The Beverage Forum

The Beverage Forum The Only Global All-Beverage Executive Conference

For over 20 years The Beverage Forum has been bringing together top-level beverage executives to share knowledge, network and engage in intimate discussions with industry leaders. The Beverage Forum is where you will find beverage experts and innovative suppliers sharing the latest trends and tools to help your company and brand excel. Through a series of dynamic keynotes, interactive panel discus

sions, in-depth workshops and intimate networking you will gain fresh ideas, trusted insight and proactive solutions to move your business forward. The Beverage Forum also recognizes several “best of class” organizations and individual executive achievements in the beverage space with special awards presentations.

From breakthrough packaging innovation to celebrity-backed RTDs and next-gen functional beverages, this year’s stage was...
05/08/2026

From breakthrough packaging innovation to celebrity-backed RTDs and next-gen functional beverages, this year’s stage was packed with launches shaping the future of the industry. Swipe to see the brands that brought their products to life at The Beverage Forum 2026.

Don't miss our upcoming events this year, we're going global! The Beverage Forum - LatAm in Miami Beach on August 18-19 and The Beverage Forum - Europe in London on September 30!

Get early bird tickets now at the link in bio 🔗

05/01/2026

What a forum! Two days of high-impact conversations, bold ideas, and the connections that will shape the year ahead. If you missed this year, be sure to lock in your registration for 2027!

Tickets for 2027 are now available at the link in bio.

In today’s panel on how to Own the Shelf, Elizabeth Banks and Marian Leitner-Waldman (she/her) of Archer Roose Wines too...
04/29/2026

In today’s panel on how to Own the Shelf, Elizabeth Banks and Marian Leitner-Waldman (she/her) of Archer Roose Wines took the stage with leaders from Sprouts Farmers Market to zoom in on what drives performance once your product lands in front of the consumer.

The takeaways? Yes, story and packaging matters. So does the in-store merchandising. But just as important: does your product clearly communicate what it is, and do customers understand why it belongs there?

There were tons of practical insights in this one. It was definitely a conversation to remember. If you were in the room, then you already know!

Question for brands and retailers: how are you thinking about shelf presence right now?

ShelfStrategy BrandBuilding Merchandising BeverageIndustry

Have you ever noticed how some brands manage to stay relevant no matter how much the market shifts? Today’s panel showed...
04/29/2026

Have you ever noticed how some brands manage to stay relevant no matter how much the market shifts? Today’s panel showed exactly why that does not happen by accident.

In our powerhouse session with leaders from Coca-Cola, Molson Coors, and Red Bull, the conversation dug into what it actually takes to make a brand feel timeless and keep it that way.

A lot of it comes down to:

1. Consistency in the right places, and evolution in others.
2. Innovation pipelines that do not drift too far from the core.
3. Assortment decisions that reflect how consumers are shopping today.
4. A clear understanding of how to show up across channels without losing identity.

What do you think separates brands that last from the ones that fade?

Here’s to a moment we’ll truly NEVER forget.THE Stephen Curry (4× NBA Champion, 2× NBA MVP, NBA Finals MVP, and point gu...
04/29/2026

Here’s to a moment we’ll truly NEVER forget.

THE Stephen Curry (4× NBA Champion, 2× NBA MVP, NBA Finals MVP, and point guard for the Golden State Warriors) took the stage at The Beverage Forum for a fireside chat on innovation in the hydration category, culminating in the exciting launch of his NEW beverage with PLEZi.

If you were there, you were part of our most epic surprise yet.

BIG news: Our 2026 Startup CPG Pitch Slam Winner is: Anastasia Sartan, Founder of The Cycle 🎉The Cycle is a functional b...
04/29/2026

BIG news: Our 2026 Startup CPG Pitch Slam Winner is: Anastasia Sartan, Founder of The Cycle 🎉

The Cycle is a functional beverage designed for period support—featuring real doses of Omega-7, cold-brewed herbs, and absolutely no pills, caffeine, or added sugar.

Anastasia and The Cycle have won a career-changing $1M+ prize package—including distribution with High Touch, formulation support from Sensapure, and retail sales + marketing services from SIP and LA Libations.

Shout out to our runner ups Anna Cobb, CEO & Founder of O’kra and Charbel Mawad, Co-Founder of ProJo. We can’t thank you enough for your drive, enthusiasm, and incredible pitches. O’kra is carbonated water infused with okra to boost hydration and replenishment. ProJo is a functional, high-protein coffee brand designed to provide sustained energy.

