- Events
- UK Soft Drinks Conference 2021
UK Soft Drinks Conference 2021
For over 20 years, Zenith Global’s annual UK Soft Drinks Conference has brought together senior industry producers, suppliers, retailers, opinion formers and advisers to provide the fullest possible one-day overview of the latest industry developments, issues and opportunities. The 2021 virtual event will give access to key insights alongside extensive networking opportunities. In association with the British Soft Drinks Association.
Sponsors
About the event
Zenith Global’s UK Soft Drinks Conference is the industry’s main annual forum to hear about the latest market developments, debate key issues and network with other business leaders.
The 2021 event will be hosted virtually, featuring a full day of presentations, interactive panels, interviews and discussions, alongside extensive networking opportunities.
The event theme will be ‘New world for soft drinks’ to reflect the disruption of the past year and the opportunities for fresh thinking.
Industry leaders, experts and innovators will present on the latest trends and initiatives, sharing exclusive market insights. Dedicated networking breaks will enable delegates to connect with other industry peers, including senior industry managers, suppliers, retailers, opinion formers, advisers and the trade press.
Reasons to attend:
- Be at the heart of discussions on how the industry can improve its outlook
- Gain insight from industry experts and analysts on trends and opportunities
- Network with leading producers, retailers and advisers
- Prepare and plan for the next phase of growth in your business
Programme highlights include:
- Market overview, with Asda and Kantar
- Insights on the burgeoning RTD coffee segment with Arla Foods (Starbucks), Boost Drinks, Crediton Dairy (Arctic Coffee), Jimmy’s Iced Coffee and Nestlé.
- Industry leader insights from the Chief Executive of PepsiCo Europe and Coca-Cola European Partners’ General Manager – Great Britain.
- Focus on sustainability with the British Soft Drinks Association (BSDA), Britvic, DEFRA and Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I.
- Innovation and emerging segments from non-alcoholic spirts to probiotics with CEDER'S Drinks, Grenade, Nexba, Nichols and Virtue Drinks.
- Lunchtime workshop with Relish Agency
- Drinks networking reception with innovator panel, including BOL, Genie Drinks and MOJU
- InnoBev Awards 2021 winners ceremony
- Dedicated networking breaks, where attendees will have the opportunity to connect through instant chat and video calls functions.
For a guided tour of Zenith Global's 2021 virtual event platform, please view our preview video here.
Speakers include
Tuesday 11 May
Dame Emilie Stephenson, UK Force for Good lead at Innocent Drinks
Matthew Tonry, Consumer Insight Director at Kantar
joined by
Kayleigh Taylor, Senior Buying Manager – Soft Drinks for Asda
Georgina Fletcher, Buying Manager – Soft Drinks for Asda
Hydration break and networking
Jane Aldridge, Managing Director of Beverages for Nestlé UK & Ireland
Simon Gray, Founder and Chief Energising Officer of Boost Drinks
joined by
Adam Hacking, Head of Beverages for Arla Foods, including Starbucks
Abigail Kelly, Head of Marketing and Insight for Crediton Dairy, producer of Arctic Coffee
Jim Cregan, Founder of Jimmy’s Iced Coffee
Natalie Betts, Managing Director of Relish Agency
Jonny Hall, Managing Director of Relish Agency
Hydration and networking break
Silviu Popovici, Chief Executive of PepsiCo Europe
Stephen Moorhouse, General Manager – Great Britain for Coca-Cola European Partners
joined by
Dr Marnie Millard OBE, President of British Soft Drinks Association
Lunch and networking break
Workshop with Relish Agency
Lunch and networking break
Hannah Norbury, Marketing Director GB&I at Suntory Beverage & Food
Sarah Webster, Director of Sustainable Business for Britvic plc
joined by
Lewis Van Diggele, Public Affairs Manager of British Soft Drinks Association
David Gell, Policy Lead for Deposit Return Schemes at Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
Hydration and networking break
Presentation of 2021 InnoBev Awards
Troy Douglas, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Nexba
Emma Hunt, Marketing Director of Nichols plc
Neal Duffy, Head of Brand for Grenade
Rahi Daneshmand, Founder of Virtue Drinks
Craig Hutchinson, Founder of Ceder's Drinks Ltd, creator of Maria & Craig's CBD Botanical Spirit, Ceder's, Celtic Soul
joined by Dave Wallwork, General Manager UK& EU of Nexba
Tamara Southworth, Head of Innovation for BOL plant-based shakes
Alex Webster, Co-founder of Genie Drinks live sodas and kombuchas
Rich Goldsmith, Founder of MOJU prebiotic shot drinks
Close
Speakers
Adam Hacking
Head of Beverages for Arla Foods, including Starbucks
Adam has had a 20-year FMCG career (Mars Wrigley, Britvic, Arla) predominantly spanning category and commercial roles.
