Trade Show Draws Thousands, Highlights Category Trends BCB Brooklyn returned

to Industry City on June 9 and 10 with expanded programming that brought together bartenders, bar owners, beverage professionals, distributors, importers, educators and brands from around the world. Notable product launches featured at the event included Chinola Fresh Fruit Liqueur's Guava expression, Badger Bevs' Cucumber Celery and Yuzu Lime premium mixer flavors, Gray Whale Vodka, Ritual Zero Proof's newly nationally available RTDs, and the relaunch of Redemption Whiskey. No- and low-alcohol beverages, ready-to-drink cocktails and caffeine-forward flavors continued to generate significant interest. Espresso and matcha emerged as defining flavor profiles across full-proof, low-ABV and non-alcoholic formats.

Education Program Spans Multiple Stages The two-day event's education lineup spanned the

Main Stage, Workshop Stage, Liquid Lounges, Park Street University and VIP Lounge. Main Stage sessions, curated by Head of Education Lynnette Marrero, tackled industry challenges including staffing shortages and labor retention. Topics included "What Breaks First in Bar Operations Under Pressure," "After the Advocacy Hangover: What Happens When Awareness Isn't Enough?" and "Carbon Footprint: You Can't Manage What You Haven't Measured." New to 2026, the Workshop Stage offered hands-on sessions. Mi Campo Tequila demonstrated how product design and barrel finishing influence flavor and storytelling. "The Art of Blending" featured High West and Nelson's Green Brier showcasing different approaches to American whiskey. "The Science of Flavor" broke down the distinction between sensory perception and flavor experience, while "The Bartender's Content Kit" provided smartphone-based cocktail photography and video techniques. Additional sessions explored NA beverage innovation, generational consumer behavior, technology adoption and leadership topics.

Courtyard Activations, Guest Shifts Courtyard Bar East featured rotating guest shifts and

tastings from bartenders including Richie Millwater of Soft Bar, Demi Natoli of White Limozeen at The Graduate Hotel Nashville, BCB Brooklyn Head of Education Lynnette Marrero, and Gelo Honrade of After Eden. Other courtyard experiences included Pride on the Pour, presented in partnership with the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative, which celebrated LGBTQIA+ voices through advocacy-focused and LGBTQIA+-owned brands. The Garnish Garden invited guests to customize cocktails with fresh herbs and botanicals. Between Shifts, led by bartender and yoga instructor Samantha Casuga, offered breathwork, movement and meditation sessions. Citrus Social closed Day One with citrus-inspired food and beverages, interactive experiences and live DJ performance.

Industry Recognitions, Author Programming The 17th Annual New York International Spirits Competition

Awards Ceremony celebrated excellence across the global spirits industry. The BCB Brooklyn Brand Accelerator Pitch Competition, presented by Women of the Vine & Spirits®, spotlighted emerging beverage entrepreneurship, with Rico Rico taking top honors among finalists including Estate 98, Matka Wodka and Thinkers Distillery. Authors Alley, presented by Lofty Pigeon Books, featured 23 book signings and conversations across two days, exploring topics from cocktail culture and spirits history to hospitality leadership and the sober-curious movement.

Attendee and Exhibitor Response "Seeing all the people that I have been

connected to for so many years and watching their growth, it truly is a family reunion," said Tracie Franklin, Master Blender, Edmond's Honor. Pamela Wiznitzer, Beverage Consultant, said: "BCB Brooklyn is such a fantastic and smart investment of time and money. There's always something new to learn, to taste, people to meet, and the opportunity to network in our ever growing and changing industry. There's no other show as effective for our work as BCB Brooklyn, as it's truly the hub of everything we need to know for our business. A one stop shop that will keep me coming back each year." "From the very beginning, our goal for 2026 was to be more intentional about every aspect of the attendee experience," said Jackie Williams, Event Vice President for BCB Brooklyn. "We took a fresh look at everything—from the show floor layout and education program to the networking opportunities and activations—to ensure that every person who walked through our doors could find value, make meaningful connections and leave inspired."

Looking Ahead BCB Brooklyn is scheduled to return to Industry City on June 8 and 9, 2027, continuing its focus on education, discovery and connection for the beverage industry.

Why It Matters For bar operators and beverage professionals, BCB Brooklyn has

established itself as a critical networking and sourcing event where category trends—particularly in no/low-alcohol, RTD cocktails, and functional ingredients like espresso and matcha—are on full display alongside established and emerging brands. The show's emphasis on operational challenges, labor retention and sustainability signals growing industry focus on resilience and accountability beyond product innovation

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For more insights and trends in the food and beverage sector, check out more articles in The Food & Beverage Magazine family of publications.

Written by FBM Publications Editors