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New Beverage Showdown Semifinals

Sponsored Workshop: Unapologetically Sweet, Surprisingly Strong and Delightfully Weird – Ingredion Beverage Innovation

• Adams Berzins

  , Global Sugar Reduction Applications Lead, Ingredion

  

  Adams Berzins

  Global Sugar Reduction Applications Lead, Ingredion

  Adams Berzins leads Global Sugar Reduction Applications at Ingredion Incorporated, where they focus on developing plant-based sweetener systems that enhance taste and support healthier products. With over 20 years of experience in product formulation, Berzins has driven innovations that bring new sweetener solutions to market. Their approach emphasizes system-level sweetening strategies, integrating technologies such as stevia, allulose, and next-generation sweeteners and taste modulators to align with consumer demand for natural ingredients. Berzins has shared expertise through industry publications and podcasts, offering insights on balancing sweetness and effective sugar reduction strategies. Their work continues to shape the food science landscape through strategic collaborations and thought leadership in sugar reduction

• Kelcey Pusateri

  , Senior Technologist, Ingredion

  

  Kelcey Pusateri

  Senior Technologist, Ingredion

  Kelcey Pusateri is a Senior Technologist who leverages her passion for tasty beverages to drive collaborative innovation projects forward. She has 10 years of product development experience with a focus on texture and healthful solutions.  She likes to engage with customers and help problem solve to find the best solution that can accelerate product development and improve performance.

• Taylor May

  , Senior Culinologist, Ingredion

  

  Taylor May

  Senior Culinologist, Ingredion

  Taylor May is a Senior Culinologist at Ingredion, specializing in sugar-reduction and front-end innovation. With a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and an emphasis in Culinology from Clemson University, Taylor integrates scientific rigor with culinary insight to deliver holistic product development solutions. Throughout her career, she has successfully led cross-functional initiatives focused on creating healthier, more sustainable food systems. Her work is grounded in a deep understanding of consumer behavior, market dynamics, and emerging trends, allowing her to translate complex challenges into impactful, on-trend innovations. Taylor is known for her strategic approach to product development, her commitment to continuous learning, and her ability to bridge the gap between science and the culinary arts. She is passionate about driving meaningful change in the food industry—developing products that not only meet nutritional goals but also delight consumers.

• Jessica Raskin

  , Account Manager, Ingredion

  

  Jessica Raskin

  Account Manager, Ingredion

  Jessica Raskin is an Account Manager on Ingredion’s Healthful Solutions team, specializing in sugar reduction and beverage applications. She is based in Baltimore, MD and is a proud Penn State Food Science alumna.

• Adams Berzins, Global Sugar Reduction Applications Lead, Ingredion
• Kelcey Pusateri, Senior Technologist, Ingredion
• Taylor May, Senior Culinologist, Ingredion
• Jessica Raskin, Account Manager, Ingredion

1:1 Meetings, Powered by L.A. Libations

• Nicole Dawes

  , Founder & CEO, Nixie Beverage Company

  

  Nicole Dawes

  Founder & CEO, Nixie Beverage Company

  Nicole Bernard Dawes is a pioneering entrepreneur with a lifelong mission to prove that organic products can taste just as good as, if not better than, their conventional counterparts. She has built multiple award-winning, nationally distributed brands that have redefined what better-for-you food and beverage can be. Growing up on the counter of her mother's natural food store in the 1970s and the factory floor of her father's company, Cape Cod Potato Chips, Nicole was inspired to create brands that combined the best of both worlds. In 2003, she founded Late July Snacks, one of the first brands to carry the USDA Certified Organic seal. And in 2019, she founded Nixie — the most delicious zero-calorie, zero-sugar beverages on the market. With more than 30 years of product development experience, Nicole launched Nixie to shake up the beverage category with a bold mission: to eliminate sugar, single-use plastic bottles, and toxic forever-chemicals from consumers' favorite beverages - without sacrificing flavor or fun. Nixie quickly became one of the fastest-growing sparkling water brands, leading to its 2024 expansion into organic, zero-sugar sodas in nostalgic, classic flavors that rival mainstream diet sodas. Nixie Organic Zero Sugar Soda and Sparkling Water is sold in over 11,000 retailers nationwide and continues to grow. Nicole's leadership has earned her recognition from Food & Wine and Fortune as one of the "Most Innovative Women in Food and Drink," and from Forbes as one of the "Top Five Women Breaking Barriers in Food and Beverage." In 2007, she testified before Congress in a historic hearing on behalf of the Organic Trade Association. She's also spoken at industry events, including Expo West, NOSH Live, plus the Hirshberg Entrepreneurship Institute.

• Todd Davis

  , Natural Foods/Multi-Cultural Category Manager, King Soopers/City Market

  

  Todd Davis

  Natural Foods/Multi-Cultural Category Manager, King Soopers/City Market

  Todd Davis’s journey with Kroger started in 1995 as a fresh-faced Courtesy Clerk, and it didn’t take long for his hard work to pay off—he was promoted to Produce Clerk that same year. By 1996, Todd had already stepped into his first leadership role as a Produce Manager, setting the stage for a career full of growth and fresh opportunities. Fast forward through the years, and Todd’s resume reads like a tour of the grocery world. From Assistant Store Leader in 2001 to Division CAO Specialist in Houston, Produce Field Specialist, and more, Todd has worn a lot of hats. His knack for innovation shone through when he became the District Produce Coordinator in 2010 and then a Produce Subject Matter Expert at the General Office in 2011. By 2019, Todd was leading stores in Houston, and in 2023, he took on a new challenge as Store Leader in Excess at King Soopers. Today, he’s the King Soopers/City Market Division Natural Foods/Local Category Manager, where he blends his passion for fresh products with a flair for creative merchandising. But there’s more to Todd than his impressive career. He’s driven by a calling to help others grow, both professionally and personally. He’s all about those deep, meaningful conversations where everyone walks away with something new. Todd’s curiosity is boundless, he’s got an itch to study quantum physics and a soft spot for Thanos (yes, that Thanos), who could both save and destroy with a snap. When he’s not shaping the future of grocery, Todd’s geeking out on documentaries, diving into self-improvement books, or soaking up stories from strangers that offer fresh perspectives. You might be surprised to know that Todd’s hip-hop collection is the largest in North America—who knew? A self-proclaimed "Inspirational Speaker," Todd aims to inspire and assist others in reaching their goals. Todd is grateful for life and family. Todd loves to inspire others and will always be curious. His advice to his younger self? “Be patient, plan accordingly, and believe.” Todd is a leader who knows that growth and innovation go hand in hand.

