Walmart, Morrisons, and Asahi have joined the incredible lineup of retail and investment hosts taking 1:1 meetings at BevNET Live NYC 2026 on June 10 + 11. Walmart is the world’s largest grocery retailer, Morrisons is one of the largest supermarket chains in the U.K., and Asahi is one of the world’s leading beer, spirits, and soft drinks companies.
Register for BevNET Live to request pre-scheduled, private meetings with these – and many other – beverage industry partners who can answer your toughest questions and provide actionable advice. Requests are reviewed and selected by the hosts to ensure they’re productive for both sides. Availability is limited.
Here’s who recently joined:
Natalia Narloch, Buying Manager, Soft Drinks, Morrisons
Natalia is a buying manager in the soft drinks category at Morrisons, one of the UK’s largest supermarket chains. She studied at the University of Leeds and has built her career in grocery buying and trading, previously working in confectionery before moving into soft drinks. Based in Bradford/Leeds.
Chris Beattie, Senior Buyer, Soft Drinks, Morrisons
Chris is a senior buyer specialising in functional soft drinks, water, and juice at Morrisons, where he is responsible for range, supplier relationships, and commercial negotiations across these categories. He holds a qualification from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and is based in Bradford.
Kristian Atkinson, Senior Buyer, Soft Drinks, Morrisons
Kristian is a senior buyer in the soft drinks category at Morrisons, with responsibility for commercial trading and ranging. He is based in the Greater Leeds area.
Dee Charlemagne, Senior Director of Emerging Brands, Walmart
Dee Charlemagne is Senior Director of Emerging Brands at Walmart, where she helps develop how entrepreneurial and high-growth brands partner with the retailer. She brings a founder’s perspective to the role, having co-founded AVEC Drinks before joining Walmart. Her background spans brand strategy, cultural strategy, innovation, and growth, with prior experience advising and building consumer brands.
Leslie Osorio,Senior Beverage Merchant, Shelf-Stable Juice, Walmart
Leslie Osorio is a Senior Merchant at Walmart, currently leading the Shelf-Stable Juice business and driving strategies that deliver value, innovation, and growth for customers. Prior to managing the Shelf-Stable Juice category, Lesley oversaw Protein Shakes and Bars, where she developed a passion for working with emerging and high-growth brands.
Zhun Che, Investor, Asahi Group Beverages & Innovation
Zhun Che is an investor at Asahi Group Beverages & Innovation, where he focuses on emerging beverage brands and related innovation. He brings experience across venture investing, food and agriculture, and consumer growth strategy,
In addition to the hosts above, you have the opportunity to meet with the following buyers and investors:
Retail Buyers & Operators
- Samantha Fletcher, Senior Category Merchant, Whole Foods Market
- John Lawson, Senior Local Forager, Whole Foods Market
- Nicolletta Payne, Senior Director of Merchandising, The Vitamin Shoppe
- Randy Ornstein, Senior Director of Beverages, Gopuff
- Stephen Jabour, Chief Sales and Operating Officer, Spec’s
- Jon Halper, Owner/CEO, Top Ten Liquors
- David Germick, Category Merchant, Wegmans Food Markets
Investors
- Mark Rampolla, Co-Managing Partner, GroundForce Capital
- Elly Truesdell, Managing Partner, New Fare Partners
- Maddie Serviente, Head of Investment Team, The Angel Group
- Alyssa Arnold, Managing Partner, The Angel Group
- Webb Knudsen, Vice President, Partnership Capital Growth
- Caroline Lippman, Vice President, Coefficient Capital
- Dr. Sebastian Dreher, Venture Manager US, Döhler
- Brad Barnhorn, Board Member & Strategic Advisor
- Dace Graham, Managing Partner, 1731 MGMT
- Hank Spring, Managing Partner, KarpReilly
- Kyle Fitzpatrick, CEO, Paperboy Ventures
The event takes place next week! More than 625 beverage industry professionals are already registered.
Register for BevNET Live NYC 2026 >>
About BevNET Live
BevNET Live is the beverage industry’s premier event, bringing together brands, distributors, retailers, investors, and service providers to explore what’s ahead for the industry. Featuring top-tier speakers and the fan-favorite New Beverage Showdown, each event draws hundreds of brands from across the country.