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- UK Soft Drinks Conference 2024
UK Soft Drinks Conference 2024
For over 20 years, Zenith Global’s annual UK Soft Drinks Conference has brought together senior industry producers, suppliers, retailers, innovators, opinion formers and advisers to provide the fullest possible one day overview of the latest developments, issues and opportunities alongside extensive networking. Held in association with British Soft Drinks Association.
Sponsors
About the event
Zenith Global's annual UK Soft Drinks Conference is the industry's leading annual forum to hear about the latest market developments, explore emerging trends, debate key issues and network with other business leaders.
The 2024 programme will feature presentations from industry leaders, experts, retailers and innovators sharing exclusive insights from the past 12 months, alongside interactive panel discussions where delegates can put forward their questions and participate in polling. The 2024 InnoBev Awards will also be presented in an awards ceremony at the end of the day.
Dedicated networking breaks will enable attendees to build new connections, with an expected audience of 160-200 senior industry managers, innovators, retailers, suppliers, opinion formers and advisers.
The 'Innovator marketplace' will offer brand companies the opportunity to showcase their beverages free of charge in display fridges for all attendees to discover and taste.
Speakers include
Wednesday 15 May
Paul Graham, GB Managing Director of Britvic and President of British Soft Drinks Association
Daisy Frecklington, Consumer Insight Director at Kantar
joined by
Rich Goldsmith, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of MOJU
Duane Stanford, Editor and Publisher of Beverage Digest, United States
Bill Sipper, Managing Partner of Cascadia Managing Brands, United States
Questions and discussion
Refreshment and networking break
Oli Russell-Cowan, Director of Cult Indoctrination Europe for Liquid Death, UK
joined by
Benji Inwood, Head of Operations – UK&I for Innocent Drinks
Laura Tredgett, Category Buying Manager – Soft Drinks for Tesco
Olivia Ferdi, Co-founder of TRIP
Dusan Stojankic, Vice President Franchise Operations – GB&I for The Coca-Cola Company
Linda Crichton MBE, Packaging Producer Responsibility Leader for Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
Joined by
Duncan Midwood, Founder of Circularity Solutions
Hannah Duffy, Head of Deposit Return Scheme for Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
George Shorey, Senior Policy Adviser for Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
Anna Quantick, Client Services Manager for Ecosurety
Lunch and networking
Robin Shuker, Chief Executive Officer of Field Agent UK
Adrian Hipkiss, Commercial Director of Boost Drinks
Olivia Ferdi, Co-founder of TRIP
Adam Draper, Managing Director of Nurture Brands
Ian Hadley, UK Commercial Director of Remedy Drinks
Marisa Poster, Co-founder of PerfectTed
Teddie Levenfiche, Co-founder of PerfectTed
Questions and discussion
Alexander Kozlov, Commercial Director of Molecular Processing Solutions, United States
Refreshment and networking break
Ash Chadha, Sales and Marketing Director of Asco Foods
Peverel Manners, Managing Director of Belvoir Farm Drinks
Chris Laidlaw, Co-founder of Mockingbird Raw Press
Emma Thackray, Co-founder of Hip Pop
Presentation of 2024 InnoBev Awards winners
Drinks reception
Close
Speakers
Ash Chadha
Co-founder, Sales and Marketing Director of Asco Foods
Ash Chadha serves as the Co-Founder of ASCO Foods, a UK based market leading distributor specialising in globally renowned food and beverage brands.
Drawing from two decades of industry experience, Ash possesses unparalleled expertise in both World Foods and the intricacies of the UK marketplace. This expertise has endowed him and his fellow founders with a distinct ability to identify innovative brands primed for success in the UK mainstream market, effectively disrupting the conventional landscape of the soft drinks sector.
Peverel Manners
Managing Director of Belvoir Farm Drinks
Peverel was educated at Eton College and graduated from Bristol University in 1985 with a degree in Economics and Politics.
In 1988, Peverel joined Rothmans International Tobacco, initially working as a PA to the group CEO. He completed a graduate training programme in Rothmans Australia and progressed to roles including promotions manager and brand manager in Australia. Upon returning to the UK, he served as assistant international brand manager on Dunhill before gaining accounts exposure in the International accounting area, where he authored the strategic plan for the whole group. After transferring to Rothmans UK, he underwent sales training and managed a sales territory in North London for a quarter, before returning to marketing in the UK prior to leaving to work at Belvoir.