For the last two years and half years, Adam has been Head of Drinks at Arla, responsible for its portfolio of Milk Based Beverages (covering flavoured milk and protein categories, but most significantly Starbucks Iced Coffee RTD’s)
Kayleigh Taylor
Senior Buying Manager – Soft Drinks for Asda
As Senior Buying Manager - Soft Drinks, Kayleigh is responsible for the soft drinks take-home business in Asda
Georgina Fletcher
Buying Manager – Soft Drinks
Georgina is Buying Manager of Soft Drinks for Asda, responsible for soft drinks take home buying.
Tamara Southworth
Head of Innovation for BOL Foods
Tammy has spent 10 years developing in the beverage industry, starting at Innocent and most recently setting up her own Gin Distillery. Tammy now heads up development for all 6 product markets for BOL Foods including the new BOL Power Shakes.
Simon Gray
Founder and Chief Energising Officer of Boost Drinks
Simon established Boost Drinks in 2001 when, as an energy drinks enthusiast, he identified an opportunity to launch a great value alternative to the premium priced category pioneer.
Simon’s ambitious plans for the company show no signs of slowing in 2021. In addition to acquiring the sales and distribution rights for the Hall & Woodhouse owned Rio brand, the company is gearing up to accelerate its presence in overseas markets, already establishing in many geographies including the Middle East, Africa and Scandinavia.
Simon will also be leading Boost’s 20th birthday celebrations. Boost has remained exclusive to the independent sector, and the 20th Birthday celebrations will focus on thanking the partners and customers who have supported the brand’s journey thus far.
Simon lives in his hometown of Leeds with his wife Ali and their three daughters.
Dr Marnie Millard OBE
President of the British Soft Drinks Association
Marnie is the President of the Board of Management at the BSDA (British Soft Drinks Association). She chairs the Board at UA92 and is a non-executive Director for Finsbury Foods.
Lewis van Diggele
Public Affairs Manager of British Soft Drinks Association
Lewis leads political and government engagement for the BSDA, representing the interests of the soft drinks industry and ensuring that the industry's perspective is considered and the impact of policies and regulations is fully understood.
The BSDA represents UK producers of soft drinks, including carbonated drinks, still and dilutable drinks, fruit juices and bottled water as well as franchisors, importers and suppliers to the industry. As the collective voice of the UK soft drinks industry, BSDA provides a common industry view on the legal, technical and social issues concerning soft drinks to the media and political audiences.
Sarah Webster
Director of Sustainable Business for Britvic plc
Sarah is responsible at Britvic plc for setting the sustainable business framework, Healthier People, Healthier Planet.
With over 20 years FMCG experience, including 18 years with Diageo, Sarah's cross functional career spans sustainable business, investor relations, financial management, marketing and innovation.
Sarah has a business degree from Oxford Brookes University, is a qualified management accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser.
Craig Hutchinson
Founder of Ceder's Drinks Ltd, creator of Maria & Craig's CBD Botanical Spirit, Ceder's, Celtic Soul
Craig is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of CEDER'S Alt-Gin which he developed and grew to be sold in over 20 countries before the successful sale to Pernod Ricard in 2020.
Stephen Moorhouse
VP & General Manager – Great Britain for Coca-Cola European Partners
Stephen has worked in Coca-Cola multinational bottling operations for more than 30 years. His passion lies in driving the strategic direction of a business and bringing people on a journey with him.
