WHY EXHIBIT IN THE NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES SECTOR?
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The global soft drinks market: bubbling with innovation
With an estimated annual growth of +6%, the global non-alcoholic beverages market is one of the most dynamic segments of the global food industry. In 2021, it was already valued at over $1 trillion, and its continued progression is based on an unparalleled ability to innovate, reinvent consumption habits, and meet new consumer aspirations.
This sector includes soft drinks, mineral and flavored waters, fruit juices, energy drinks, iced teas, cold infusions, and functional beverages. Its richness lies in the diversity of formats, ingredients, and sought-after benefits: hydration, pleasure, energy, relaxation, nutrition, and naturalness.
The non-alcoholic beverages sector is currently the most prolific in launching new products on the global market, accounting for more than 30% of food innovations marketed in large-scale distribution (source: Mintel). Brands like Innocent with its enriched smoothies, VitHit with its vitamin-based functional drinks, or Dash Water with its flavored waters without sugar or sweeteners embody this new generation of products that are both committed and distinctive.
Demanding consumers, evolving global markets
Globally, soft drinks still represent the majority of volumes consumed. However, they must reinvent themselves in the face of criticisms related to their composition. To maintain their appeal, major brands are launching sugar-free ranges, naturally flavored versions, or clean label recipes aimed at meeting new responsible consumption standards. Expectations are also evolving in terms of form: younger generations seek an engaging product experience with original flavors, storytelling, portable or interactive packaging—so many levers of food innovation levers that have become essential.
At the same time, bottled water consumption continues to rise. With more than 450 billion liters consumed each year, it remains the most popular drink in the world. Its health image, combined with the simplicity of its positioning, makes it a pillar of the sector—especially as it diversifies through enriched, infused, or functional versions.
New high value-added categories like kombuchas, cold-pressed juices, or vitamin waters stand out for their ability to combine pleasure, health, and innovation.
Europe lading the non-alcoholic beverages sector's transformation
The European market plays a leading role in this transformation. Europe is both a major consumption basin and an agri-food innovation center, particularly in terms of:
- Beverages made from organic fruits and plants
- Products low in sugar or without preservatives
- Functional waters rich in electrolytes, magnesium, or antioxidants
- Plant-based formulas (infusions, vegetable juices, floral waters)
European consumers—notably in France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands—are particularly attentive to composition, ingredient origin, and brand commitments. Innovations that succeed in these markets are often those that combine nutrition trends, traceability, pleasure, and packaging design.
Thus, Europe serves as both a demanding test market and a powerful launchpad for global export.
The French market: demand for quality, creativity, and premium products
In France, the non-alcoholic beverages market represents more than 10 billion euros. Long dominated by sodas, it is experiencing rapid diversification driven by the desire to consume "less but better."
Iced teas are now establishing themselves as one of the most dynamic categories. With a growth of +13% and more than 430 million liters sold, they embody freshness, naturalness, and indulgence. Organic juices, enriched smoothies, or flavored waters also continue their progression, driven by brands such as Innocent or Lipton, which recorded +14% and +7% growth respectively in 2022.
Even energy drinks, once a niche segment, are gaining legitimacy through natural, plant-based, or organic market positioning—attracting a new consumer base focused on performance and health.
SIAL Paris 2026: Boost your business in the most innovative sector of the food industry
An international trade fair serving brand visibility
SIAL Paris, the largest international food exhibition, is a strategic event for all non-alcoholic beverage professionals. In 2022, 593 exhibitors (fresh & hot drinks) were present, 94% of whom were international, highlighting the global scope of the event.
Participating in SIAL Paris means meeting GMS buyers, specialized distributors, international importers, premium snacking players, and new entrants in eco-responsible fast food.
A springboard for innovation for brands
SIAL Innovation, a major part of the food innovation trade show, is the global launchpad for tomorrow’s beverages. It's the ideal place to showcase:
- Functional beverages with targeted benefits
- Clean label or no/low sugar or surgar-free formulation
- Enriched juices, kombuchas and organic iced teas (e.g., Aryze, 2024 award winners)
- Eco-friendly and reusable packaging
- Portable formats for new consumption contexts (sports, travel, work)
SIAL Paris offers you a high-impact space within the food exhibition 2026 to boost your brand reputation and global visibility.
A market to observe... and to shape
SIAL Paris is also a powerhouse for food industry intelligence. Discover weak signals, connect with global drinks industry innovators, and gain a strategic view of emerging beverage categories.
What will replace sodas? Which formats will attract the modern urban consumer? Which ingredients will transform the juice aisle? All answers are here—at the heart of the world food exhibition.
Join the brands reinventing non-alcoholic beverages at SIAL Paris 2026
Exhibit now in the most innovative sector of this global food trade show and position your products for success across international markets.