• Nate Cooper

  , Founder & Managing Partner, Barrel Ventures

  

  Nate Cooper

  Founder & Managing Partner, Barrel Ventures

  Nate Cooper is the founder & Managing Partner of Barrel Ventures, a seed-stage venture fund based in Chicago that supports category-defining companies innovating in throughout the food ecosystem. He launched Barrel after founding L3 Hospitality Group and Wise Apple—an early venture aimed at reinventing kids’ lunch. An early investor in companies such as Olipop, Nowadays, Helaina, Jumbotail, Confido & many more, Barrel focuses on companies where they can add a disproportionate amount of value. An Emory University graduate from the Goizueta School of Business, Nate earned his MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management as a Kellogg Scholar and Zell Fellow. At home, he's supported by his wife Ariel and 3 young kiddos Sadie (5), Chase (3), and Maddy (1).

• Giuseppe Infusino

  , Managing Partner, CIO, InvestBev

  

  Giuseppe Infusino

  Managing Partner, CIO, InvestBev

  Giuseppe Infusino is a Partner and the Chief Investment Officer at InvestBev, a private equity firm that invests in consumer brands, support services, and hard assets in the beverage space. He leads InvestBev’s investment strategy development, sourcing, diligence, and structuring processes. Prior to InvestBev, Giuseppe spent over a decade managing multiple private market investment portfolios on behalf of prominent institutional investors. He has successfully deployed over $10 billion across various strategies. Giuseppe is on the boards of CANN, Speakeasy, and L’Uva Bella. He holds an MBA in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a B.S. in Finance and Real Estate from University of Wisconsin-Madison.

• Ryan Fagan

  , Deal Partner, Gryphon Investors

  

  Ryan Fagan

  Deal Partner, Gryphon Investors

  Ryan Fagan is a Deal Partner at Gryphon Investors, a $10 billion middle-market private equity firm. He focuses on growth investments in Consumer Health & Wellness and Better-For-You Food and Beverage. Most recently, Ryan led Gryphon’s investment in Spindrift in partnership with Founder and Chairman Bill Creelman and CEO Dave Burwick. He also serves on the boards of Metagenics and Mechanix Wear, and has supported prior Gryphon investments including Zicam and Dessert Holdings. He began his career at Gryphon in 2007, after earning a J.D. from Columbia Law School and a B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Originally from Philadelphia, he now lives in the Bay Area with his wife and two daughters.

• Jon Halper

  , Owner & CEO, Top Ten Liquors

  

  Jon Halper

  Owner & CEO, Top Ten Liquors

  Jon Halper is the Owner and CEO of Top Ten Liquors, one of the Twin Cities’ fastest-growing independent liquor retailers. Since acquiring the business in 2013, Jon has expanded Top Ten into a leading presence across Minnesota, recognized for its innovative retail approach and commitment to community. In addition to building one of the state’s most successful liquor businesses, Jon has emerged as an industry leader in the THC and cannabis market. He has played a pioneering role in advancing usage, shaping regulatory policy, and fostering collaboration across the country. His work as a network builder and advocate has helped position Minnesota at the forefront of this rapidly evolving industry. Jon and his wife, Jill, are also deeply committed to philanthropy. They are longtime champions of the Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF) and continue to give back through numerous local charities and community initiatives. With a career spanning law, retail, and entrepreneurship, Jon brings a unique perspective on growth, responsible innovation, and the future of both the liquor and cannabis industries.

• Brad Barnhorn

  , Board Member and Strategic Advisor,

  

  Brad Barnhorn

  Board Member and Strategic Advisor,

  Brad partners with leading growth-stage food and beverage companies as an active Board member working with high performance CEOs to optimize their leadership effectiveness across all business dimensions in order to build/scale dynamic brands and create high value, category winning companies effectively positioned to sustainably drive strong, profitable growth and/or exit to strategic acquirers. Current Boards: Country Archer, Gimme Foods, Biena and Barney Butter. Prior Boards from early/growth stage through to Company Exit: Kevita (Pepsi), Simple Mills (Flowers Foods), Krave (Hershey), Flying Embers (JuneShine), Health Warrior (Pepsi), RightRice (Planting Hope), Zola (Karp Reilly), Fishpeople (Bornstein Seafood), Chameleon Cold Brew (Nestle), Red’s All Natural (Bansk Group) and Aura Bora (Next in Natural) … with cumulative exit value surpassing $1.5 billion. After time spent in management consulting and investment banking, Brad’s food/bev journey began over twenty-five years ago as the Founder/CEO of the Fantasia Fresh Juice Co. which he built into a leading superpremium fresh juice/smoothie brand culminating in a merger with Naked Juice and subsequent acquisition by Pepsi. He holds an MBA from the Stanford GSB and a true passion for unlocking the power of human transformation and possibility in life and leadership.

• Kim Route

  , Category Manager, INFRA

  

  Kim Route

  Category Manager, INFRA

  Kim Route is a Category Manager at INFRA, where she curates strategic promotions and identifies emerging trends across snacks, candy, chocolate, and beverages. With experience spanning both conventional and natural grocery, she is passionate about helping independent retailers thrive and advancing a more sustainable food system. Outside of work, Kim enjoys time with her three dogs, trying new recipes, exploring local breweries, and serving on the Advisory Board for Minnesota State University’s Women in Leadership program.