Abigail Kelly
Head of Marketing and Insight for Crediton Dairy, producer of Arctic Coffee
After starting her career in Somerfield as a graduate in buying & merchandising Abigail has held a number of roles over the years in Category and Brand Marketing with suppliers including Kraft Foods (now Mondelez), Milk Link and Tulip.
Abigail lives in her home city of Cardiff with her husband and cockapoo Barney and being true to her Welsh roots loves nothing more than watching a good game of rugby, especially at the Principality stadium.
David Gell
Policy Lead for Deposit Return Schemes at Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
David is the Defra policy lead for the introduction of a deposit return scheme for drinks containers.
Alex Webster
Co-founder of Genie Drinks
Fresh from an early career in fintech and festivals, Alex co-founded Genie Drinks to deliver a range of delicious and healthy adult soft drinks he could trust.
Neal Duffy
Head of Brand for Grenade
Neal Duffy is Head of Brand at Grenade, the performance nutrition company famous for having the UK’s best-selling protein bar.
Passionate about health, fitness and growing trends within FMCG, Neal is keen to build on the ever-increasing role that functional foods and drinks have to play in a post-Covid world, and how to reach growing audiences with informative, engaging and memorable communications.
Dame Emilie Stephenson
UK Force for Good lead at Innocent Drinks
Since launching innocent France 15 years ago, Emilie has worked in a variety of functions across sales & marketing and now heads up the newly expanded ‘Force for Good’ function in the UK encompassing sustainability, nutrition and much more…
Jim Cregan
Founder of Jimmy’s Iced Coffee
In 2010, a guy called Jim Cregan from the South Coast of England created Jimmy’s Iced Coffee, a range of awesome ready-drink-iced coffees which can now be found in great fridges across the UK and beyond.
Jim now runs Jimmy’s Iced Coffee which is based in Bournemouth, England. He started the business with his sister and they now lead a team of over 20 crew, have 6 products and counting and do some great stuff helping the younger generation become inspired to do awesome things. They make awesome products, donate 1% of profits to charity through their Keep Your Chin Up programme and love a damn fine road trip.
Matthew Tonry
Consumer Insight Director at Kantar
Matt is a Consumer Insight Director at Kantar and has worked across some of the largest manufacturers within the Impulse industry. He has experience delivering insights across all channels including At Home and On The Go.
Rich Smith
Founder of MOJU
Rich Goldsmith founded MOJU in 2015, alongside his best mate, Charlie Leet-Cook. Rich has a degree in Engineering and worked in commercial and finance roles before he decided to pursue his passion for innovation and mix up an industry.
Rich is a huge believer in the power of collaboration to bring big ideas to life, that have the potential to help drive positive societal change. He was named a Young Gun in the startups.co.uk awards in 2018 and is a UK steering committee member of 1% for the Planet, a community of businesses that donate 1% of their annual sales to environmental impact causes.
Jane Aldridge
Managing Director of Beverages for Nestlé UK
For Nestlé, Jane leads the Retail Coffee Business and the No1 Coffee Brand NESCAFE.
Alongside her passion for enjoying good coffee, she makes time to swim, practice pilates and support the creative arts.
Troy Douglas
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Nexba
Troy is the Co-Founder & Co-CEO of NEXBA with business partner Drew Bilbe.
In 2017, Troy was named on the Forbes Asia list of top 30 under 30 entrepreneurs. In 2018 and the previous 3 years, Troy has made Smart Company’s Hot 30 Under 30 list of Australian entrepreneurs alongside Drew Bilbe. NEXBA was also named the Australian Telstra Micro Business of the Year in 2015 and in 2019 NEXBA was the inaugural recipient of the Telstra Business Alumni Achievement award. In 2019 Troy was humbled and honored to be appointed to the Reserve Bank of Australia’s Small Business Finance Advisory Panel.
Dave Wallwork
General Manager UK & EU of Nexba
Dave is an experienced drinks entrepreneur and advisor with a background in building brands across the beverage industry.
