The FoodNavigator-USA BEVERAGE ENTREPRENEURS FORUM - in partnership with BeverageDaily.com and sponsored by Sigma-Aldrich and DSM - features a unique line up of experts spanning everything from artichoke water to almond milk:
1 - PADDY SPENCE - CEO, Zevia
2 - GREG STELTENPOHL - CEO, Califia Farms; founder, Odwalla
3 - HOWARD KETELSON, PHD - CEO, Arty Water (artichoke water)
4 - MELINDA HICKS - CEO, Big Time Tea (Little Me Tea)
5 - PAUL KILBRIDE - VP Sales, Epicurex (COCOZIA)
6 - JONAS FELICIANO - Beverages analyst, Euromonitor Intl
In our debate, moderated by FoodNavigator-USA editor Elaine Watson, we’ll discuss:
1 - How difficult is it to launch a new beverage brand?
How easy is it to get into the US beverages market? How much money do you need, what strategies work, and what key lessons have you learned from your experiences in the market?
2 - What are the hottest new trends in beverages?
Tea for kids? Sprouted rice-protein? Caffeine-free energy? Coconut water with a twist? Maple Water? What trends are the most successful firms tapping into? How will Keurig Cold impact the market?
3 - What’s natural? And does it really matter?
If sales of Diet Coke and Diet Pepsi are going nowhere fast because consumers are turning away from artificial sweeteners, then why is Sparkling Ice (which contains ‘artificial’ sweetener sucralose), one of the fastest-growing brands in the market? Meanwhile, how easy is it to incorporate natural flavors, colors, preservatives and sweeteners in beverage products?
4 - Who is driving innovation in the beverages market?
Which beverage companies do you most admire and why?
5 - What are the biggest challenges you face as you run your business?
From securing financing to managing cash-flow, keeping up with regulations, managing your supply chain, dealing with suppliers, brokers and customers, and hiring/staffing issues. What keeps you awake at night?
The 60-minute online debate will be moderated by FoodNavigator-USA editor Elaine Watson and will be broadcast live at 11.30am EDT on Wednesday July 23.
It will also be available afterwards on demand - but only to registered delegates.
Click HERE to REGISTER FOR FREE.
The forum is sponsored by Sigma-Aldrich, a global life sciences and technology company with a broad portfolio of flavor & fragrance ingredients plus broad nutritional and food safety analytical testing capabilities;
... and DSM, a global science based company with a broad portfolio of health ingredients for the food & beverage and dietary supplements sector from omega-3 fatty acids to green tea, oat beta-glucan, vitamins and carotenoids.