The World Beverage Innovation Awards 2021 are a celebration of innovation and excellence across every category of the global beverage industry. We asked this year’s judging panel what they are hoping to see from entrants.
There are 21 awards to win, covering all aspects of the beverage industry, and being shortlisted provides a hallmark of success that will prevail long after the awards draw to a close.
The judges’ criteria points will hopefully offer inspiration and help in crafting winning entries. Enter before this Friday 11 June and save £55 with the early bird discount.
Erik Throndsen EVP of Beverage Technology, Talking Rain Beverage Company
I am excited to share that I will be joining the judging panel for the 2021 World Beverage Innovation Awards. It is an honour to be given the chance to review and recognise some of the amazing innovations happening in the beverage industry.
I am always interested in seeing what’s next in this rapidly evolving category and learning about how new and emerging brands are approaching functionality and sustainability. Additionally, I love to see how brands bridge the gap between better-for-you and better-for-the-planet.
Here is a breakdown of what I will be looking at this year:
Aparna Oak Director of Flavor Innovation, Imbibe
As Director of Flavor Innovation at Imbibe, Aparna Oak lives and breathes innovation. With literal visibility into product development across beverage categories (the flavour workspace and development labs are separated only by a window), she can watch and support products coming to life, nine to eighteen months before they hit the shelves. With over 300 projects initiated annually at Imbibe, she is no stranger to getting a glimpse into what brands of all sizes are looking to design to capture consumer interest and increase their market share.
To stand out in Aparna’s eyes, here’s what you’re going to need to consider for your beverage:
Bo Sten Hansen Managing Director & Co-Founder, Copenhagen Sparkling Tea Company
The food and beverage industry is one of the most innovative and dynamic, and during the past years, we’ve seen more companies motivated by the goal to provide healthier and more sustainable solutions. It’s a wonderfully inspiring industry to be part of, however, also one that is highly competitive. The products and brands that manage to stand out, therefore very much deserve recognition through awards like the World Beverage Innovation Awards.
It is an honour to be a part of the judging panel for this year’s award, where I will be focusing on the following criteria:
Jie Ying Lee Senior Strategic Marketing Manager, Beverage, Kerry
I am excited to be the judge for the 2021 World Beverage Innovation Awards. Covid-19 has caused a fundamental shift in human behaviours and needs. At the same time, value is being redefined. Consumers are considering more than just price, and to seek convenience, sustainability, food safety and affordability. Recognising this new normal, I will be paying close attention to the following 4 attributes:
Philip Zinth Food & beverage industry B2B leader and brewery & water advisory board member
I am excited to serve as a judge for the 2021 World Beverage Innovation Awards. With my extensive background in both the brewery and supply industries, I really see innovation as the true way to success. But it must be meaningful, with a purpose to the brand, sustainable and approachable to come true. So I will look at these principles for my considerations.
Think you’ve got what it takes to win? Enter your innovative beverage products in the World Beverage Innovation Awards 2021 now!
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2023