Dave’s experience includes : founder of ‘Pure Wild Spirits’ and ‘Freya Birch Spirit’; a sustainable alcoholic spirit distilled from wild tree sap; founder of ‘Next Big Thing Network’; a brand development and support network for food and drinks entrepreneurs; founder and MD of ‘Feel Good Drinks’; innovative healthy soft drinks brand founded in 2001, sold to Nichols Plc in 2015; President of industry body ‘British Soft Drinks Association’; and various senior marketing roles at ‘CCE UK’ and ‘Britvic Soft Drinks’. 52 years old, a Bolton boy, London based, with long term partner Sam, 2 boys, Arthur (19), Spike (17). Lifelong Bolton Wanderers fan (sigh), keen cyclist & part-time kick-boxer (black belt).
Emma Hunt
Marketing Director of Nichols plc
Emma is a commercially focused, creative and strategic marketer with a proven track record in driving profitable business growth through the development of people, brands and innovation.
Silviu Popovici
Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo Europe
Silviu became CEO of PepsiCo Europe in August 2019. Prior to this assignment, he served as President, Europe Sub-Saharan Africa from September 2017 to March 2019 when he was named CEO, Europe Sub-Saharan Africa.
Silviu has extensive experience in a number of areas, including sales, marketing, operations and general management, with global companies: Bristol-Myers Squibb and Coca-Cola HBC in Romania, Russia, and Ukraine.
Silviu holds a Bachelor in Physics and an MBA from the London Business School. He also completed the Advanced Management Program at the Harvard Business School.
Natalie Betts
Managing Director of Relish Agency
Jonny Hall
Managing Director of Relish Agency
Hannah Norbury
Marketing Director of Suntory Beverage & Food GB & Ireland
Hannah is the Marketing Director and ExCom member, leading and driving the overall GB&I business with specific responsibility for delivering an integrated marketing strategy, at Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I.
Hannah joined SBF GB&I from GSK following the acquisition, developing her career through both the Marketing and Sales functions. Hannah worked on many brands during her time with GSK, progressing to the role of Ribena Marketing Director, also delivering the re-launch of Orangina. She then went onto leading the Out of Home team across Sales and Commercial Marketing, successfully developing this channel within the business.
Prior to joining GSK in 2007 Hannah worked at Johnson & Johnson in various Marketing roles in health and beauty.
Besides her passion to lead change and build high-performing teams, Hannah thrives off the great outdoors. Walking or cycling with her two young sons; Arthur and George, is where you’ll catch her at the weekend. Or tackling one of the three big ‘R’s’; renovating, rowing or rugby!
Rahi Daneshmand
Founder of Virtue Drinks
London born entrepreneur, Rahi Daneshmand, launched Virtue Drinks in 2016, after looking for a clean energy drink himself. Their brand mission is to share the power of clean energy with people everywhere.
Networking
Expand your network
Zenith Global’s conferences have become renowned for providing extensive networking opportunities. At our 2021 virtual events, we aim to create even more ways for you to expand your network, with access to all delegates through the instant chat and 1-1 video meeting functions:
- Give attendees an instant introduction to who you are through your customisable profile. Build your profile with additional links, such as your LinkedIn profile, Twitter and Skype accounts.
- View all event attendees and use search filters to find those who are most relevant to your needs. See who is online on the event platform in real-time.
- Invite and schedule meetings with delegates and speakers, especially in the dedicated networking breaks. Start an instant video call with online attendees. Invite additional delegates to join the call to facilitate a wider conversation.
- Instantly connect with other attendees through the instant messaging function.
- Access the platform ahead of the conference to begin building your profile and start networking, with ongoing access in the months following the event.
Zenith Global's 2021 virtual events will be hosted through industry-leading online event platform, Engagez.
For a guided tour of Zenith Global's 2020 virtual event platform, please view our preview video here.
Virtual event preview
For a guided tour of Zenith Global's 2021 virtual event platform, please view our preview video:
If you have any questions, please reach us at events@zenithglobal.com.
Attendees
Delegates registered for this year's event include:
Through our virtual event platform you can view all event attendees and use search filters to find those individuals who are most relevant to your needs.
In addition to being able to initiate a conversation through the chat function, you can invite and schedule 1-1 video meetings with delegates and speakers throughout the day and in the dedicated networking breaks.
| Pay by 30 Mar Early booking rate | Pay by 11 May Standard booking rate | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full event | Per delegate | £325.00 | £375.00 |
| Concession* | £125.00 | £150.00 | |
| Group booking rate (four attendees) | £950.00 | ||
| Group booking rate (unlimited attendees) | £1,200.00 |
Substitutions will be accepted up to 10 March. Cancellations will be subject to £80 + VAT administration charge and cannot be made after 30 March. Bookings are subject to Zenith Global Event Terms and Conditions, available here.