Be on the lookout for these iconic brands in the making! The best is only yet to come...

From the first remarks to the keynotes, panels, and everything in between, Day 1 at The Beverage Forum felt very ALIVE.A...
04/29/2026

From the first remarks to the keynotes, panels, and everything in between, Day 1 at The Beverage Forum felt very ALIVE.

As always, some of the best moments didn’t actually happen on stage. They happened in between. While connecting over coffee, at lunch, during the breaks and happy hour.

And truthfully, that has always been a big part of what makes The Beverage Forum such a special place for this industry.

If you were there, you felt it. If you weren’t…peep this:

It’s no secret: getting into Target is a HUGE milestone. But performing there is a different challenge altogether. In to...
04/29/2026

It’s no secret: getting into Target is a HUGE milestone. But performing there is a different challenge altogether.

In today’s panel with Shawn Darmody (Target), Allison Cohoon (Target), Justin Whitmore (Keurig Dr Pepper), Benjamin Witte (Recess), and Danny Stepper (L.A. Libations), the conversation focused on what actually drives success once a brand is on shelf.

Key Takeaways:

1. The environment is curated. Shelf space is limited. Consumers are making faster decisions. That puts pressure on everything from packaging to positioning to velocity.

2. Brands that work in this setting tend to have a clear identity and a strong understanding of how they fit within the assortment. They are not trying to be everything. They are focused on doing one thing well and communicating it clearly.

3. That level of precision is what keeps products moving.

Would love to hear how others are thinking about Target as a channel. Drop your thoughts below!

There is a different perspective that comes from building, scaling, and exiting at the highest level.In today’s conversa...
04/29/2026

There is a different perspective that comes from building, scaling, and exiting at the highest level.

In today’s conversation with Kurt Seidensticker (Vital Proteins / Starshot Ventures / BE Love), that insider POV took center stage as he shared his deepest insights on how to seize the right opportunities in CPG. For Kurt, scaling is not just about spotting trends; it is about recognizing what others overlook and having the conviction to build there early.

What stood out most was how much emphasis he placed on staying sharp and engaged in what’s going on in the industry while mustering the focus to stay in your lane. Past success does not carry forward automatically. Each new venture requires the same level of curiosity and discipline as the last.

That mindset is what allows founders to keep building, even after a major exit. A lot to take away from this one. What stuck with you?

🚨 LIGHTNING ROUND PITCH SLAM JUDGES 🚨⁠⁠We’re excited to spotlight the Lightning Round Pitch Slam Judges in partnership w...
01/23/2026

🚨 LIGHTNING ROUND PITCH SLAM JUDGES 🚨⁠
⁠
We’re excited to spotlight the Lightning Round Pitch Slam Judges in partnership with , joining us at The Beverage Forum 2026, happening April 28–29, 2026 in Manhattan Beach, CA — a powerhouse group of retail and sales leaders shaping what wins on shelf and in cart.⁠
⁠
This year’s judges represent some of the most influential retail and distribution organizations in the industry, bringing deep expertise across natural, specialty, grocery, and emerging beverage categories. Their perspectives span foraging, category strategy, national retail, and go-to-market ex*****on — exactly the lens brands need.⁠
⁠
Meet the leaders evaluating the next wave of beverage innovation on The Beverage Forum stage:⁠
⁠
Brody Burk — Senior Foraging Manager, Sprouts⁠
Paola Rivera — Senior Category Manager, Mother’s⁠
Hilary Brammer — Grocery Category Manager, Bristol Farms⁠
Czar Daniolco — Founder & COO, HiTouch Distribution⁠
Jess Rodlin — Director of Natural & Specialty Sales, LA Libations⁠
Christina Schmidt — Senior Category Manager, Shelf Stable Beverage & Adult Non-Alc, KeHE⁠
Nika Levinson — Senior Category Manager, Beverages, Thrive Market⁠
⁠
Want to experience the Lightning Round Pitch Slam live and in person? Make sure to secure your ticket and be in the room where innovation meets opportunity.⁠
⁠
🗓️ April 28–29, 2026⁠ | westdrift Hotel Manhattan Beach⁠ ⁠
🔗 Purchase tickets & learn more | Link in bio ⁠
⁠

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