Global food packaging manufacturer Go-Pak Group has introduced its 2026 festive cup collection, giving cafés, restaurants and other hospitality operators a way to create a premium Christmas presentation without the expense of custom printing or the need for separate sleeves.
Drawing on the look and feel of traditional Christmas knitwear, the embossed cups feature a cable-knit pattern and arrive in mixed sleeves containing pine green, winterberry red and woollen white designs. Their textured surface supports a secure, comfortable grip, while the double-wall format helps keep beverages hot and the exterior pleasant to hold without requiring an additional clutch sleeve.
The launch reflects wider food and drink consumer trends, with YouGov research showing that 36% of coffee drinkers are more inclined to buy hot drinks during the festive period. More than half of those surveyed also said they would consider paying between £3 and £5 for a drink.
Seasonal menus and limited-edition presentation have become an increasingly familiar feature of the Christmas coffee occasion. As a result, distinctive food and drink packaging can help operators transform a routine beverage purchase into an experience associated with indulgence, nostalgia and shared celebration. The collection also responds to wider food and beverage industry trends, including demand for practical food and drink marketing solutions that add value without increasing operational complexity.
The cups are produced from food-grade paperboard with a PE lining. They can be recycled through specialist facilities, provided they are not significantly contaminated with food or drink. This supports the growing focus on food and drink sustainability across hospitality and foodservice.
Go-Pak’s internal new product development team created the collection, which is manufactured at the company’s own production sites. Four sizes are available—8oz, 10oz, 12oz and 16oz—making the range suitable for espresso-based beverages, seasonal lattes, hot chocolate and other winter drinks.
Through embossing rather than bespoke print, the cable-knit effect delivers a premium festive appearance while helping operators manage costs. The three colour options are supplied together, allowing businesses to offer visual variety without ordering, storing or handling multiple individual cup designs. This practical approach aligns with current food manufacturing trends and the wider development of food processing technology, food distribution trends and food and drink industry innovation aimed at improving efficiency.
The launch comes as hospitality businesses continue to manage higher operating expenses. Cafés and restaurants were not included in the Government’s recently announced 15% reduction in business rates for pubs, increasing the importance of cost-conscious purchasing decisions.
Bethan Edwards, head of foodservice UK & Ireland, said: “Hospitality operators should not have to choose between carefully controlling costs and creating the festive experience their customers look forward to.
“This range combines insulation, seasonal branding and three distinctive colourways in one ready-made product, removing the need for separate sleeves or investment in bespoke cup designs. It offers operators a simple way to bring Christmas to the counter while keeping their packaging set-up streamlined.”
The festive cup collection is available across the UK and Ireland. It offers a ready-to-use seasonal packaging option for businesses navigating changing food and drink regulations, evolving food and drink consumer trends and growing expectations around food and drink sustainability. More information is available on the Go-Pak Group’s website.
