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- 21st Global Water Drinks Congress
21st Global Water Drinks Congress
The highest level and most influential event for the global water drinks industry. Designed for industry leaders, suppliers, customers and advisers, this 21st annual Congress will provide a complete overview of the latest market trends, innovations and issues alongside networking opportunities with key industry figures. Insights will be shared by leading international and regional businesses on the latest market and strategic developments, as well as by innovators and entrepreneurs bringing new ideas and taking up new challenges.
Sponsors
About
Zenith Global's annual Global Water Drinks Congress is regarded as the highest level and most influential forum for the global water drinks industry.
Designed for industry leaders, suppliers, customers and advisers, the Congress offers attendees a complete overview of the latest market trends, developments, innovation and issues, alongside extensive networking opportunities.
The event will feature two days of conference sessions, a tour of Gerolsteiner's bottling facility, extensive networking opportunities, a gala industry dinner and presentation of the Global Water Drinks Awards 2024, highlighting the best in global water drinks innovation worldwide.
Leading international and regional manufacturers, industry suppliers and advisers will present on the latest market and strategic developments, as well as topical issues ranging from packaging and sustainability to water stewardship and innovation.
To view details of the 2023 Global Water Drinks Congress, please click here.
Speakers
Maurizio Patarnello
Portfolio Board Director and Strategic Adviser
Jamie Douglas-Hamilton
Founder and Director of ACTIPH Water
Jamie founded ACTIPH water after rowing from Australia to Africa when he realised mixing small amounts of sea water with their water hydrated them faster than ordinary water.
Claudia Bierth
European Sustainability and Public Affairs Manager for Ball Corporation
Claudia is an international sustainability & Public Affairs manager and circular economy expert.
At Ball, she is responsible for leading and managing the company’s European environmental affairs in Brussels as well as sustainability and Public Affairs in Central Europe.
Claudia believes that near 100% recycling rates for packaging is possible if policy, product design and collection and recycling infrastructure are aligned. To achieve a true circular economy, recycling rates need to be complemented by packaging materials and design that are made for circularity – in an infinite cycle.
Mike Hecker
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of BE WTR, Switzerland
Mike Hecker is a Swiss based Food Tech Entrepreneur specialised in creating & building leading, technology driven, consumer brands & new categories.
Mike's main focus today is on impacting positively the planet with better, more responsible water hydration with www.bewtr.com. BE WTR innovates in upgrading tap water with patented technologies that positively impact taste & experience.
Afnan Ahsan
Chief Executive Officer of IDS Borjomi International
Ross Colbert
Managing Director, Investment Banking – Beverages for Capstone Partners
Ross is a Managing Director in Capstone Partners’ Consumer Investment Banking team and brings 35 years of Mergers & Acquisitions and Capital Markets experience to the firm.
His cross-border transaction experience includes leading M&A advisory engagements across North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia. Ross is a recognized beverage industry thought leader and is a frequent guest speaker at industry events and in news media including CNBC, Bloomberg, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and Financial Times.
Prior to joining Capstone Partners, Ross was Managing Director /Global Head of the Beverage team at KPMG Corporate Finance from 2019 - 2023. Prior to KPMG, Ross spent 9 years as Managing Director and Global Sector Head - Beverages at Rabobank, a leader in Food & Agriculture finance where he had responsibility for US$9.0 billion in commitments across nearly 90 large & mid-cap beverage clients. Ross was at Rabobank from 2011 until 2019.
Ross was Managing Director and COO at Beverage Marketing Corporation from 1999-2007, and President of Haas Financial Corporation from 1987- 1999. Ross spent the first five years of his career in operating roles at Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Miami and Cadbury Schweppes plc.
Clovis Thaumoux
Packaging Market Manager of Carbios
Ananda Roy
Senior Vice President – Thought Leadership Europe for Circana
Ananda supports top corporate executives in FTSE-100 organisations identify & capitalise on growth opportunities, sharpen marketing effectiveness & optimisation, & use the power of analytics and data-driven inputs to make smart commercial decisions.
Luis Eduardo Lacerda
Global Head of Sustainability and Advocacy - Waters for Groupe Danone, France
With over 15 years of experience across Latin America, Europe, & Asia, Eduardo has held senior roles, including Marketing VP for Danone Waters China and New Beverage Platforms and Global Chief of Staff of Danone Waters' former EVP, Henri Bruxelles.
