Functional, flavour-led and future-focused: The launches to watch at IFE 2026

New product innovation in food & drink will take centre stage at IFE when the trade show returns to Excel London from 30 March to 01 April, with a wide-ranging line-up of launches reflecting the industry’s focus on functionality, flavour exploration and evolving consumer expectations. 

Across the show floor, brands are using IFE as a platform to introduce everything from next-generation soft drinks to globally inspired snacks and ingredient innovations, offering buyers a snapshot of where the market is heading. 

Functional drinks and new beverage formats 

Drinks innovation continues to accelerate, with a strong emphasis on functionality and natural ingredients. New launches include BEEMORE’s clean energy drinks, designed as a natural alternative to traditional energy products, and Chill Spritz, a zero-alcohol, zero-sugar sparkling drink infused with ashwagandha. Kloudy Matcha is bringing a ready-to-drink functional matcha to the UK market, combining adaptogens, nootropics and vitamins in a single format, while SheReal is introducing cold-pressed mocktails blending botanicals and nutrients aimed at mood and wellbeing. 

Elsewhere, Cacto Drinks is showcasing soft drinks built around prickly pear, highlighting both flavour and sustainability, and Wild Berry Brew is presenting a new category of brewed soft drinks made with whole fruits, herbs and spices. Xhunca & Fermentía is also pushing forward with fermented “bio sodas”, kefir and kombucha-style drinks designed for functional hydration. 

Established names are also expanding into new territory. innocent drinks is moving beyond the chilled aisle with a new ambient range including Juicy Water with Bubbles and Coconut Water, while ASCO Foods is unveiling Mogu Mogu Iced Tea alongside Korean Melona ice bars. Kuzeyden is adding sparkling mineral water and no-added-sugar juices to its portfolio, and The Mighty Kitchen is entering beverages with its new Mighty Drinks range. 

Alongside finished drinks, ingredient-led innovation is also in focus. Coccola is introducing a new approach to sugar reduction in beverages through functional sweetening solutions, while Leamaxx International is presenting new concepts in bubble tea, including RTD formats and popping boba-based drinks. 

Smarter snacking and functional food 

Food launches across IFE reflect a similar blend of indulgence, health and evolving consumer priorities. In snacking, Hungry Monkey is combining freeze-dried fruit with yogurt and protein coatings, Morish Snacks is focusing on high-protein, low-carb options such as seaweed thins and air-dried steak, and Novel Foods is expanding its Indulge range with new shareable formats. DelicDay is targeting the growing demand for low-carb, sugar-free snacks designed to support metabolic health, while Candy Paradise is introducing playful formats including liquid-filled gummies and bubble tea-inspired sweets. 

Functional and better-for-you positioning is also shaping new product development. Sunfly is offering allergen-free sunflower seed butters and filled Medjool dates, while World of Chia is rethinking fruit spreads using chia seeds to reduce sugar and enhance nutritional value. Torr FoodTech is taking a more technical approach, using ultrasonic technology to create clean-label snack bars without binders or added sugar. 

Global flavours and premium indulgence 

Global flavours and heritage remain a key theme. Dragon Mama’s Kitchen is bringing Taiwanese products to international markets, while Kadir’s is introducing its “Happy Halal” bakery snacks to UK buyers. Delicari is offering a modern take on Brazilian pão de queijo with its gluten-free Cheese Dots, and Canditfrucht’s Orange Moon combines Sicilian citrus with chocolate for a premium confectionery experience. Cedar Baklawa is adding a chocolate twist to its traditional range, and Renée Chocolat is expanding its Caribbean-style ready-to-use hot chocolate into the UK. 

Plant-based indulgence is also represented by LoveRaw, which continues to expand its dairy-free chocolate range with products including wafer bars, nut butter cups and spreads. 

Ingredients, staples and product development 

Staples and ingredients are also evolving. DELKA is launching a new range of Asian sauces, Navaco is showcasing avocado oil production, and Oliyar is expanding into barn eggs alongside its sunflower oil business. Pasta producers including Allemandi and Pasta Berruto are highlighting premium and convenient formats, from organic lines to instant pasta pots, while Stag Bakeries is introducing new biscuit ranges rooted in traditional methods. 

AIB Foods is also bringing a broad portfolio spanning spices, pulses and snacks, including new additions to its Scrubbys range of lentil, quinoa and hummus chips. 

Together, these launches highlight the breadth of innovation shaping the food and drink sector, from functional beverages and clean-label snacks to globally inspired flavours and next-generation ingredients. 

At IFE, they offer buyers a clear view of the ideas, formats and trends set to define the months ahead. 

Find out more and register for your free* trade ticket at ife.co.uk.  

 *Free tickets are available until 23:59 on Sunday 29 March