• Jomaree Pinkard

  , Co-Founder, Hella Cocktail Co & INCLUDED CPG

  

  Jomaree Pinkard

  Co-Founder, Hella Cocktail Co & INCLUDED CPG

  Jomaree Pinkard brings 15 years of experience scaling startup businesses, spanning multi-channel expansion, market analysis, and strategic business planning. Most recently, Pinkard led Diageo's $200M Venture Impact Fund, Pronghorn as CEO and Managing Director, where he spearheaded the company’s overarching mission of diversifying the spirits industry by cultivating and investing in the next generation of founders, executives, and entrepreneurs.  Before joining Pronghorn, Pinkard spent a decade as the Co-Founder, CEO, and now Chairman of Hella Cocktail Co., a minority-owned craft beverage company. During his tenure, Pinkard spearheaded numerous strategic brand evolutions and introduced groundbreaking product innovations that propelled the company into a national enterprise. At Hella Cocktail Co., Pinkard forged impactful partnerships with major brands such as Southern Glazers’ Wine & Spirits, TGI Fridays, Disney, Delta Airlines, and others. Prior to his leadership at Hella Cocktail Co., Pinkard made significant contributions to various sectors. He played a pivotal role in developing The Salvation Army's September 11 World Trade Center Recovery Program, held a Vice President position at Marsh & McLennan, and offered independent consulting services to the National Football League. Pinkard is an alumnus of the University of Virginia's McIntire School of Commerce and holds an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Additionally, he was appointed to the Specialty Food Association Board of Directors in 2021-2024, and is a founding member of :INCLUDED CPG, a nonprofit supporting 600+ diverse founders across the consumer products industry. 

• Aaron Hinde

  , President + Cofounder, LIFEAID

  

  Aaron Hinde

  President + Cofounder, LIFEAID

  In 2011, Dr. Aaron Hinde made what many would call a bold move: he walked away from a thriving sports-chiropractic practice and dove head-first into the cutthroat world of beverage…where one year’s failure rate hovers around 95 %. Partnering with fellow Santa Cruz native Orion Melehan, he co-founded LIFEAID Beverage Company (aka FITAID) with a clear mission: offer clean, function forward lifestyle drinks as healthier alternatives to the sugar- loaded, artificially enhanced energy and sports beverages dominating the market. To prove his commitment, Aaron relocated his family into a minimalist, off-the-grid 400-square- foot home and turned “entrepreneur” into a full-time lifestyle. Their flagship product, FITAID, swiftly found favor among the CrossFit crowd as the go-to for clean recovery. Today LIFEAID’s lineup includes FITAID Recovery, FITAID Energy, FITAID Creatine, FOCUSAID, PARTYAID, IMMUNITYAID and powder stick formats of Hydrate and Creatine products that dominate niche fitness channels and shelf space in mainstream retailers such as Whole Foods, Sprouts, HEB and Vitamin Shoppe. Aaron holds a B.A. in Economics (minor in International Business) from Saint Vincent College and a Doctor of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic West. He served professional athletes and CrossFitters for a decade in Santa Cruz, then entered public service: elected to the Santa Cruz County Board of Education as a trustee in 2008 and re-elected in 2010. Ultimately, he sold his practice, stepped away from politics and put his full energy into turning FITAID into a household name. Beyond his leadership at LIFEAID, Aaron is a business advisor and investor in consumer-goods ventures. He’s married to his wife Ramah for 23 years and is father to Trinity (21) and Bronson (19), two outspoken FITAID fans and part-time taste-testers.

• Nicole Dawes, Founder & CEO, Nixie Beverage Company
• Todd Davis, Natural Foods/Multi-Cultural Category Manager, King Soopers/City Market
• Nate Cooper, Founder & Managing Partner, Barrel Ventures
• Giuseppe Infusino, Managing Partner, CIO, InvestBev
• Ryan Fagan, Deal Partner, Gryphon Investors
• Jon Halper, Owner & CEO, Top Ten Liquors
• Brad Barnhorn, Board Member and Strategic Advisor,
• Kim Route, Category Manager, INFRA
• Jomaree Pinkard, Co-Founder, Hella Cocktail Co & INCLUDED CPG
• Aaron Hinde, President + Cofounder, LIFEAID

Networking Break

-- Morning Session --

Welcome Remarks

Full Circle with Poppi: Advice from Allison and Stephen Ellsworth

• Allison Ellsworth

  , Co-Founder, Poppi
• Stephen Ellsworth

  , Co-Founder, Poppi

• Allison Ellsworth, Co-Founder, Poppi
• Stephen Ellsworth, Co-Founder, Poppi

Ten Years of Trends: A Decade of Investment with Doelher Ventures

• Dr. Sebastian Dreher

  , Venture Manager, U.S., Döhler Ventures

  

  Dr. Sebastian Dreher

  Venture Manager, U.S., Döhler Ventures

  Dr. Sebastian Dreher is Managing Director of Döhler Ventures US and has been leading early-stage investments into next generation food and beverage brands since 2016.   He is based in Venice Beach, California, and has been an active part of the local CPG community. His responsibility includes several board and board observer positions.   Sebastian holds a degree in industrial engineering (with focus on mechanical engineering) and a PhD in Strategic Innovation Management from Technical University in Darmstadt, Germany.

