Day one of BevNET Live Summer ’13 is in the books – and what a day it was! The first day of the conference offered attendees a detailed look into fast-growing market trends and critical insights from some of the most successful beverage companies in the industry, including a rare interview with AriZona Beverage co-founder Don Vultaggio. The show also provided some thrilling moments with the semifinals of New Beverage Showdown 5, and the announcement of six unique brands heading into the final round today.

Wednesday’s agenda leads off with a case study on acai beverage company Zola. CEO and founder Chris Cuvelier will discuss how companies can find growth in shifting from single-ingredient focused product to broader beverage company. Next will be a presentation on building beverage brands in Kroger stores, led by Mary Ellen Adcock, VP of Natural Foods, Kroger. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear how beverage entrepreneurs can access the reach and volume offered by Kroger, the largest grocery store operator in the U.S.

The day will continue with key insights designed to help you grow your business fast and effectively, including a panel discussion on reaching core consumers, a look at national distribution and retailing with brand incubator L.A. Libations, a look at the transition from natural and specialty to mainstream supermarket channels, and a presentation on how minority investment combined with a hands-on approach can help increase value for all stakeholders.

Sewed into the day’s educational content are presentations from the six finalists of New Beverage Showdown 5. These beverage companies will one more chance to introduce their products to important potential investors, distributors and other key connections, and, of course, $10,000 in cash and prizes, furnished by Venturing and Emerging Brands and BevNET.

Much, much more throughout Day 2 of BevNET Live Summer ’13, including presentations from online grocer Fresh Direct, key learnings on working with regional distributors, a look at ways that beverage entrepreneurs can maximize their company’s  valuation during investment rounds, and a who’s who panel of beverage executives from Vita Coco, Red Bull, Sambazon and Food Should Taste Good.

Tune in to our free livestream and catch every minute of what will be an incredible second day of BevNET Live!

Watch live now: http://www.bevnet.com/livestream

The BevNET Live video feed is sponsored by Blast Max, NVE Pharmaceuticals and West Coast Chill.