
Think sparkling coffee, not your average flat white. With unique flavour twists like lemongrass and ginger, Good Koffee turns your daily caffeine hit into a fizzy, flavourful experience.

⚡ OQO
Infused with shilajit, a powerful mineral from Ayurvedic medicine, OQO brings focus and vitality in a convenient RTD. It’s a great example of how niche wellness ingredients are heading mainstream.

🍵 Drink Mission
This green tea-based energy drink is all about balance. With flavours like lime & yuzu and lemon & ginseng, it’s positioned as a clean, sustained energy source—no crash, just flavour.

🍈 Milkis
This Korean cream soda brand isn’t about function—it’s about fun. The melon flavour in particular was a standout, offering a nostalgic, creamy soda experience like nothing else on the shelf.

💗 XOXO
A gut-friendly sparkling drink with a soft lychee sweetness, XOXO is all about subtlety, refreshment, and function. Perfect for consumers seeking digestive benefits without compromising on flavour.

💧 Actiph
Vitamin-infused sparkling waters are having a moment, and Actiph nails it with light bubbles, fruity flavours, and a wellness boost. A go-to for hydration with purpose.

⚡ 4ctive
Still early in its journey, this startup is building a clean-label energy drink line focused on feel-good, crash-free performance. Definitely one to watch.

🏋️ Kick Pre-Workout
A practical alternative to messy powders and sachets, Kick’s larger-format RTD pre-workout offers performance and hydration in one grab-and-go bottle—ideal for today’s fitness-driven consumer.

🤖 Sneak x The Terminator
One of the show’s most buzzworthy launches came from Sneak, known for gamer-focused energy products. Their limited edition Terminator collab brought pop culture, collectability, and clean energy into one clever can. A masterclass in building hype beyond the drink itself.

Key Takeaways for Brands
If you're developing your next big drink concept, here are five factors to keep top of mind:

✅ Functionality
Consumers want more than just taste—think hydration, energy, focus, or gut health.

✅ Format
From sleek cans to large bottles, format matters. Consider convenience, shelf appeal, and use case.

✅ Flavour Innovation
Be bold but balanced. Globally inspired, adventurous flavours are trending—think tropicals, florals, and citrus.

✅ Clean Label
Keep ingredient lists simple, natural, and easy to understand. Transparency builds trust.

✅ Brand Story
Today’s shoppers buy into why you exist. Whether it’s wellness, sustainability, or heritage, your story matters.

Final Thoughts
What united nearly all the drinks we discovered was a shared vision: natural energy in a sparkling, flavourful format. With vibrant ingredients, functional benefits, and a serious design aesthetic, RTDs are quickly becoming the future of everyday refreshment.

Got an idea brewing?
If you’re thinking about launching something new—or refreshing an existing range—our NPD team would love to help you bring it to life. From concept to creation, we’re here every step of the way.

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