• Dr. Sebastian Dreher, Venture Manager, U.S., Döhler Ventures

Health Ade’s Closing Kick

• Chris Lansing

  , Former CEO, Health Ade

  

  Chris Lansing

  Former CEO, Health Ade

  Chris Lansing is a seasoned Chief Executive Officer known for her transformative leadership in both entrepreneurial and Fortune 500 environments. With a proven track record spanning companies such as Health-Ade, Nature’s Bakery, Peet’s Coffee & Tea, PepsiCo, Hershey’s and Procter & Gamble, Chris excels in driving growth and profitability across a breadth of consumer brands and categories.   Combining big CPG business discipline with entrepreneurial zeal, Chris specializes in revitalizing consumer brands and strengthening business models while preserving their entrepreneurial values and agility. Her strategic prowess extends across the business, with equal focus on driving consumer preferred innovation and topline growth and improving core business operations to improve overall cost structure.   Recognized for her team-building skills, Chris fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, empowering teams to achieve ambitious goals and drive organizational excellence. Her commitment to talent development and mentorship has been instrumental in cultivating high-performing teams capable of navigating complexities and seizing opportunities.   Chris holds an M.B.A. from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and a Bachelor’s in Economics and Public Policy from Swarthmore College. With expertise in growth acceleration, turnarounds, M&A, and strategic planning, Chris is poised to continue shaping the consumer industry with her visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to driving meaningful results.

• Steve Young

  , Managing Partner, Manna Tree Partners
• Bob Nakasone

  , Managing Director, First Bev

  

  Bob Nakasone

  Managing Director, First Bev

  A 25-year consumer packaged goods industry veteran, Bob is Managing Director of First Bev, a private equity firm that invests in innovative and transformational beverage brands, helping them grow and stand out in a dynamic and competitive industry. In addition to Health-Ade, First Bev has backed other industry-leading brands including Essentia Water, Q Mixers, Laws Whiskey and Drizly. Bob’s background includes two years at KeVita, maker of sparkling probiotic drinks and kombucha, where he led a high growth commercial strategy that accelerated the company’s already steep growth trajectory and resulted in PepsiCo’s largest acquisition in over 5 years, paying a premium multiple to buy a leader in the emerging functional beverage space.  Prior to KeVita, he spent 17 years at PepsiCo in leadership positions across business development, customer development, strategic planning and product commercialization and developed a strong track record for architecting and staffing teams for growth and leading them to above-plan results.  Bob lives in South Pasadena, CA with his wife, Kelly, and their two daughters. His volunteer work includes two terms on the Board of Trustees of the Mayfield Junior School in Pasadena where he chaired the Finance and Audit Committee. In addition to spending time with his family, he enjoys playing ice hockey in Pasadena’s adult leagues. He holds a BA from Denison University, where he also played on the men’s soccer team.

• Chris Lansing, Former CEO, Health Ade
• Steve Young, Managing Partner, Manna Tree Partners
• Bob Nakasone, Managing Director, First Bev

Sponsored Workshop: Energy, focus, resilience: The innovation for differentiation

• Shawn Wells

  , CSO & FISSN, NNB Nutrition

  

  Shawn Wells

  CSO & FISSN, NNB Nutrition

  Shawn Wells, MPH, LDN, RD, CISSN, FISSN is a globally recognized nutritional biochemistry expert with more than 20 years of experience in health, wellness, and product formulation. He has formulated over 1,100 products and holds 40+ patents, including enfinity® (Paraxanthine) and BHB salts. He has served as Chief Clinical Dietitian, Chief Science Officer, and advisor to multiple supplement companies, facilitating transactions exceeding half a billion dollars. Shawn authored the bestselling book The Energy Formula, featured by USA Today and Forbes, and he shares cutting-edge research on Mindvalley, in documentaries, and on his website shawnwells.com. He frequently speaks at events globally.

• Shawn Wells, CSO & FISSN, NNB Nutrition

Brands in Motion: Founders in the Marketplace

• Ila Byrne

  , Co-Founder/CMO, Parch

  

  Ila Byrne

  Co-Founder/CMO, Parch

  Ila Byrne is co-Founder and Chief Marketing & Innovation Officer at Parch.  She was named by Forbes as one of the “Women Running the Spirits World” and after 10 years leading Brand & Innovation Strategy at DIAGEO for spirit brands like Crown Royal, Tanqueray, Bailey’s and Ketel One, she decided to go it alone.  After living in London, Melbourne, and Dublin she settled in Brooklyn where she consults to leading beverage brands around the world, advises spirit start-ups and is building the next generation of alternate adult beverages.  PARCH offers a range of distinctive, non-alcoholic agave cocktails, inspired by the Sonoran Desert and the lush biodiversity it keeps. Each sip offers a complex taste from unique pairings of desert ingredients, based on the ethos that "what grows together, goes together". Our blend of functional herbs and desert botanicals is designed to center your mind and body like no other.  Ila is passionate about offering consumers beautiful brands and better drinks that bring more people to the table and do less harm to people & our planet.

• Scarlett Leung

  , Co-Founder, Pretty Tasty

  

  Scarlett Leung

  Co-Founder, Pretty Tasty

  Scarlett Leung is a seasoned retail and e-commerce executive with deep expertise in strategy, operations, finance, and mission-driven brand building. She brings a proven track record of crafting customer-centric strategies that drive innovation and exceptional experiences. As Co-founder, Scarlett is currently leading brand, growth and strategy at Pretty Tasty, a better-for-you beverage brand positioned at the intersection of wellness and lifestyle. Pretty Tasty was awarded "Best New Beverage" in 2024 by BevNet and has grown to over 2,000 doors nationwide in its first year of launch. In addition to her operator role, she collaborates in advisory, investment, leadership, and consulting capacities with firms including Anthos Capital, Target, and Bain & Company. Earlier in her career, she began in audit at Deloitte & Touche and later held leadership roles at L’Oréal, AllSaints and FreshDirect. She holds an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management. With more than a decade of leadership experience spanning strategy, team development, global operations, and end-to-end business optimization, Scarlett has lived in six cities and delivered projects across North America, Latin America, the Middle East, Asia, and Oceania.