Neil Kimberley
Chief Commercial Officer of Electrolit, United States
Nicholas Reichenbach
Chief Executive Officer of Flow Beverage Corp, Canada
Roel Annega
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Gerolsteiner Brunnen
Born in the Netherlands, Roel Annega can look back on an international career in the FMCG market that turned him and his family into true European citizens.
After his last position at Coca-Cola as Vice President Marketing for Central and Southern Europe in Vienna, Annega moved back to Nestlé in Frankfurt am Main. Here he led the culinary business of Nestlé Deutschland AG as Chairman and Business Executive Officer, responsible for the brands “Maggi” and “Thomy”.
In June 2019 Annega returned to the beverage industry as Chairman and CEO of Gerolsteiner Brunnen. Annega is convinced that we are witnessing a pivotal time in the mineral water industry and is exited to help shape the future for both for the Gerolsteiner brand and for the category.
He is a member of the Board of both Verband Deutscher Mineralbrunnen as well as Natural Mineral Waters Europe.
Alessandro Pasquale
Executive President of Mattoni 1873, Czech Republic
Alessandro Pasquale was born in Padua, Italy, and now lives alternately in the Czech Republic and Switzerland. He took over the management of Mattoni 1873 (then Karlovarské minerální vody) from his father Antonio in 2007.
Sandeep Bakhshi
Managing Director of Indo Nissin Foods, India
Jesus Nuñez Sanchez
Director General – Water for Mahou San Miguel
Jesús joined Mahou San Miguel in 2001 and has headed the Waters Business Unit since 2013.
Prior to that, he held various positions, Director of Labor Relationships, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and General Manager of the Mahou San Miguel Foundation.
He is a lawyer and holds a Master's Degree in Human Resources Management from the IE Business School. In addition to other qualifications, he completed the Executive Development Program in Business Administration and Management in the IESE Business School at the University of Navarra, also holds a diploma in CSR from the Harvard Business School and a Higher Degree in Occupational Risk Prevention.
He started his professional business career in 1997 at Cuatrecasas, Gonçalves Pereira as an associate attorney in the labour area, moving two years later to Garrigues (Andersen Legal), where he worked before joining Mahou San Miguel.
Alexander van ’t Riet
Partner of LeNoble Management Consultancy, United Arab Emirates and former Chief Executive Officer of Mai Dubai
Andy Peykoff II
Chief Executive Officer of Niagara Bottling
Family owned and operated since 1963, Andy’s humble beginnings at Niagara started in manufacturing as a teenager.
Andy continues his commitment to world-class manufacturing and supply chain by investing in industry leading software and the fastest, most technologically advanced PET bottling lines in the world. Niagara has grown to over 50 manufacturing facilities in four countries producing a diverse range of beverages including still, sparkling and alkaline water as well as teas, sports drinks, ready-to-drink coffee, protein drinks and non-dairy milk products.
Andy’s entrepreneurial spirit and passion for innovation has built a unique family culture that drives Niagara’s success. Andy values giving back to the community through Niagara Cares which supports families in need, helps provide access to water in underdeveloped countries and seeks to find a cure for follicular lymphoma. The company’s numerous awards include Beverage Forum’s Large Company of the Year, Ernst & Young’s National Entrepreneur of the Year for Family Business, Deloitte’s Best Managed Company and Walmart’s Sustainable Supplier of the Year.
Andy is a graduate of Southern Methodist University and lives in Southern California with his wife Jaime and their six children.
Damodar Mall
Chief Executive Officer – Grocery Retail Business Reliance Industries, India
Damodar leads the largest grocery retail business in India. He has been a creator of multiple retail formats and has also been a supermarket entrepreneur. He is a Retail CEO; CPG marketer, Author; Entrepreneur; Consumer market Specialist for India.
Rahul Narang
Founder, Chairman and Managing Director of The Narang Group/Ocean Beverages, India
A graduate in Entrepreneurship from Babson College in Boston, Harvard Business School’s Owners President Management Program, and several YPO-Harvard Programs, Rahul Narang, under his leadership & business acumen...
