It was a celebration of all that’s good in this industry, from creativity to sustainability with excellent technological innovation backing some superb packaging and product developments. You can see the write-up on the 10 winners and the event right here.
Yesterday, I interviewed two entrepreneurs. 25 year old Matt Anderson of Enlightened Grain, who recently launched ‘EG’, a premium gin enhanced with natural lavender and rose. An organic product, he was delighted to say that after an excellent first year, the botanicals have regrown, so less financial outlay and more income.
In a totally different sector, Darold Sauber, director of business development for the Global Dairy Products Group (part of Dairy Farmers America), was showcasing three concept drinks: Dulce Leche, Horchata and an Orange Leche – three sweet treat dairy drinks aimed at the Hispanic sector that tasted rather like drinking white chocolate, yet still managed to be light and refreshing.
Memorable beverage industry leaders I’ve met during InterBev include: Robert Brockway (president and COO of Pepsi-Cola and National Brand Beverages) and Tom Bené (CEO of PepsiCo and incoming president to the American Beverage Association). I hope to run interviews with both in Beverage Innovation magazine shortly.
Enjoying last night’s awards presentation were Angela Naphin (director of commercial services with Coca-Cola North America), Audrae Erikson (president of the Corn Refiners Association) and James Tonkin (Healthy Brand Builders). James is one of our judges and seems to know just about everyone in the industry, wowing us all last night with his cool white suit. Way to go Jim!
Enough of the name-dropping, but then that was half of the point in coming over here: to meet the great and good of the industry. It’s been a fun few days and I have enough business cards and insights to keep us in editorial contributors for months to come. Thanks Florida. It’s been fun. Time for one last swim.
Claire Phoenix is managing editor of Beverage Innovation magazine. Subscribe here.
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