Brand new dedicated Drinks Zone at WTCE 2026 to showcase the latest onboard beverages trends

World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE) will welcome an exciting line-up of new exhibitors when it returns in 2026, alongside the launch of a brand-new Drinks Zone, created to address the rising interest in pioneering onboard beverage experiences.

The Drinks Zone will be a dedicated area at WTCE, bringing together beverage brands tailored for onboard catering and hospitality professionals. From functional drinks and low-alcohol alternatives to sustainability-led soft beverages and alcoholic tipples, the zone helps onboard buyers meet evolving passenger expectations when it comes to wellness, quality, and choice.

Alongside this new feature, WTCE 2026 will showcase a diverse range of first-time exhibitors, each bringing fresh thinking and new approaches to the onboard drinks trolley. These new brands reflect how suppliers are adapting to changing traveller demands, from health-focused offerings to environmentally responsible production.

Drinks only zone

Visitors to the new Drinks Zone can explore a wide range of beverages from leading brands, including innovative mixers, low alcohol serves and craft spirits. They can also enjoy twice daily happy hours and take part in immersive tasting experiences that spotlight the latest trends, flavours and formats that are shaping the future of onboard beverages. Brands located in the new Drinks Zone include:

Amrut Distilleries P Ltd (4C75) showcases India’s pioneering single malt whiskies. Founded in 1948, the distillery produces globally acclaimed expressions, combining traditional craftsmanship and tropical ageing to deliver distinctive premium spirits for travel retail and onboard experiences.

Defiant Ones UK Limited (4C53) supplies wine, beer, spirits and other alcoholic beverages to travel retail and onboard operators. With a broad portfolio, reliable sourcing and flexible support, the wholesaler delivers tailored solutions across the on-trade and retail channels.

GEMELLii Drinks GmbH (4C57) offers Italian-crafted ready-to-drink low-alcohol mocktails and premium mixers. Made with natural botanicals and agave, the range combines craft quality and Italian flavour heritage, providing sophisticated, versatile options for travel retail and onboard experiences.

Pentrade FMCG Distribution (4C71) supports duty free, travel retail and onboard catering with a broad range of FMCG products. Working directly with brand owners, the distributor offers reliable availability, short lead times and streamlined logistics, providing a simple, single-point-of-contact solution for airline, rail and cruise operators.

Piccadily Distillery (Stand 4C65) highlights India’s emergence in premium spirits. Best known for its Indri single malt whiskies, crafted from six-row Indian barley and matured in the Himalayan climate, the distillery combines traditional craftsmanship with a focus on quality and sustainability.

Picoso Limited (4C79) brings premium spicy sodas inspired by Mexico. Blending bold flavours with authentic chilli extracts, the brand elevates the non-alcoholic and mixer categories with a distinctive kick. Low in sugar and containing added electrolytes, Picoso responds to growing health consciousness while offering an inclusive, flavour-led option for modern travellers.

First-timers at WTCE

WTCE 2026 will also welcome a diverse range of first-time exhibitors, each bringing fresh thinking and creative solutions to the onboard drinks trolley:

Vita Coco (Stand 1C110) will bring its naturally hydrating, plant-based beverages to WTCE 2026. Packed with electrolytes and vitamin C, Vita Coco delivers refreshing hydration for health-conscious travellers, while its sustainability focus and support for coconut farming communities make it a practical and responsible choice for airlines, rail and cruise operators.

Pimentae (Stand 1C99) features bar-quality, ready-to-serve Margarita cocktails. Female-founded and experience-led, the brand combines premium tequila with bold flavours, delivering a sense of occasion for modern travellers. With versatile formats and a focus on sustainability and community, Pimentae offers flexible solutions for airlines, rail and cruise operators.

Hand Off Wines (Stand 1B112) debuts low-intervention canned wines from Europe’s top viticultural regions at WTCE 2026. Created by a collaboration of founding and local partners, the brand offers a modern, premium approach to wine service, providing convenient, stylish solutions for airlines, rail and cruise operators.

Champagne Lombard (Stand 1B101) showcases terroir-driven Champagnes crafted in historic eighteenth-century chalk cellars. Founded in 1925 and family-owned for four generations, the House highlights the individuality of each Champagne through careful production and extended ageing. Visitors can taste its Brut Nature style, offering an authentic, premium option for onboard service.

Twisst (Stand 4A24) brings non-alcoholic, ready-to-drink cocktails crafted to taste like classic serves. Twisst is owned by European Food & Beverages, the Middle East regional office of Austrian conglomerate Landgenossenschaft Ennstal (LGE). Produced in Austria and designed for convenience, the range offers premium, versatile options for onboard service.

WTCE Beverages Ambassador and Founder of JetVine, Kelly Stevenson, said: “Beverages often sit alongside food, but they deserve their own space. The new Drinks Zone gives drinks brands the spotlight, particularly those that may be new to the travel environment and are looking for an experiential platform to showcase what they do. I’m looking forward to meeting the new people and brands driving the industry in 2026.”

WTCE’s Event Manager, Shona Thomson, said: “Airlines are always looking for new products to delight travellers as passenger expectations onboard continue to evolve. WTCE 2026 supports this by giving new brands a space to make their debut, share ideas, and connect with senior airline buyers from across the world. The Drinks Zone joins the First-Time Exhibitor Village as a great example of how the show continues to grow and help the industry discover new products.”

WTCE will be taking place at the Hamburg Messe from 14-16 April 2026 and will come together to provide passenger experience professionals with the opportunity to network and explore new products, services and solutions.

For more information on World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo 2026 and to register for free, please visit: https://www.worldtravelcateringexpo.com/en-gb.html