The Narang Group is all about “Crafting Brands”, dating back to 1999, when Rahul’s love for Red Bull led to launching the brand & novel energy drink category in the country. Since then, the group has successfully introduced an entire nation to some of the finest beverage brands over the last two decades, such as Evian, Perrier, Twinings, Monster, Lindt, Fever Tree & several others. The route-to-consumer that was built & developed for these brands in India over the years, soon led to the idea of launching his own portfolio of lifestyle health & wellness beverages.
The Narang Group owns Ocean Beverages. - the No. brand in the fruit water & premium mixer segment in the country, as well as the No. 1 premium natural mineral water – Qua from the Himalayan Foothills. Apart from Ocean & Qua, the group’s current portfolio also comprises of world class brands such as illy & Haribo.
When it comes to inspiring smarter hydration, Ocean Beverages aim to set the benchmark, with Ocean Fruit Water, Ocean Natural Energy Drink & Ocean Natural Mixers, all of which have been crafted as ‘better-for-you’ products, with a focus on sustainable living. The brand’s purpose is to redefine hydration for 350 million consumers in the country, being present in over 100k retail touchpoints across 250 cities with its portfolio of healthy, natural innovative beverages in the hydration+ segment, that are not only good for them, but the environment too (instagram.com/oceanbeverages)
Virat Kohli – internationally renowned Sportsman, has a stake in Ocean Beverages along with several other high-profile investors.
Rahul, being a member of YPO (Young President’s Organization) since 2010, and also serving on the Regional Board of YPO South Asia since 2019, firmly believes in life-long learning, through education, exchange of ideas and meaningful relationships.
Jihoon Kim
Chief Executive Officer of Sansu, S Korea
Ji Hoon Kim is the CEO of Sansu, a leading food and beverage company renowned for its innovation in sustainable packaging.
.In addition to his work at Sansu, Ji Hoon is the CEO of Wecycle and Eco-package Solution, two start-ups focused on advancing circular economy technologies and bioplastics.
Luc Baeyens
Chief Executive Officer of Sources Alma, France
Stacy Jackson
Vice President of Water and Tea - North America for The Coca-Cola Company
Stacy is the Category Lead for The Coca-Cola Company’s Water and Tea Portfolio in North America, which includes leading brands like smartwater, vitaminwater, Gold Peak Tea and Topo Chico.
Larissa D'Otaviano
Head of Sustainability for Valgroup, Brazil
Larissa is the Head of Sustainability at Valgroup. She is an accomplished Chemical Engineer with a robust background in advanced recycling technologies and sustainability.
Michael Adams
Chief Executive Officer WET Group
Gerrit Smit
Managing Director of the Yili Innovation Center Europe
Gerrit Smit (PhD) is the managing director of Yili Innovation Center Europe, which is based in Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Before joining Yili he worked as SVP R&D at Valio, Finland; at Unilever (2004-2011) as R&D Director Flavour and Consumer Research; at NIZO food research (1993-2004) in The Netherlands, where he was as board member responsible for the departments Flavour, Nutrition and Ingredients. Moreover, he held for 12 years an endowed professorship at Wageningen University (NL) in Molecular Flavour Science.
He obtained a masters degree (Utrecht University) and PhD degree (Leiden University) in molecular biology.
