Valentine's Day might be over, but we're still feeling the love! Probably because our seasonwatching Valentine's Day 2026 report is live on TrendHub now, and makes for some seriously delicious, loved-up reading. Indeed, despite all the news of tightening consumer purse strings – brands and operators went the extra mile for Valentine's launches and LTOs this year, to ensure the day (or should that be 'month'?) of love is suitably celebrated.
If that sounds like your perfect match, read on for some key takeouts from our Valentine's Day 2026 report:
- Dating for the Digital Generation: The old ideals of dating and relationships are being replaced by 'situationships' that explore love in all its forms. This is particularly true of Gen Z who are dodging the "cringe" side of the season in favour of small gestures and meaningful connections. Brands are leaning into this through tongue-in-cheek promos like Pepsi's 'relation-sips' cards offering tips for burgeoning romances, or Angry Orchard's 'Ex-Change' programme that promises 6-packs of cider in return for unwanted belongings left behind by exes. While irreverent on first inspection, behind the fun fascia they aim to resonate with their target audience on a very real level.
- Shirley Valentine: The Shirley Temple is everywhere right now, both in its original mocktail form and as a flavour inspiration for other beverages… including the Dirty Shirley. This spiked version of the drink is finding an audience on Valentine's menus, bolstered by gin, vodka, tequila and more – always with its signature pink tinge and usually topped by a trademark maraschino cherry. Part nostalgia, part flavour-driven, and wholly appropriate for the season, it's the 'other' standout fizz this February!
- A Night To Remember: Romantic candlelit dinners are sooooo Y2K… this year it's all about experiential dates! How about a 5-course lobster meal, inside a kissing booth, in the middle of a Times Square pop-up? Or why not enjoy dinner from inside a jacuzzi inside a fish market? All this (and more!) is on offer as operators and brands rise to meet demand from contemporary consumers for all things new, immersive and infinitely shareable.
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