BevNET is delighted to announce that Jordan Silbert, the founder and CEO of Q Drinks, will speak at BevNET Live in New York City.
Silbert launched the line of high-end mixers and sodas right before the recession — but he persevered, keeping Q Drinks at a premium price point while running a lean company, and that perseverance is paying off. Originally known for its presence in high-end restaurants, Q Drinks’ offerings are now also category leaders in the premium tiers of the mixer and high-end CSD sets at conventional retailers across the country, a position that sits in telling contrast to the overall decline in the mass soda market.
Silbert will be discussing the key ways that the brand was able to stay on course through an economic slowdown and how it is now aimed for even further growth in the marketplace: a strong focus on price point maintenance, a “run lean for survival” philosophy, and a focus on existing customers who were able to give the product a home. He will also give an overview of some of the data that informed key decisions in the life of the brand, such as flavor and package expansions that effectively expanded its narrow focus to the more expansive CSD space, as well as his views on what the future holds for premium brands.
The BevNET Live Summer event will be held on June 2 and 3 at the Metropolitan West, 639 W. 46th Street in Manhattan. Attendance can be arranged by contacting John Landis; sponsorships are still available.
About Jordan Silbert
Jordan is the founder and CEO of Q Drinks. One night in his Brooklyn backyard, he was struck by a gin-induced flash of inspiration to make a superior tonic water, one that he would be excited to mix with great gins. After spending years mixing up different recipes in his kitchen, Jordan gave birth to Q Tonic in 2007. Quickly he delivered it to his very first accounts – Gramercy Tavern, Milk & Honey, and Blue Hill at Stone Barns – himself in his station wagon. And soon he was being asked for other sodas of similar quality and sophistication. So today Q Drinks makes 8 different spectacular sodas: Q Tonic, Q Ginger Beer, Q Ginger (Ale), Q Club Soda, Q Kola, Q Lemon, Q Orange, and Q Grapefruit. Compared to factory sodas, each is crafted with a) much better ingredients, b) far less sugar/calories, and c) the belief that soda can be as great as the best craft beers. Q Drinks’ sodas are proudly carried by many of America’s very best restaurants as well as retailers ranging from Whole Foods to Safeway to Target. Jordan lives in Brooklyn, NY with his wife and two kids. And he still really likes gin and tonics.
About BevNET Live
The BevNET Live program is designed to help entrepreneurial beverage companies of all sizes explore potential strategies for growth while building community. Speakers address the problems and challenges associated with moving across channels of trade, building established organizations, and consider capital structures that can fuel long-term success. Thought leaders like investors, retailers, distributors, suppliers, marketers and entrepreneurs join in moderated conversations and case studies designed to provide executable ideas for innovative beverage companies that are trying to reach their next level, while also sharing and enjoying networking in a highly collegial environment.