🥤 Insights From Beverage Forum 2024

After two days of A-list celebs mingling on stage with beverage biz superstars, the 2024 Beverage Forum in Manhattan Beach, California concluded yesterday, wrapping up the first industry conference hosted by brand incubator L.A. Libations. While cameos from Robert Downey Jr. and Emma Chamberlain certainly brought excitement to the event, the big takeaways from the on-stage panels were on rising next gen brands and the evolving strategies of leading beverage giants and top retailers.

Moving Past Prebiotics: Mentioned several times during the conference as a brand-to-watch, “healthy soda” maker Poppi was a prominent presence throughout the event, including a discussion with co-founder Allison Ellsworth – speaking alongside entrepreneurs Lance Collins and Seth Goldman – where she outlined a new direction for the brand identity as it breaches the mainstream with Super Bowl commercials and garners potential acquisition buzz (as at least a couple speakers alluded to on stage).

Insiders can read the entire conference recap including commentary from Molson Coors' CEO Gavin Hattersley and SPINS data outlining the state of the beverage industry.

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C4 Energy and Cellucor parent company Nutrabolt has bolstered its leadership team with two new Red Bull veterans, Louisa Lawless, now EVP of commercial marketing and sales; and Jason Cantelli as EVP of commercial operations. Jack Harnedy also joined as VP of revenue growth management.

⏪ Lawless has over 20 years of experience in brand building and management, including a recent stint at Stratus Group serving as chief strategy officer for brands like KÖE Kombucha and Perfect Hydration. 

👀 Cantelli spent the past seven years at Red Bull in leadership roles for key accounts, distribution and marketing. In his new role at Nutrabolt, he will take charge of food service, specialty retail and beverage distribution. 

🍰 Harnedy comes to Nutrabolt from snack giant Hostess Brands, where he established RGM function and “achieved significant revenue growth through efficient and engaging promotions, trade programs and data democratization.”

Insiders can access the full story and learn more about each new Nutrabolt executive.

• The latest distribution gains from beverage brands
• Details on a new cannabis regulation and tax bill reintroduced to Congress
• The new hydration drink brand teased by a global soccer superstar 

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