#market-trends

RTDs vs Craft Beer in 2026: What Global Buyers Are Actually Ordering Right Now

RTDs have quietly become the most important category in global beverage right now, and if you’re not paying attention, you’re already behind. After spending the past few months on the ground in Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines, and Mexico, one thing is clear: shelf space is shifting fast. Retailers are prioritizing products that move, and RTDs are delivering the kind of repeat purchase and margin profile that traditional categories are struggling to match. At the same time, craft beer isn’t disappearing, it’s evolving. It’s no longer the volume driver, but it remains critical for differentiation and brand value. The distributors winning right now are not choosing between the two. They are building balanced portfolios that combine RTD velocity with craft credibility, and that combination is what’s driving real growth in 2026.