Speakers include
Monday 28 October
Registration opens
Coaches leave for 2.5 hour drive to Gerolsteiner
Get-together in the visitor centre with product sampling and light lunch
Ulrich Rust, Chief Technology Officer of Gerolsteiner Brunnen
Coaches leave for return journey
Arrive back at hotel
Welcome drinks reception
Close
Tuesday 29 October
Ananda Roy, Senior Vice President – Thought Leadership Europe for Circana
Ross Colbert, Managing Director – Consumer Investment Banking Group for Capstone Partners, United States
Questions and discussion
Roel Annega, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Gerolsteiner Brunnen, Germany
Jesus Nuñez Sanchez, Director General – Water for Mahou San Miguel, Spain
Alessandro Pasquale, Executive President of Mattoni 1873, Czech Republic
Questions and discussion
Hydration and networking break
Luis Eduardo Lacerda, Global Head of Sustainability and Advocacy - Waters for Danone, France
Afnan Ahsan, Group Chief Executive Officer of IDS Borjomi Group, United Arab Emirates
Maurizio Patarnello, Strategic Adviser, Board Member and Investor
Questions and discussion
Michael Adams, Chief Executive Officer WET Beverages (Global), United Kingdom
Buffet lunch and networking
Luc Baeyens, Chief Executive Officer of Sources Alma, France
Larissa D’Otaviano, Head of Sustainability for Valgroup, Brazil
Clovis Thaumoux, Packaging Market Manager for Carbios, France
Jihoon Kim, Chief Executive Officer of Sansu, S Korea
Questions and discussion
Rehydration and networking break
Stacy Jackson, Vice President of Water and Tea - North America for The Coca-Cola Company
Andy Peykoff, Chief Executive Officer of Niagara Bottling
Questions and discussion
Rahul Narang, Founder and Chairman of The Narang Group/Ocean Beverages, India
Damodar Mall, Chief Executive Officer – Grocery Retail Business Reliance Industries, India
Sandeep Bakhshi, Managing Director of Indo Nissin Foods, India
Questions and discussion
Close
Drinks reception
Close
Wednesday 30 October
Alexander van ’t Riet, Partner of LeNoble Management Consultancy and former Chief Executive Officer of Mai Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Claudia Bierth, European Sustainability and Public Affairs Manager for Ball Corporation
Questions and discussion
Neil Kimberley, Chief Commercial Officer of Electrolit, United States
Jamie Douglas-Hamilton, Founder and Director of ACTIPH Water, United Kingdom
Questions and discussion
Hydration and networking break
Gerrit Smit, Managing Director – Innovation Centre Europe for Yili Group, China
Nicholas Reichenbach, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Flow Mineral Spring Water, Canada
Mike Hecker, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of BE WTR, Switzerland
Questions and discussion
Buffet lunch and networking
leading to policy considerations for industry associations
Close
Location and accommodation
Established in 1876, the Steigenberger Icon Frankfurter Hof is a tradition-steeped, 5-star hotel located in the middle of the historical city centre and financial district of Frankfurt. The Maintower, Römer and Paulskirche are only a few steps away, with the Emperor St. Bartholomäus's Cathedral - where the emperor's coronation once took place - also found nearby.
The hotel is 12 km from Frankfurt Airport. From the airport, you can travel by car (20-30 minutes) or by suburban train/underground (30 minutes). The nearest Underground station is Willy-Brandt-Platz Station which provides connections to 6 different underground lines. Frankfurt Central Station is just one stop or a 15 minute-walk away.
Accommodation can be booked via this link
Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof, Am Kaiserplatz, Bethmannstraße 33, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
t +49 69 215-02 e rezeption@frankfurter-hof.steigenberger.de
| Pay by 28 Jun Super saver | Pay by 20 Sep Early booking rate | Pay by 28 Oct Standard booking rate | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Congress | Each delegate | €1,495.00 | €1,695.00 | €1,895.00 |
| Concession* | €695.00 | €795.00 | €895.00 | |
| Separate elements | 28 Oct tour, reception | €325.00 | €375.00 | |
| 29 Oct conference | €950.00 | €1,025.00 | ||
| 29 Oct awards dinner | €175.00 | €225.00 | ||
| 30 Oct conference | €750.00 | €825.00 |
*A concession rate is offered to start-ups and early-stage entrepreneurs. To be eligible, you must have annual sales below €1 million. For more information and to book at this rate, please contact events@zenithglobal.com
Substitutions will be accepted at any time. Cancellations will be subject to €180 + VAT administration charge per delegate and cannot be made after 20 September. Bookings are subject to Zenith Global Event Terms and Conditions, available here.
