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Today, some of the brightest minds in the beverage industry are convening in New York City for Beverage Digest’s annual Future Smarts conference. This highly anticipated event, preceded by a networking reception on Dec. 15, promises a jam-packed day of insights, discussions, and projections that will shape the future of the beverage market.
Illuminating the Future of Beverages
The Future Smarts conference is designed to deliver a whirlwind of fast-paced interviews, panels, and presentations featuring top industry leaders. The agenda focuses on identifying the trends and market forces expected to drive business performance over the next three to five years and beyond.
“Through a series of fast-paced interviews, panels, and presentations in a single productive day, Future Smarts will illuminate coming opportunities and challenges for our dynamic industry,” writes Duane Stanford, Editor & Publisher of Beverage Digest in a publication announcement. “Our speakers will identify urgent trends and market forces that will drive business performance during the next three to five years — and in some cases longer.”
Industry Titans Take the Stage
Key topics at this year’s conference include innovation, distribution strategies, and the blurring lines between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Highlights from today’s sessions include:
- Coca-Cola’s Winning Formula: John Murphy, President and CFO of Coca-Cola, will discuss the success of the company’s Fairlife business, particularly its protein shake brand, Core Power. Murphy will also provide insights into how the acquisition and integration of Fairlife fit into Coca-Cola’s broader beverage strategy.
- PepsiCo’s Strategic Growth: Anne Fink, President of PepsiCo Global Foodservice, will talk about her team’s landmark 10-year beverage supply agreement with Subway in the U.S. and the company’s partnership with energy drink maker Celsius.
- Revolutionizing Distribution: Andrew Archambault of Keurig Dr Pepper will share his vision for optimizing KDP’s distribution system, while Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling CEO, Bill O’Brien, will provide a boots-on-the-ground perspective on retail and consumer trends, as well as the blurring lines of alcoholic and non-alcoholic sectors.
- Lessons from the Trenches: Dave Burwick, former CEO of Boston Beer, will reflect on his leadership during the producing and marketing of Hard Mtn Dew. He will share lessons from pioneering the crossover between traditional soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
- The Rise of Gut-Healthy Soda: Olipop Co-founder, Ben Goodwin, will highlight the growing trend in functional sodas and what’s driving consumer demand of alternative carbonated drinks.
- Wall Street Perspectives: A panel of leading Wall Street analysts — including Goldman Sachs’ Bonnie Herzog, Barclays’ Lauren Lieberman, and RBC Capital Markets’ Nik Modi — will offer their financial outlook on the beverage sector.
Celebrating Innovation: 2024 Beverage Digest Awards
Adding to the excitement, the 2024 Beverage Digest Awards winners will be announced today, celebrating the most innovative and impactful products and strategies in the industry.
Looking Ahead
From expert advice to transformative distribution strategies, the insights shared today will provide insight for the coming year. As leaders and attendees leave with actionable ideas and renewed focus, the discussions at Future Smarts aim to equip attendees with the knowledge and inspiration needed to stay ahead in the beverage marketplace.
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