In June 1992, Peverel joined his father in their family business, Belvoir Fruit Farms Ltd, which originated from his father’s Pick Your Own fruit farm. By 1992, the business had achieved annual sales of approximately £100,000. Initially serving as the sales manager/director, he became managing director in 1997.
He completed the BGP course at Cranfield Business School in 2003. Under his leadership, net sales have grown organically to over £22 million in 2023, driven by excellent products, innovation, and hard work from a dedicated team. This growth has been guided by a steadfast commitment to the company's vision and purpose.
The vision of the company is "To be the most loved premium soft drinks brand, with sustainability at its heart", while the brand purpose is "To bring natural goodness to people, while nurturing the land and adding to the Belvoir Farm legacy." This legacy encompasses the company's longstanding commitment to the local environment, spanning over 75 years.
Belvoir now sells its products in all major UK supermarkets, produces private label goods, and exports to over 30 different countries. The company anticipates continued sales growth in 2024, founded on the strength of its brand, its people, and its values.
Duane Stanford
Editor and Publisher of Beverage Digest
Duane Stanford is Editor & Publisher of Beverage Digest, a U.S.-based business newsletter covering the non-alcoholic drinks industry.
Duane regularly appears on radio and television and in print as an expert commentator on global beverage trends and developments. He serves on the board of the Atlanta Press Club and is a former chairman.
Duane graduated from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, where he met his wife, Laura. She is director of operations for Beverage Digest. They have two adult children; one is a data analyst for Beverage Digest.
Duane holds a pilot’s license, enjoys motorcycles, and plays competitive tennis in Atlanta.
Adrian Hipkiss
Commercial Director of Boost Drinks
Paul Graham
Managing Director of Britvic and President of British Soft Drinks Association
Following a variety of commercial roles at both United Biscuits and Mars Confectionery, Paul Graham joined Britvic as GB General Manager in September 2012.
Bill Sipper
Managing Partner of Cascadia Managing Brands
Bill Sipper is a food and beverage industry leader who has guided numerous brands from concept to commercialization to category leadership.
Consulting closely with client leaders as they consider a sale or acquisition, Bill has supported several brands through the process. (Naked Juice was sold to Pepsico, Fresh Samantha/Odwalla was sold to Coca Cola, and Nantucket Nectars was sold to Ocean Spray). Bill has significant international experience, and works with clients in Asia, Europe, South America and the Middle East. He draws on this expertise to help international brands establish presence in the US and to help US brands expand internationally.
Bill is active in philanthropic causes: He served as president of Robert Kennedy Jr.’s clean water charity, Tear of the Clouds; was an advisor to The Walden Woods Project; and served on the Board of Directors of the National Osteoporosis Foundation.
Bill has been featured on Food Network’s “Unwrapped” and in the PBS documentary “The Water Wars.” He has been a featured speaker at Columbia University School of Business, The Bottled Water Congress (Torino, Italy), the Pan Arab Congress on Osteoporosis (Tunisia), and at virtually every major US food and beverage show, including Natural Products Expo, BevNet, Nosh Live and more. His articles have appeared in leading trade publications, and he is frequently quoted in media including The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s and the New York Times.
Duncan Midwood
Founder of Circularity Solutions
In 2018 Duncan pioneered Digital DRS and has led its development since. In 2021 he co-founded DDRS Alliance – a collaboration of organisations developing the global DDRS blueprint.
Duncan runs a consultancy, Circularity Solutions, which advises on DRS across Europe.
A graduate Mechanical Engineer, Duncan has led a successful career in start-ups to major blue chips in industries including digital printing, food brands, building products and nuclear power – in technical, commercial, retail and general management roles. He has worked extensively internationally.
Duncan is married with 4 boys and coaches junior rugby and football (soccer!).
Dusan Stojankic
Vice President Franchise Operations - GB&I for The Coca-Cola Company
Linda Crichton MBE
Packaging Producer Responsibility Leader for Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
Hannah Duffy
Head of Deposit Return Scheme for Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
George Shorey
Senior Policy Adviser for Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
Anna Quantick
Client Services Manager for Ecosurety
Anna has many years of account management and packaging data support experience with a huge variety of clients.
Now, in her role as Client Services Manager, Anna manages the client-facing side of Ecosurety, including our team of Account Managers who work side by side with our members.