Visas may be required from some countries. Zenith Global will be happy to help with visa support and documents where possible. Please note, payment for your registration must be received by Zenith Global before a visa invitation letter can be issued.
e events@zenithglobal.com t +44 (0)1225 327900
Testimonials
"Zenith's Global Water Congress remains the most important industry gathering of the year" Gareth Jones, Icelandic Glacial
"Zenith has curated a thoughtful global industry conference in both speaker content and attendees. Their team has been able to bring innovators together at beautiful locations across the globe and create an event that fosters great relationships through a shared passion for water beverages, sustainability and innovation." Leila Khoury, Nirvana Water Sciences
"A very well organised opportunity to get some great insight into the water industry, from some key speakers." Sally Laurie, Borg & Overstrom
"Absolutely stunning event, excellent content and beautifully organised. Such an interesting and proactive group of attendees with lots of positive discussions to combat the world’s water solutions. Very exciting to be a part of the community and revolution of water delivery, functions and sustainability." Francesca Walters, WET Global
"Great conference, great forum, the real decision makers of the industry. Change starts here, I hope!" Yaniv Neeman, Culligan
“Outstanding strategic and insightful contributions from key directors of the world's leading businesses in the domain. The sheer level of participation from executive leaders in the Congress every year demonstrates the value we see at this event” Ananda Roy, IRI Worldwide
“I really enjoyed the Congress. I find it extremely insightful to meet other industry leaders and be able to learn from them and discuss the challenges we all face. The location was unbeatable and the organization you and the team put behind it was world class.” Ulises Ramirez, The Coca-Cola Company
"A truly unique, strategic event that brings together everything your business or brand needs to be in a position where you can make it all happen. For us, it is a marked event in our yearly calendar." Alina Balatchi-Lupatu, AQUA Carpatica
“Zenith events are consistently well executed and deliver exceptional industry insights and networking opportunities” Ross Colbert, Capstone Partners
"The whole event was well planned, brilliantly executed and extremely informative. Thank you to all involved for a great day." Roxane UK
“Because of Zenith's outstanding reputation, events I have attended have always produced great opportunities for discussion and for gathering the most up to date market information, which proves invaluable.” Michael Cervin, Bottled Water Web
"The mixed global experts and information on water is an excellent mix!" Neil Kimberly, Independent Consultant
"It was a unique opportunity to hear from many professionals around the industry globally, around the main topics driving our businesses from sustainability, to innovation." Salma Hamdouch, Les Eaux Reveirades D'Oulmes
"Excellent event for Market Update and Networking" Sauf Alnoumani, Abaad Investments
"I gained even more from the congress than anticipated" Michael Tanusis, Aqua Amore
"The Global Water Drinks Conference this year was incredible! I learned a lot from the other speakers and loved seeing the innovation in the industry." Megan Riggs, Crunchy Hydration
"Great experience and well-prepared program in terms of content. I will definitely attend next year as well." Ivana Kralikova, Kofola
"My first time joining this event and to my surprise, I really enjoyed all the programmes and great speakers indeed. A most enjoyable event and I will sure be a fan club of Zenith." Vorachand Thiengtham, Alka Plus Co
"Unique opportunity to meet the key industry players and learn about the most relevant topics shaping the industry." Niclas Diesen, K Hartwall Invest
"Relevant content and the speakers were well great. The facilitation by Zenith was excellent too" Helen Too, Tetra Pak
"Simply professional from end to end with relevant content and a good information/knowledge platform about the industry. A masterclass in event management" John Pugh, National Mineral Water Company
"This is one of my best investment for value. Receiving the opportunity to speak with high level speakers is priceless for a company." Olivier Van Migem, Reflective Shopper Worldwide
"In my 27 years in business I have attended numerous conferences. The GBWC19 definitely was one of the best in terms of content, organisation and networking opportunities. I highly recommend to any professional in the water business wanting to get the latest update and high-level exchange." Eva Wuellner, SpenglerFox
Awards
The industry's only Global Water Drinks Awards are designed to celebrate excellence and innovation across every category of the packaged water industry.
The awards are a great way for you to enhance your brand and ensure your product, concept or campaign is recognised on an international scale.
Entries will be open from June through to September 2024. The winners will be announced on 29 October 2024, during the 21st Global Water Drinks Congress.
The categories
- Best Natural Still Water
- Best Natural Sparkling Water
- Best Flavoured Water
- Best Functional Water
- Best New Brand
- Best Brand Extension
- Best New Water Concept
- Best in Can
- Best in Carton
- Best in Glass
- Best in PET
- Best Packaging/Label Design
- Best Dispense Innovation
- Best Technology Innovation
- Best Marketing/Social Media Campaign
- Best CSR Initiative
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 event 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
