2026 is set to be a defining year for spirits producers 

In 2026, distilleries and warehouses are no longer asking 

But there’s still some hesitation and uncertainty. Understandably so. With AI reshaping not just how we run businesses, but how we live our day-to-day lives, many have experienced tech that promises more than it can deliver. That’s why due diligence is more important than ever, especially when it comes to selecting a distillery and inventory management system that spans your entire operation. And a proven track record. A non-negotiable right? Always look for the proof.

Digital transformation is so much more than automating workflows, it takes a clear, unwavering vision on what you want to achieve (and why) and sticking to it. Those who have gone through it, know better than most it’s a bit of a journey, and one involving your entire team. But without a doubt, well worth it. As Jacqui Hanna at The Foundry Vault said, “We underpinned our entire operation with the Proof 8 platform. The transformation has been swift and game‑changing.”

At the start of what’s shaping up to be a transformative year for spirits, we caught up with some of our team who are instrumental in driving change across distilleries and warehouses across the UK, Ireland, the US and Asia Pacific. We asked them what’s driving the shift and what to prioritise in 2026 to stay ahead.

No jargon and hype here. Just a clear view of how digital leadership is shaping the spirits industry. Here goes.

What will be driving tech adoption in distilleries and warehouses in 2026?

Traceability. It has gone past being optional, and is now critical. Every cask, transfer and production and maturation task needs to be trackable in real time.

We’re now in the perfect storm of regulatory pressure, operational risk and rising consumer expectations.

We hear from customers all the time about cask owners turning up unexpectedly on site asking to see their cask in the warehouse. Fortunately with 

, our customers can tell them immediately where their cask is, what state it’s in and demonstrate proof of ownership (they can access it themselves too). But for others, this is a problem. Producers can no longer afford ambiguity in their records. Many still rely on manually inputting data, or have siloed spreadsheets or worse, legacy tools that are basically ineffective in tracking their inventory. There’s just too much left to chance and this is where things fall down. There’s no reliable record that tracks events from the very start of production.

Distilleries today are managing more complexity than ever before, across sourcing, maturation, and warehousing. 

Regulations like WOWGR mean distilleries must keep exacting details

 of what goes into making every cask, demonstrating its provenance and authenticity. Whilst brand trust (and consumer loyalty) increasingly hinge on transparency.

Without traceability a producer or warehouskeeper faces risk, but with systems like 

Proof 8’s inventory and warehouse management platform

, they can gain vital visibility for every task associated with a cask or spirit batch, from grain to bottle. With just a click, operators can visualise the entire lifecycle of a spirit: when it was filled, sampled, moved, or blended, and at what cost.

Because the old ways no longer stand up. Handwritten ledgers, paper certificates and Delivery Orders (DO) can’t provide the security or transparency that cask ownership now demands. Buyers expect clarity. Warehouses and distilleries must prove that every cask exists, is properly stored and belongs to the rightful owner.

Digital ownership solves that. It brings transparency, accountability and traceability into a space that’s been without this for a long time. With Digital Deeds (recognised as a 

top three innovation at the DISCUS Innovation Showcase 2025

), you have a tamper-proof, digital record from the moment a cask is filled, providing traceability and assurance for everyone involved, from producers, warehousekeepers to cask owners. Each cask is tagged with a QR code that acts as its unique ID, connecting the physical asset to its digital twin. This identity is linked to a token on the blockchain, but distillery teams don’t need to interact with any of that complexity, it’s all handled seamlessly in the background by the Proof 8 platform.

Digital ownership is about more than compliance, it’s about confidence in 2026.

How does technology help protect GI status?

Geographical Indication (GI) status, like that held by Scotch Whisky or Irish Whiskey and in progress with English Whisky, is a powerful marker of authenticity and heritage. It’s a legal designation. Protecting it demands proof. Regulators such as DEFRA set the laws around GI compliance, and HMRC is tasked with enforcement, but even they admit they don’t have the resources to verify every claim in detail.

That’s where technology comes in. Distilleries can demonstrate that every drop of spirit complies with GI standards: where it was produced, how it was matured, what ingredients were used, and how it was handled throughout its lifecycle. The only way to do that at scale is through embedded, real-time traceability.

By capturing every production and warehousing task as it happens, and linking it to the specific batch or cask involved, they can prove their compliance down to the smallest detail. Each asset has a verifiable digital record, or 

, that supports not only ownership, but also their production integrity. This is powerful stuff.

How can distillery operations be more competitive and efficient?

Distilleries are under pressure to do more with less. Less admin, less waste, less margin for error. With rising costs, tight margins, and growing regulatory complexity, operational efficiency can bring a real competitive edge. Technology unlocks it.

Modern tech platforms are giving producers that edge. Instead of relying on 

, paper records or outdated legacy systems, distilleries can now run fully integrated operations where production, warehousing, inventory and ownership come together in one centralised dashboard for absolute visibility and control. That means fewer mistakes and faster decision-making. Less reactive, more proactive.

For years, blockchain was a buzzword hijacked by hype. We had NFTs which made promises that never delivered. But the technology itself was never the problem. The issue was how it was used.

In the world of distillery and warehouse management, 

blockchain offers exactly what’s needed

: a secure, tamper-proof way to record critical events in complex operational environments. This supports operational integrity and works especially well in a traditional industry which hasn’t moved on as much as others like retail for example.

People are now talking about blockchain in terms of the real business benefits it can deliver. Having seen successes themselves with major US banks launching crypto services and Stripe building payment infrastructure on the technology. But beyond the financial headlines, it's transforming spirits operations in ways not possible before.

Many now see firsthand the real positive impact it can have. Not only running their distillery or warehouse with much greater efficiency, but with more precision, improved visibility and a closer eye on costs.

In short, blockchain is the backbone to many systems today. And when it’s done right, it’s invisible, but invaluable.

2026 will be a transformative year for spirits

2026 is the year regulators are demanding more. Consumers are asking smarter questions. And we’re seeing distilleries and warehouses taking action, building a stronger, more transparent industry together. Digital deeds, traceable production, and real-time insights are now considered the new benchmark for modern spirits operations. You can see this at the new 

Royal Elizabeth Bond warehousing facility

 just outside Edinburgh. This is a huge new warehouse that’s being built from the ground up with traceability and efficiency at its core using our platform.

Whether you’re starting from spreadsheets or already part-way through your digital journey, we’re here to support. 

 if 2026 is the year you’re looking to do things differently.

"Distilleries are under pressure to do more with less. Less admin, less waste, less margin for error. With rising costs, tight margins, and growing regulatory complexity, operational efficiency can bring a real competitive edge. Technology unlocks it."

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How technology will shape distilleries and warehouses in 2026

How technology will shape distilleries and warehouses in 2026

More from Proof 8

Platform

Marketplace

Connected Products Coming soon

About

Team

Careers

How technology will shape distilleries and warehouses in 2026

More from Proof 8

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