*A concession rate of 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 £1 million. For more information and to book at this rate, please contact events@zenithglobal.com
To register at the group booking rate, please contact events@zenithglobal.com.
e events@zenithglobal.com t +44 (0)1225 327900
Sponsorship
We have a range of virtual sponsorship packages available which will offer unique and effective opportunities to showcase your brand and services to a highly relevant audience.
Click here to download the full 2021 events sponsorship deck, and here to find out more about our virtual event platform and the brand exposure you can expect to receive as a sponsor.
Virtual sponsorship package opportunities:
- Deliver a presentation of up to 20 minutes within the main event programme.
- Host a roundtable or workshop.
- Virtual tour of your factory or plant.
- Regular mentions in Zenith Global's event marketing emails and social media posts.
- View all event attendees and use search filters to find those individuals who are most relevant to your needs.
- Give attendees an instant introduction to who you are and your networking goals through your customisable profile. Build your profile with additional links, such as your company website and LinkedIn.
- Invite and schedule meaningful 1-1 video meetings with delegates and speakers throughout the day. Invite additional delegates to join the call to facilitate a wider conversation.
- Customise your dedicated sponsor page with downloadable multimedia content and messaging.
- Instant feedback and interaction using real-time interactive features such as polling and Q&A. Attendees can share documents, chat with other attendees and share their views and opinions.
- Take advantage of your virtual booth where you can instantly connect with interested attendees, simulating a real-life event.
- Use measurable event analytics that captures real-time valuable data and insights, promoting lead generation and showing positive ROI.
- Revisit the portal in the weeks following the event to re-watch recorded sessions and access important information and contact details that may have been missed initially.
- Headline or category sponsorship of our InnoBev Award scheme.
- Discounts on Zenith Global market reports and discounted access to our Globaldrinks.com database.
The advantages of virtual allow you to:
- Stay relevant and connected to your existing clients and reach new audiences.
- Raise your brand awareness and learn from your industry peers.
- Use your time more effectively, as you no longer need to worry about logistics, travel, accommodation etc.
- Reduce your impact on the environment as you lower your carbon footprint by going digital.
Tailored bespoke packages are also offered to better suit your needs and budget.
For more information, please contact Edward Sunderland, Events Business Development Manager
e esunderland@zenithglobal.com t +44 (0)1225 327936
Testimonials
Virtual event testimonials
"The whole event was well planned, brilliantly executed and extremely informative. Thank you to all involved for a great day." Roxane UK
"Excellent content from the speakers - current, interesting and insightful." Chris Ward, Thomas Hardy Holdings
“The platform was incredibly easy to use and the networking was great. I already scheduled 3 follow up meetings to learn from other industry leaders!” Megan Riggs, Crunchy Hydration
“Excellent platform to establish connections and networking too.” Martino Picotti, Proriented
“A great event with an excellent organisation team behind and a good choice of topics. Outstanding moderator in the Q+A sessions.” Christine Zimmermann-Loessl, Association for Vertical Farming
“The platform used for this recent event was exceptionally intuitive and straightforward.” Innovation Agri Tech
“Even virtually, the content and the live Q&A sessions were really interesting and worth the time.” Alonso Prado, Ball Corporation
“The overall experience was very well conducted, given the circumstances with COVID. The team was professional and very well organised.” Adam Leja, ÈSSE water
“As a disruptor entering various markets, AQUA Carpatica has relied on Zenith Global knowledge and events to build insight and strategy. We are now an award winning brand and Zenith Global has remained a trusted partner for market insight.” Alina Balatchi-Lupascu, AQUA Carpatica
“Because of Zenith Global'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
“Great experience and well-prepared program in terms of content. I will definitely attend next year as well.” Ivana Králiková, Kofola ČeskoSlovensko
“You managed to demonstrate that a virtual event has absolute value and is a great platform to meet people!”