Not only do they ensure our members are compliant with the producer responsibility regulations, but also help to ease their transition into the future of EPR.
Robin Shuker
Chief Executive Officer of Field Agent UK
Robin Shuker is the Founder and CEO Field Agent UK Ltd. part of Field Agent Inc. global leaders in crowdsourced Real Time Shopper Insight and Retail Audits. He started his career in advertising working for major agencies in the London and Sydney.
We work with major brands and retailers to help them better understand how people are shopping, what they are buying and why? Their feedback includes Videos and Photos bringing their experience in store to life.
To support Online Sales, we have launched Buy Try & Review, where customers buy your products and rate them in Online Reviews.
In preparation for the conference Field Agent recently conducted a survey to 500 shoppers and then 100 follow-up store visits in Asda, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Tesco looking at how shoppers choose what soft drinks to buy and why.
Emma Thackray
Founder of Hip Pop
Emma Thackray is the co-founder of Hip Pop, the Gut Lovin’ soft drinks brand, on a mission to create gut healthy pop that tastes good and does good
Prior to founding Hip Pop, Emma worked for Dolly Parton as Director of her children’s literacy charity, the Imagination Library.
Benji Inwood
Head of Operations – UK&I for Innocent Drinks
Benji Inwood leads operations for innocent drinks UK & Ireland, and has held roles across sales, marketing and corporate relations at innocent drinks and before that at Diageo. Before a career in drinks, he worked in public affairs and policy.
Daisy Frecklington
Consumer Insight Director for Kantar
Daisy has seven years of experience in shopper and consumer insights, partnering with FMCG businesses to explore strategic issues using the power of behavioural data.
Oli Russell-Cowan
Head of Lifestyle Marketing for Liquid Death
Oli Russell-Cowan is the Head of Lifestyle Marketing for Liquid Death in the UK and International.
With over 15 years of experience in International business development across Europe, Australasia and the US spanning multiple industries including events, festivals, corporate conferences, action sports, media, adventure travel, publishing and the tourism sector.
Chris Laidlaw
Co-founder of Mockingbird Raw Press
Chris Co-Founded Mockingbird Raw Press, the UK’s largest raw smoothie brand just over three years ago.
Rich Goldsmith
Co-founder of MOJU
Alexander Kozlov
Commercial Director of Molecular Processing Solutions
Alexander Kozlov is a seasoned beverage industry enthusiast holding a Ph.D. in Industrial Economics from PRUE, Russia, and dual MBA degrees from Kenan-Flagler Business School, USA, and IE Business School, Spain.
Currently serving in an executive role at Molecular Processing Solutions LLC, Alexander focuses on technical stewardship and pioneering process innovations.
Regarding his expertise, Alexander emphasizes, "There are limited options to enhance the dissolution of CO2 in liquids. Increasing partial pressure or cooling down a liquid are both costly measures with significant impacts on the bottom line. The most effective approach to improve gas-liquid dissolution is by maximizing the surface area for mass transfer between the two phases. I invite you to explore firsthand how we can eliminate electricity, CO2 and other wastes while enhancing overall quality."
Outside of his professional pursuits, Alexander passionately engages in extreme technical sports such as paramotoring, paragliding, enduro riding, kite and foil surfing.
Adam Draper
Managing Director of Nurture Brands
Adam Draper is the Managing Director or Nurture Brands, a business that is passionate about creating positive social and environmental impact through delicious, healthy, and sustainable plant-based snacks and soft-drinks.
Marisa Poster
Co-founder of PerfectTed
Marisa Poster is the Co-Founder of PerfectTed, the UK's fastest-growing energy drink and Europe's leading matcha brand.
They're also the exclusive matcha partner to cafe chains like Joe & The Juice and Blank Street. The company recently featured on Dragons' Den, receiving offers from all 5 Dragons and bringing Steven Bartlett onto the team. In just 18 months, the Founders grew PerfectTed from zero to £5m. Marisa previously worked in Real Estate Private Equity for Starwood Capital Group and has a Masters in Entrepreneurship & Innovation from Imperial Business School.
Teddie Levenfiche
Co-founder of PerfectTed
Teddie Levenfiche is the Co-Founder of PerfectTed, the UK's fastest-growing energy drink and Europe's leading matcha brand.
Ian Hadley
Commercial Director UK for Remedy International
Ian is the Commercial Director for Remedy, the UK’s best-selling kombucha brand. Sarah and Emmet Condon started Remedy in 2012 on their kitchen bench with a tasty batch of home-brewed kombucha.
