We’re excited to share with you details of this year’s Dec. 5 Future Smarts conference. The 2022 event will take place live and in person in New York City. The program features accomplished and knowledgeable experts in the world's most profitable beverage market. We’ve designed an outstanding program and speaker lineup to help shed light on this unprecedented time in the beverage industry - both the challenges and opportunities.

Through a series of fast-paced speaker interviews, we review the year to understand what mattered most and break new ground on what to expect next. We identify urgent trends and market forces that will drive business performance during the next three to five years – or longer. 

Here’s a look at what to expect:

The day will begin with Coca-Cola’s Henrique Braun, who is President for Latin America. Braun is a rising talent to watch at the $39 billion global beverages company. He runs an agenda-setting market. In an on-stage chat, we’ll ask him what the US market can yet learn from this dynamic region.

Then we’ll shift to Keurig Dr Pepper’s Andrew Archambault. He has taken over Keurig Dr Pepper's commercial operations at a time of great industry change when it comes to costs, pricing, product categories, and consumer needs. We’ll ask Andrew what market forces will shape the coming years.

Next, I’ll dive deep with our always popular Wall Street analyst panel featuring Credit Suisse Managing Director Kaumil Gajrawala, Goldman Sachs Managing Director Bonnie Herzog, and RBC Capital Markets Managing Director Nik Modi. I look forward to their views on category blurring between alcohol and non-alcohol, and much more.

Then we'll talk to Coca-Cola Beverages Florida Chairman and CEO Troy Taylor about how he and his team are approaching technology and efficiency in a demanding distribution environment. A key question: how long will this unprecedented soft drink pricing environment last?

Headline sponsor PureCircle by Ingredion will catch us up on stevia innovation and discuss a new tool to compare the environmental impact of various beverage sweeteners. Joining us for this interview is Kurt Callaghan, who is the company’s Global Strategic Director, Sugar Reduction. 

Alpha-Diver Principal Neuroscientist Sigi Hale will show us how he uses modern brain research to illuminate the consumer decision-making process. 

BlueTriton CEO of Retail Paul Norman will make one of his first appearances since BlueTriton acquired Nestle’s North America bottled water portfolio. He’ll present on the company’s hydration and sustainability mission.

Next, we’ll lead a discussion with Gen Z consumers to explore their views on beverages, pop culture, and everything in between. You’ll have a chance to ask questions, too.

Then we’ll ask PepsiCo Gatorade Performance Portfolio President and GM Michael Del Pozzo about his plan to maintain Gatorade’s sports drink leadership. He’s also tasked with growing the unit’s protein portfolio featuring Muscle Milk and Evolve, and launching Fast Twitch energy drink for athletes. 

G&J Pepsi-Cola Bottlers CEO Tim Trant, who leads PepsiCo’s largest fully independent US franchise bottler, will sit down to discuss the consumer, retail, and product trends that will matter most in the coming years.

Finally, we will close the day strong with Anheuser-Busch InBev. Fabricio Zonzini, President of Beyond Beer North America, will discuss the global brewer’s expansion beyond the core into energy drinks, hard seltzers, and canned cocktails. He’ll help attendees better understand the world of alcohol and the trends now driving growth in the sector.

The conference day will include two celebrations, as well.

The first is the announcement of winners in our 2022 Beverage Digest Awards. The contest’s 13 categories include Best Canned Cocktail, Best Functional Drink, Best Hard Seltzer, Best CBD/Hemp Drink, and Best Technology. This is a great way to see the breadth of innovation in our industry.

Secondly, getting back to NYC this year will be even more special as we celebrate Beverage Digest’s 40th anniversary.

This will be a great way to close 2022 with a strong finish as an industry and to begin 2023 with a head start.

Again, if you haven’t registered, you won’t want to miss this program. Secure your seat now.

We can’t wait to see you.

Duane Stanford
Editor & Publisher