• Susan Buckwalter Hartman

  , Co-Founder, Recoup

  

  Susan Buckwalter Hartman

  Co-Founder, Recoup

  Co-Founder Susan Buckwalter Hartman set out to create the clean-label drink she wanted after a workout or surf session—one that went beyond hydration. An adventure sports enthusiast and former college athlete, she’s long been passionate about wellness. With deep experience in natural products and innovation, Susan teamed up with her co-founder, Siwat, to build Recoup: a mission-driven brand that champions resilience for people and the planet. Before launching Recoup, Susan held brand and innovation leadership roles at Unilever, Campbell’s, and eos Products, where she developed and launched more than 50 consumer products. She holds a BA from Gettysburg College and an MBA from Cornell University.

• Ila Byrne, Co-Founder/CMO, Parch
• Scarlett Leung, Co-Founder, Pretty Tasty
• Susan Buckwalter Hartman, Co-Founder, Recoup

BevNET Best of 2025 Awards - Presented by Zuckerman Honickman - Announced; New Beverage Showdown Finalists Announced

Lunch Powered by Saint James, Sampling & Taste Radio Studio

Sponsored Workshop: The Hidden AI Advantage: What Winning Brands Know Before You Do

• Shyam Jayakumar

  , CEO, BevGenie

  

  Shyam Jayakumar

  CEO, BevGenie

  Shyam Jayakumar is the CEO and Founder of BevGenie, an emerging AI market intelligence platform reshaping how beverage companies understand consumers, anticipate market shifts, and drive profitable growth. A seasoned technology leader with more than 25 years of experience, Shyam has led high-impact digital transformation efforts at global organizations such as MicroStrategy, Salesforce, and Axway. He brings a unique blend of product vision, data engineering expertise, and operational rigor to every problem he solves.  In addition to BevGenie, Shyam is the Founder of Twenty20 Systems, a global consulting and integration practice that supports enterprise clients across data, automation, and analytics initiatives. His work sits at the intersection of AI, data strategy, and scalable systems—enabling brands to compete smarter in an increasingly complex market landscape.

• Brian Berlin

  , Industry Advisor, BevGenie

  

  Brian Berlin

  Industry Advisor, BevGenie

  Brian Berlin is an Industry Advisor at BevGenie and a seasoned insights leader with nearly two decades of experience shaping commercial strategy for some of the most recognized beverage alcohol brands. Known for his deep command of category dynamics and data-driven decision making, Brian previously led data solutions teams at Constellation Brands and played a pivotal role in establishing the Commercial and Shopper Insights function at Beam Suntory. His work has consistently helped brand and commercial teams understand consumer behavior, identify market opportunities, and translate data into profitable growth pathways. At BevGenie, Brian brings a forward-thinking, operator-minded perspective to leveraging AI and intelligence platforms for modern beverage decision-making.

• Shyam Jayakumar, CEO, BevGenie
• Brian Berlin, Industry Advisor, BevGenie

-- Afternoon Session --

Distribution To-Dos: Building, Merchandising, and Growing Your Brand

• Melissa Angle

  , VP Merchandising & Supplier Relationship Management, UNFI

  

  Melissa Angle

  VP Merchandising & Supplier Relationship Management, UNFI

  Melissa Angle is the Vice President of Natural Category Merchandising and Supplier Relationship Management for United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI), a premier grocery wholesaler delivering a wide variety of fresh, branded, and owned brand products to more than 30,000 locations throughout North America, including natural product superstores, independent retailers, conventional supermarket chains, ecommerce providers, and food service customers. Melissa began her career at UNFI in 1998 as a Custom Flyer Coordinator in the Dayville, Conn. facility. She quickly moved into a Category Management role for Grocery. In 2001, Melissa joined BIN Sales & Marketing, a natural broker, where she served as Brand Manager and later Director of Marketing before returning to UNFI in 2006. Over the years, Melissa has held several key positions of increasing responsibility at UNFI, including National Director of Marketing – East and West, East Region Director of Supplier Relationship Management, National Sr. Director of Supplier Relationship Management, and Vice President of Supplier Relationship Management. She’s played a pivotal role during numerous mergers, acquisitions, and organizational transformations, including the formation of UNFI and integrations with Millbrook, Haddon House, Trudeau, Tony’s, and SUPERVALU. Outside of work, Melissa enjoys spending time with her two adult children, Ashleigh and RJ. She’s an avid pickleball player, a home project enthusiast with a passion for painting, and is currently diving back into sourdough baking.

• Melissa Angle, VP Merchandising & Supplier Relationship Management, UNFI

Inside Beverage Investment

• Nate Cooper

  , Founder & Managing Partner, Barrel Ventures

  

  Nate Cooper

  Founder & Managing Partner, Barrel Ventures

  Nate Cooper is the founder & Managing Partner of Barrel Ventures, a seed-stage venture fund based in Chicago that supports category-defining companies innovating in throughout the food ecosystem. He launched Barrel after founding L3 Hospitality Group and Wise Apple—an early venture aimed at reinventing kids’ lunch. An early investor in companies such as Olipop, Nowadays, Helaina, Jumbotail, Confido & many more, Barrel focuses on companies where they can add a disproportionate amount of value. An Emory University graduate from the Goizueta School of Business, Nate earned his MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management as a Kellogg Scholar and Zell Fellow. At home, he's supported by his wife Ariel and 3 young kiddos Sadie (5), Chase (3), and Maddy (1).