Fast forward a few years, and that dream has become a reality, and in the UK, both Remedy and the kombucha category are booming!
Within the grocery channel, Tesco and Morrisons listings have been followed by Sainsburys and, most recently, Waitrose, along with developing the category with existing partners such as Holland & Barrett. Remedy has also developed their convenience offering with WHSmith and BP, along with their on-the-go offerings at the likes of Starbucks and Wasabi. “I am incredibly proud of what Remedy has achieved in such a short space of time. The goal of any challenger brand is to break the status quo, which is a huge undertaking. Our aim is to make kombucha a mainstream product, helping consumers make healthier choices in fizzy drinks. With the support of some great partners, we are helping make this happen, and it is amazingly exciting to be part of such a vibrant and dynamic category.”.
Ian has been in the drinks business for all of his career, across on-trade, off-trade, and export. Prior to Remedy, he spent 16 years in alcoholic drinks with Heineken and Magners Cider and 7 years with Fentimans soft drinks.
Lauren Tredgett
Category Buying Manager – Soft Drinks for Tesco
Olivia Ferdi
Co-founder of TRIP
Olivia Ferdi is the co-founder of TRIP, the UK’s fastest growing soft drinks brand & Europe’s #1 CBD brand, on a mission to share calm in the everyday chaos – and transform the way the world deals with stress and mental well-being -
After a career in law at Allen & Overy LLP and Farfetch, Olivia launched TRIP in 2019 with her husband and co-founder, Daniel Khoury. Olivia and Daniel discovered CBD after a transformative personal experience in 2018 and were so moved by its positive effects that they wanted to share it with the world. Since then, TRIP has introduced millions of people to their first CBD experience.
Featured in Vogue, described as "Glossier for CBD" by Dazed magazine - TRIP's range of CBD infused drinks and wellbeing products are crafted to support daily stress and anxiety.
Harnessing plant-power, TRIP is sold in the most prestigious bars and restaurants, globally, including Soho House and wellness destinations including Boots.
Sold in 20,000 stores nationwide and owning 88% market share of CBD drinks, TRIP is well on the way to becoming the global leader in next generation wellness.
At the front and centre of rising trends in wellness, functionality and alcohol alternatives TRIP, aims to become a world leading w
Attendees
Over 175 attendees have registered for the 2024 event, including representatives from:
Innovator marketplace
The Innovator marketplace is your opportunity to display and promote your products to all conference attendees and gain valuable first-hand feedback from industry experts and your peers.
Delegates can sign up to feature their product(s) in our sampling fridges and on a table display within the networking foyer.
This free of charge opportunity is available to event attendees on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reasons to sign up:
- Enhance brand visibility: Gain valuable, high-quality industry exposure by putting your product in the hands of gatekeepers, investors, retailers, buyers and consultants.
- Priceless feedback: Gain valuable feedback on all aspects of your product, including taste, feel and design. Take the opportunity to chat with other industry members about your broader marketing and business approach. Use constructive criticism to your advantage and come away with key ideas and opportunities to help move your product forward.
- Get people talking: Product sampling creates the opportunity for great conversation. Watch and listen as attendees react to and talk about your product. Take notes and see how competitor products are also received.
Please contact us once you have received your booking confirmation for the conference if you would like to take part.
For more information, please contact e events@zenithglobal.com t +44(0)1225 327900
| Pay by 31 Jan Super saver rate | Pay by 22 Mar Early booking rate | Pay by 15 May Standard booking rate | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full event | Per delegate | £590.00 | £625.00 | £695.00 |
| Concession* | £190.00 | £200.00 | £225.00 | |
| Group booking rate (four attendees)** | £1,420.00 | £1,500.00 | £1,660.00 |
Substitutions will be accepted at any time. Cancellations will be subject to £80 + VAT administration charge per delegate and cannot be made after 22 March 2024. Bookings are subject to Zenith Global Event Terms and Conditions, available here.
*A concession rate is offered to start-ups and early-stage entrepreneurs. To be eligible, companies must be within two years of formation and with annual sales below £500,000. For more information and to book at this rate, please contact events@zenithglobal.com
**To access our group booking rates (for four or more delegates from the same organisation), please contact events@zenithglobal.com.
e events@zenithglobal.com t +44 (0)1225 327900
Venue
The Congress Centre is an ideally located and contemporary venue in the heart of London's West End. It is situated close to Tottenham Court Road underground station, from which you should use exit 3.
