Tetra Pack names four trends it says will shape the next generation of beverages at Drinktec India 2026

Tetra Pack India has highlighted four major shifts in consumer behaviour at Drinktec India 2026. According to the company, these shifts will shape the next generation of beverages. They are the wellness wave, convenience, the search for value for money, and new experiences and indulgent flavours.

At the exhibition, the company will help brands build products around consumers' fast-changing needs. It will present all these trends through beverage ideas, processing technology, packaging types and business collaboration.

The exhibition's theme is "Your next beverage idea starts here". It will show the whole journey of a new product. Visitors will see how an emerging need is turned into a formula, how it is tested and refined, how it is produced effectively, how it is matched with the right pack and how it reaches the market through the right production ecosystem.

The first trend is the wellness wave. Demand is rising for beverages with no added sugar, low sugar or no sugar at all. People are also leaning more towards protein, fibre for digestion, gut health, antioxidants and ingredients that boost immunity.

The second trend is convenience. Consumers are asking for more beverages that can be drunk easily on the go and are available at any time through e-commerce and delivery. This is creating opportunities for ready-to-drink formats in categories such as meal-replacement smoothies, functional shots, resealable packs, electrolytes and specialised nutrition. Room is also opening up for products that offer longer shelf life without separately adding any saturated preservative.

The third trend is the search for price and value. New value is being created at both ends of the market. Small, affordable packs make it easier for consumers to buy a product, while multipacks and bulk purchases make it cheaper still. At the premium end, features such as no-sugar drinks, sugar alternatives, longer shelf life and a strong sustainability message help justify a higher price.

The fourth trend is experience and indulgent flavours. Novelty is also coming from new flavours, textures and interactions. These include flavours based on new fruits and regional tastes, blends of different beverages, fruit particles and pulp, mocktail-inspired recipes and QR code-based digital engagement, all of which make drinking more interesting.

On processing, Tetra Pack will show how process technology can help producers improve efficiency, make better use of ingredients and resources, cut waste and lower overall production costs while supporting sustainability goals. It includes in-line blending, designed to improve ingredient use and blending efficiency. It includes sustainable juice production, which shows opportunities to save resources while maintaining quality. It includes a horizontal filter, designed for consistent product quality, process performance and operational reliability. And it includes reverse osmosis technology, which can help reduce water use during beverage making and improve utility efficiency.

The company regards packaging as the main part of taking these four trends to the consumer. To show how brands can choose the right format for different products, drinking occasions, prices and sales channels, Tetra Pack will present Tetra Prisma(R) Aseptic Edge formats from 200 ml to 1,000 ml.

Finally, product development is only one part of the whole journey. Tetra Pack will also showcase its co-packing network and show how it can help find the right manufacturing partner according to customers' production needs, capacity and market demand. This can help new and established brands reach the right manufacturing ecosystem and get to market quickly without building production capacity from scratch.