• Bill Moses

  , CEO, Credibl.AI

  

  Bill Moses

  CEO, Credibl.AI

  Bill Moses is an entrepreneur, investor, and executive leader at the intersection of functional CPG and precision e-health innovation. He currently serves as CEO of Credibl.AI and brings decades of experience scaling disruptive wellness and nutrition brands. In addition to his leadership at Credibl.AI, Bill is a strategic advisor and board member at Kosterina, JRNYS Wellness, JuneShine, WILDE BRANDS, Koia Protein, and the Eudemonia Regenerative Health Summit. He is also an angel investor in DrinkPAK. Previously, Bill was the Founder and CEO of Flying Embers, acquired by JuneShine Brands. He was also the Co-Founder and CEO of KeVita, which was sold to PepsiCo. As an investor, advisor and board member, he played a role in the growth of Vive Organic, which was acquired by Suja / Paine Schwartz. He also founded and Vintner of Casa Barranca Organic Winery—the first USDA-certified organic winery on California's Central Coast, later sold to The Naturalist Winery. Bill’s philanthropic efforts include serving on the board of the World Business Academy, a nonprofit think tank and action incubator. He previously served as Chairman of Opportunity Green, a leading sustainability business conference hosted at the UCLA Anderson School of Business. He is also a recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. With more than 30 years of experience in business and finance, Bill began his career on Wall Street at Bear Stearns. He later became a Partner at Axiom Partners, LTD., a New York-based investment banking and brokerage firm. He was also the Co-Founder and CEO of Recovery Television Network & RNetHealth.com, which were acquired by Liberty Media.

• Brian Rosen

  , General Partner, InvestBev

  

  Brian Rosen

  General Partner, InvestBev

  Brian Rosen is a third-generation veteran of the adult beverage industry and the General Partner of InvestBev, the largest private equity platform dedicated exclusively to the spirits and adult beverage sector. Under Rosen’s leadership, InvestBev now manages over half a billion dollars in total assets under management (AUM) across equity, credit, and insurance strategies. The firm was honored as Preqin’s Growth Fund of the Year in 2024, and in 2025, Inc. Magazine named InvestBev one of the Top Equity Firms for Founders, underscoring its position as the premier institutional investor in the category. Through InvestBev Capital, Rosen pioneered and successfully executed a proprietary bourbon barrel arbitrage strategy, consistently delivering first quartile results since 2015—a track record that has established InvestBev as the global leader in spirits-based alternative assets. Rosen has launched five equity funds and two credit funds, along with a $70 million insurance platform dedicated to barrel inventory—making InvestBev the most diversified investment and risk-management platform in the spirits asset class. In 2025, he also secured a $100 million investment from the world’s largest global equity firm, further cementing InvestBev’s global leadership. Earlier in his career, Rosen led his own $100 million retail liquor enterprise, served as a partner at PwC in the adult beverage practice, and acted as lead trade marketing consultant at Anheuser-Busch. He has been recognized as Retailer of the Year (3×), Wine Innovator of the Year, Forbes Best of the Web (2×), and named to the Power Ranking’s Top 100 Global Beverage Leaders. A frequent keynote speaker, Rosen has addressed leading industry forums including the Wine Technology Symposium, WSWA, and the Beverage Expo, and his expertise has been featured in Forbes, Wine Spectator, Beverage Dynamics, CNN, FOX, and CBS. Rosen holds an Executive Leadership credential from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a degree in marketing and finance from DePaul University. He is also a member of Tiger 21 and YPO Gold.

• Nate Cooper, Founder & Managing Partner, Barrel Ventures
• Bill Moses, CEO, Credibl.AI
• Brian Rosen, General Partner, InvestBev

Sponsored Workshop: The Functional Beverage Playbook: From Idea to Scale  

• William McCormack

  , Business Development Manager, Beverage, dsm-firmenich

  

  William McCormack

  Business Development Manager, Beverage, dsm-firmenich

  Will, a Sports and Exercise Scientist by trade, has held various technical and commercial roles in ingredients and flavors in Europe and North America. He currently leads business development for beverage solutions at dsm-firmenich, focusing on innovative taste technologies that help brands deliver exceptional product experiences. With deep expertise in the B2B flavor and ingredient space, Will partners with beverage innovators to bring cutting-edge taste and ingredient solutions to market. His work spans strategic growth initiatives, and collaboration with leading beverage brands to meet evolving consumer preferences.

• Natalie Taak

  , Director of Beverage Marketing, dsm-firmenich

  

  Natalie Taak

  Director of Beverage Marketing, dsm-firmenich

  As a scientist, strategist, and innovator, Natalie Taake has spent her 25-year food & beverage career translating food science, culinary arts, consumer insights, and trend prediction into actionable business strategies.  A magnetic speaker and master taster, her sought-after expertise has been featured on America’s Test Kitchen and CNN.  Her novel approach to consumer segmentation, which identified consumer ‘foodie behaviors’ were agnostic to all traditional demographics including age, gender, ethnicity, and income, is patent pending.  After hours, she's hosting dinner parties, hitting the ski slopes, and sharing her love for music & movies with her husband and two young children.

• William McCormack, Business Development Manager, Beverage, dsm-firmenich
• Natalie Taak, Director of Beverage Marketing, dsm-firmenich

Friend Finder: How Three Successful Brands Found an Audience to Grow With

• Jordan Bass

  , CEO, HOP WTR

  

  Jordan Bass

  CEO, HOP WTR

  Jordan Bass co-founded HOPWTR after seven years at The Wonderful Company where he was Head of eCommerce and rapidly scaled the business to become leaders in CPG eCommerce. Jordan also held roles in corporate strategy and worked in venture capital. After garnering more than a decade of strategic experience spanning technology, management consulting, finance and CPG, Bass, who comes from a long line of entrepreneurs and has this DNA in his blood, was eager to get back to it. Losing his drinking partner (when his wife got pregnant) and wanting to lose his beer gut, he saw a need for a functional healthy beer alternative and partnered with his friend Nick Taranto to bring it to life. Jordan lives in Los Angeles with his amazing wife and three daughters.