Congress Centre, 28 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LS
t +44 (0)20 7467 1318 f +44 (0)207 467 1313
For further details, visit www.congresscentre.co.uk/location
Dress code: Business suit or smart casual
Testimonials
A key annual event to learn and discuss the issues & opportunities in the Soft Drinks category Paul Graham, Managing Director of Britvic and President of British Soft Drinks Association
I hadn't attended a Zenith event for a few years and the UK Soft Drinks Conference 2023 reminded me what excellent events they run - bang on trend content and excellent organisation. Andrew Gibb, Founder & Managing Director of ColdPress
These events are great. You always walk away with something you didn't even know you needed. A new contact, idea or just feeling inspired to do better. Maria Sehlstrom, Founder and CMO of Mindful Brands
Great place to get the knowledge about drinks industry and current trends. Lisa Gawthorne, Managing Director of Bravura Foods
Loved all the samples and particularly enjoyed hearing about the NPD in the last session as well as what Coca-Cola and Innocent are doing environmentally. Elaine Thompson, Strategic Insight Director for Kantar
Zenith events are consistently well executed and deliver exceptional industry insights and networking opportunities. Ross Colbert, Managing Director of Capstone Partners
Fantastic event with some great market insight delivered through inspiring speakers. A great opportunity to network and connect. Vicky Berry, Business Development Manager at Synergy
Zenith Global events are always informative, expertly moderated, and up to date on emerging trends, with speakers from established and newly launched brands. Well worth attending. Craig Hutchison, Founder and CEO of Mindful Brands
A fantastic event, full of insight and opportunity. George Glaisher, Co-founder of AVER
Your events are certainly the most interesting and productive on the calendar which we really enjoy being part of. The content is always stimulating, and you create a very collaborative and interactive environment, which makes it easy to chat with other delegates. Overall, it's a great opportunity to get an up-to-date understanding of the challenges and opportunities that established and entrepreneurial brands are facing in today's tough economic environment. Robin Shuker, Managing Director, Field Agent
A fantastically informative and educational event. Zenith brought together a great collection of speakers across the industry to tackle the relevant topics on everyone's mind. Madalina Popa, Food and Drinks Federation
The event was extremely well organised and ran flawlessly. The Zenith team were a pleasure to work with prior to, and during the event. Thank you very much for having me. Neal Duffy, Head of Brand at Grenade
InnoBev Awards 2024
Zenith Global's 8th annual InnoBev Awards celebrate excellence and innovation across all sectors of the global soft drinks industry. Open to entrepreneurs and established brands worldwide, entries are invited in 18 categories, covering innovation, marketing, technology and packaging.
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony during the UK Soft Drinks Conference on Wednesday 15 May.
AWARD CATEGORIES
- Best Dairy Drink
- Best Functional Drink
- Best Low/No Sugar Drink
- Best Low/No Alcohol Drink
- Best Plant-based Drink
- Best Premium Drink
- Best Sports/Energy Drink
- Best Wellness Drink
- Best in Can
- Best in Carton
- Best in Glass
- Best in PET
- Best Packaging/Label Design
- Best Marketing/Social Media Campaign
- Best Technology Innovation
- Best New Brand
- Best Brand Extension
- Best New Drink Concept
Products can be entered into multiple categories.
For more information, visit the awards page on our website or contact awards@zenithglobal.com
Sponsorship
Our event and awards sponsorship packages offer a unique and effective opportunity to showcase your brand and services to a highly relevant audience.
You can choose from our Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsorship packages, or we can create a custom sponsorship package to suit your specific needs and budgetary requirements.
Sponsorship opportunities include:
- Presentation within the main event programme
- Opportunity to host a workshop, roundtable or drinks reception
- Exhibit display in the networking area
- Distribution of marketing material/product samples
- Delegate passes
- Discounted delegate access for your clients
- Branding across event collateral, including stage backdrop, lectern and programme
- Logo on events webpage hyperlinked to your website
- Sponsored email communication to all attendees
- Sponsored social media posts
- Regular mentions in Zenith Global's event marketing and press releases.
For information and pricing, please contact Francesca Hall, Events Director
e fhall@zenithglobal.com t +44 (0)1225 327900
