Drinks Retailing is back with of one of our most anticipated annual features: the Top 100 Most Influential (2026 edition).

Every year, the list aims to capture the individuals shaping the direction of UK drinks across retail, supply, media, education and beyond.

Once again, this year’s ranking was decided by Drinks Retailing’s Voting Academy, which spans supermarket buyers, indie retailers, suppliers, educators, communicators and trade leaders.

READ THE FULL LIST HERE, ON PAGE 21

Topping the list for another year is Wine & Spirit Trade Association chief executive Miles Beale, recognised for his increasingly central role in navigating the drinks industry through an especially challenging policy and economic environment.

Elsewhere in the top 10 are some of the UK’s most powerful supermarket figures, including Tesco BWS category director Jason Godley, Sainsbury’s head of wine buying Georgina Haughton and Marks & Spencer’s Caroline Thompson-Hill, underlining the continued importance of retail leadership.

The list also highlights the growing influence of communicators and educators in shaping how consumers engage with drinks. Jancis Robinson MW once again ranks highly, while broadcaster and influencer Tom Gilbey continues his rapid rise following another year of major social media growth. Helen McGinn, Olly Smith and Queena Wong also feature prominently as figures helping to reshape accessibility, inclusion and engagement.

Meanwhile, the broader Top 100 reflects a trade continuing to evolve. This year’s ranking includes campaigners for diversity and accessibility, low & no advocates, independent retailers, beer and cider specialists, supermarket buyers, podcasters, broadcasters and founders building influence in new ways.

You can read the full Top 100 Most Influential 2026 in our May/June issue, published today online and in print.