• Michael Brandt

  , CEO & Co-Founder, Ketone IQ

  

  Michael Brandt

  CEO & Co-Founder, Ketone IQ

  Runner and entrepreneur Michael Brandt created Ketone-IQ, now the fastest growing energy shot in the U.S., after his obsession with marathon running and performance optimization evolved into a deeper curiosity about how the body generates and uses energy. A 2:35 marathoner, he is a Stanford graduate with a BS in computer science. Running Ketone-IQ, he has doubled revenue year-over-year and raised over $10 million from investors including a16z, Vital Proteins founder Kurt Seidensticker, Joe Montana, Chris Hemsworth, and Jake Paul.

• Kyle Watson

  , Chief Brand Officer, Celsius

  

  Kyle Watson

  Chief Brand Officer, Celsius

  Kyle Watson serves as Chief Brand Officer of Celsius Holdings, Inc., where she’s responsible for stewarding brand equity, driving consistency across marketing, advertising, and communications, and deepening consumer loyalty across the portfolio. She is also responsible for advancing the brand’s DNA and cultural relevance, ensuring consistency and resonance across consumer touchpoints. Since 2019, Kyle has served as the Head of Marketing and led innovation strategy for CELSIUS North America, establishing a proven track record of pioneering campaigns that have elevated consumer engagement, accelerated loyalty, and driven sustained sales growth. From 2016 to 2019, Kyle served as Head of Marketing at Hiball Energy, where she architected and executed a comprehensive national strategy that strengthened brand positioning and facilitated the company’s acquisition by Anheuser-Busch in 2017. Earlier in her career, she held progressive marketing leadership roles across the retail, sports, and consumer packaged goods sectors, where she consistently delivered innovation, growth, and market impact. Kyle holds a bachelor’s degree in Advertising from Florida State University. She resides in South Florida.

• Jordan Bass, CEO, HOP WTR
• Michael Brandt, CEO & Co-Founder, Ketone IQ
• Kyle Watson, Chief Brand Officer, Celsius

Inside The World’s Biggest Beverage Startup

• Todd Putman

  , Chief Transformation Officer, Generous Brands

  

  Todd Putman

  Chief Transformation Officer, Generous Brands

  Todd Putman is the Chief Transformation Officer (CTO) at Generous Brands, a leading beverage platform dedicated to inspiring people to thrive through the power of vibrant nutrition through its four brands (Bolthouse Farms, Health-Ade, Evolution Fresh and SAMBAZON Beverages). Throughout his career, Todd has been a consumer strategist and advocate for mission centered organizations, successfully leading transformational change for some of the most recognized Fortune 100 companies. Todd has been with Generous Brands (formally Bolthouse Farms) for over 15 years, returning most recently in 2021. From 2018-2021 Todd stepped away from Bolthouse and served as Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer at Bumble Bee Foods, where he focused on reinventing its core business and developing a well-stocked pipeline of new products.?From 2012-2016, Todd was with the Campbell Soup Company, where he served as General Manager of the Campbell Fresh business unit. His career with Campbell also included roles as CMO and Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) for Bolthouse Farms and General Manager of Garden-Fresh Gourmet. Todd has held senior leadership roles in Marketing, Innovation, Sales and Brand Management for organizations including The Coca-Cola Company, The Walt Disney and Procter & Gamble. Todd holds a BA in Liberal Arts from Purdue University and is the Author of Be More, Find Your Truth, Tell Your Story and Get What You Want Out of Life”. Todd currently resides in Santa Barbara, California.

• Todd Putman, Chief Transformation Officer, Generous Brands

Your next profit tailwind: Buying as well as you Sell

• David van Wees

  , Partner, Agrowgate
• Tim Near

  , Partner, Agrowgate

• David van Wees, Partner, Agrowgate
• Tim Near, Partner, Agrowgate

Battle Plans: Hemp-Based Cannabevs Face 2026

• Jake Bullock

  , CEO & Co-Founder, Cann

  

  Jake Bullock

  CEO & Co-Founder, Cann

  Jake is the Co-Founder & CEO of Cann, the THC-infused social beverage company that’s changing the way people socialize by providing a range of micro-dosed beverages that are better-for-you alcohol alternatives made with simple, all-natural ingredients. Prior to Cann, Jake was an associate at Bain Capital’s North American Private Equity fund evaluating potential investment opportunities with a specific focus in the consumer space. Prior to joining Bain Capital, Jake worked at Bain & Company in the San Francisco office on strategy and due diligence projects across technology, healthcare, private equity, and hedge funds. Prior to that, he worked as an investment banking analyst at Allen & Company in New York providing M&A advisory services. Jake graduated summa cum laude from Duke University with a B.S. in Economics and Political Science and received his M.B.A. from Stanford University.

• Jake Bullock, CEO & Co-Founder, Cann

Sponsored Workshop: Risk, Reward & Regulation: THC Beverages in 2026 and Beyond

• Ben Larson

  , Chief Executive Officer, Vertosa

  

  Ben Larson

  Chief Executive Officer, Vertosa

  Ben Larson has spent over a decade building, coaching, and investing in early-stage companies across the tech and cannabis sectors. As CEO of Vertosa, he leads a science-backed, service-first company specializing in advanced infusion technologies that power some of the most trusted cannabis and hemp-infused brands on the market. He also co-hosts the High Spirits podcast, where he explores the evolving landscape of the cannabis industry. A recognized leader in cannabis innovation, Ben co-founded Gateway in 2015, California’s Silicon Valley-style cannabis accelerator, helping to shape the industry’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. He previously played a pivotal role at Founder Institute, mentoring startups and managing global operations across 100+ cities. His contributions have earned him recognition from Forbes three years in a row as one of the 42 Pioneers to Watch in the Green Rush. Ben is deeply engaged in shaping policy and industry standards for the cannabis industry. He is a founding board member of the Coalition for Adult Beverage Alternatives (CABA) and currently serves as Vice Chair of the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA).

