Every spring, the hospitality world of Delmarva converges in Ocean City for the Ocean City Trade Expo, and this year’s 2026 edition did not disappoint. Organized by the Ocean City Hotel‑Motel‑Restaurant Association, this two‑day event brought together thousands of industry professionals to network, explore cutting‑edge products, and gain actionable insights that will shape the year ahead.
From immersive industry panels and interactive demos to forward‑thinking discussions on AI, non‑alcoholic beverage trends, and menu profitability, the Expo offered something valuable for every segment of the hospitality sector. Whether you were watching live culinary showcases, learning how to reimagine hospitality with data, or discovering how allergen‑safe cooking can boost customer trust, there was no shortage of innovative ideas to bring back to your business. In this post, we’re unpacking the coolest things we saw at the OCHMRA Trade Show 2026.
Dewey Beer Debuts New Light Lime Lager
Dewey Beer, already a hit with their Swishy Pants IPA on our craft beer menu, turned heads at the OCHMRA Trade Show with their newest release: Dewey Light, a crisp lime‑infused lager. Perfectly refreshing and light, it’s designed to be a summer staple, ideal for sipping by the pool or on warm patio days. Fans of Dewey’s bold IPAs will love this easy‑drinking twist. It’s bright, citrusy, and utterly perfect for long, sunny days.
Spked Ade Will Be All The Rage in 2026
Another buzzy product at the OCHMRA Trade Show was Spked Ade, a ready‑to‑drink, vodka‑based beverage that’s built for fun without the bloat. Designed with zero sugar, about 100 calories, gluten‑free, and no bubbles, it delivers bold, familiar flavors in a light, refreshing format that’s perfect for summer crowds. (It tastes like Power Ade!) With a smooth 4.5% ABV and clean sip profile, this RTD cocktail is shaping up to be one of 2026’s trendiest adult beverages — light, refreshing, and ready to keep the good times going all summer long.
Ocean City Locals Debut New Tequila RTD Cocktails
We were especially excited to see Sol Jam on the trade show floor — not just because of how tasty their canned cocktails are, but because this brand is locally founded right out of Ocean City, MD by two friends who grew up chasing beach vibes and sunshine.
Sol Jam’s tequila‑based RTDs are crafted with premium tequila, real fruit juices, low sugar, and under 100 calories, giving you all the flavor without the heaviness. While all the flavors impressed, the lime version quickly became a personal favorite… bright, refreshing, and ideal for sunny days ahead.