The RTD revolution – the new gin frontier? Panel Session - Ginposium 2026

This session examines the booming Ready-to-Drink (RTD) sector, exploring how innovation, convenience, and consumer trends are shaping it as the next frontier for gin, and what distillers need to know to capitalise on this rapidly expanding market. Is it just convenience on the go or a fundamental change to the way we consume spirits?

Our panel for this session includes:

Ben Blake

UK Managing Director, MOTH Drinks

Ben leads the UK business for MOTH Drinks, one of the UK’s fastest-growing ready-to-drink cocktail brands. Since its launch, MOTH has helped redefine the premium RTD category through its focus on bar-quality cocktails, innovative packaging and broad consumer appeal. With a background spanning strategic planning, marketing and commercial leadership across major drinks businesses, Ben brings valuable insight into changing consumer behaviour, category growth and the opportunities and challenges facing premium RTD brands in today’s market.

Joanne Moore

Master Distiller, Quintessential Brands

One of the most respected distillers in the global gin industry, Joanne Moore is Master Distiller at Quintessential Brands and the creator of numerous internationally acclaimed gin brands. With decades of experience in spirits development, distillation and innovation, she has played a pivotal role in shaping contemporary gin. Joanne brings a unique perspective to the RTD sector, combining technical expertise with an understanding of flavour, quality and how premium spirits brands can successfully extend into new formats and occasions.

Chris Pitcher

Managing Director, Rothschild & Co Redburn

Chris Pitcher is one of the drinks industry’s leading market analysts, specialising in the global spirits sector for more than two decades. As Head of Consumer Staples Research at Rothschild & Co Redburn, he provides insight and analysis on many of the world’s largest beverage companies and consumer trends. A regular speaker at Ginposium, Chris combines historical perspective, market intelligence and investment analysis to help producers understand the forces shaping the future of gin, spirits and RTDs.

Rose Cottingham

Global Head of Innovation, Fever-Tree

Rose Cottingham leads global innovation at Fever-Tree, the company that transformed the premium mixer category and helped redefine the modern Gin & Tonic. Responsible for developing new products and identifying emerging consumer trends, she works at the forefront of drinks innovation across multiple markets. Rose brings valuable expertise on flavour development, consumer expectations and the role that mixers, convenience and premiumisation play in the continuing evolution of ready-to-drink beverages.

Karl Mason

Co-Founder, Masons of Yorkshire

Karl Mason co-founded Masons of Yorkshire alongside his wife Cathy and has been instrumental in building one of the UK’s most recognised independent craft spirits brands. Since launching in 2013, Masons has earned numerous awards for its range of gins and spirits while maintaining a strong commitment to quality and innovation. Karl offers a producer’s perspective on the RTD category, drawing on first-hand experience of brand building, product development and responding to changing consumer drinking occasions.

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Ginposium 2026

• • 12th June 2026
  • RSA House, London

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