• Theo Terris

  , Chief Executive Officer, Uncle Arnie's

  

  Theo Terris

  Chief Executive Officer, Uncle Arnie's

  Theo Terris is the CEO of Uncle Arnie’s, one of the fastest-growing cannabis beverage brands in the U.S. Under his leadership, the company has earned a reputation for crafting high-quality, great-tasting drinks that are both affordable and accessible, helping push cannabis beverages into the mainstream. Uncle Arnie’s products are now available in 18 states and via direct-to-consumer at unclearnies.com. Before founding Uncle Arnie’s, Theo built and ran a successful video advertising business, sharpening his expertise in brand storytelling, digital strategy, and consumer engagement. He brings a creative and entrepreneurial mindset to building culturally resonant brands with lasting impact.

• Diana Eberlein

  , Chief External Affairs Officer + Chair CABA, Vertosa

  

  Diana Eberlein

  Chief External Affairs Officer + Chair CABA, Vertosa

  Diana Eberlein is Chief External Affairs Officer at Vertosa and Chair of the Coalition for Adult Beverage Alternatives (CABA), where she advocates for responsible cannabis beverage regulation. With over 15 years of marketing experience and a deep understanding of infused beverages, Diana has become a prominent industry voice, speaking at SXSW, Adweek NY, BevNET, and Benzinga, which named her one of the Top 20 Most Influential Women in Cannabis in 2024. Her career began in entertainment marketing after graduating from Loyola Marymount University, later shifting to cannabis after moving to Seattle in 2015. Passionate about education and advocacy, Diana also serves on the Forbes Agency Council. In her downtime, she enjoys cigars, sports, high heels, and being cat mom to Gherkin and Darby.

• Samantha Catalina

  , Fractional Chief Marketing Officer, CounterMeasures

  

  Samantha Catalina

  Fractional Chief Marketing Officer, CounterMeasures

  With more than 15 years of leadership across beverage and CPG, Samantha Catalina has built and scaled culturally relevant brands from ideation to shelf. She’s led global marketing strategy at Phusion Projects, driving the evolution of flagship brands like Four Loko and launching Mamitas. Her background spans powerhouse names, including Anheuser-Busch, Pabst Brewing Company, Twitter, and leading shopper marketing agencies. For the past 7 months, Samantha has brought this expertise to the hemp beverage and alcohol space as a Fractional CMO, partnering with brands like Cann, Happy Dad, Climbing Kites, and Highpour. She combines creative brand storytelling with sharp commercial strategy—building launch frameworks that drive velocity, cultural relevance, and retail impact. Her edge lies in blending innovation, consumer insight, influencer ecosystems, and retail execution to help brands move fast and win.

• Ryan Pinsky

  , Vice President of Sales, Vertosa

  

  Ryan Pinsky

  Vice President of Sales, Vertosa

  Ryan Pinsky is Vice President of Sales at Vertosa and brings over a decade of experience driving revenue across emerging markets. With a passion for innovation, Ryan helps partners develop and scale infused product lines by aligning scientific integrity with commercial strategy. He’s known for building high-performing sales teams, launching successful ventures, and navigating complex markets with speed and precision. Ryan’s goal: bring high-quality, compliant products to consumers efficiently—and at scale.

• Ben Larson, Chief Executive Officer, Vertosa
• Theo Terris, Chief Executive Officer, Uncle Arnie's
• Diana Eberlein, Chief External Affairs Officer + Chair CABA, Vertosa
• Samantha Catalina, Fractional Chief Marketing Officer, CounterMeasures
• Ryan Pinsky, Vice President of Sales, Vertosa

BevNET Live Official Party, Presented by Matriarch Wealth Management

Registration & Breakfast

1:1 Meetings, Powered by L.A. Libations

• Todd Davis

  , Natural Foods/Multi-Cultural Category Manager, King Soopers/City Market

  

  Todd Davis

  Natural Foods/Multi-Cultural Category Manager, King Soopers/City Market

  Todd Davis’s journey with Kroger started in 1995 as a fresh-faced Courtesy Clerk, and it didn’t take long for his hard work to pay off—he was promoted to Produce Clerk that same year. By 1996, Todd had already stepped into his first leadership role as a Produce Manager, setting the stage for a career full of growth and fresh opportunities. Fast forward through the years, and Todd’s resume reads like a tour of the grocery world. From Assistant Store Leader in 2001 to Division CAO Specialist in Houston, Produce Field Specialist, and more, Todd has worn a lot of hats. His knack for innovation shone through when he became the District Produce Coordinator in 2010 and then a Produce Subject Matter Expert at the General Office in 2011. By 2019, Todd was leading stores in Houston, and in 2023, he took on a new challenge as Store Leader in Excess at King Soopers. Today, he’s the King Soopers/City Market Division Natural Foods/Local Category Manager, where he blends his passion for fresh products with a flair for creative merchandising. But there’s more to Todd than his impressive career. He’s driven by a calling to help others grow, both professionally and personally. He’s all about those deep, meaningful conversations where everyone walks away with something new. Todd’s curiosity is boundless, he’s got an itch to study quantum physics and a soft spot for Thanos (yes, that Thanos), who could both save and destroy with a snap. When he’s not shaping the future of grocery, Todd’s geeking out on documentaries, diving into self-improvement books, or soaking up stories from strangers that offer fresh perspectives. You might be surprised to know that Todd’s hip-hop collection is the largest in North America—who knew? A self-proclaimed "Inspirational Speaker," Todd aims to inspire and assist others in reaching their goals. Todd is grateful for life and family. Todd loves to inspire others and will always be curious. His advice to his younger self? “Be patient, plan accordingly, and believe.” Todd is a leader who knows that growth and innovation go hand in hand.

• Nicole Dawes

  , Founder & CEO, Nixie Beverage Company

  

  Nicole Dawes

  Founder & CEO, Nixie Beverage Company

  Nicole Bernard Dawes is a pioneering entrepreneur with a lifelong mission to prove that organic products can taste just as good as, if not better than, their conventional counterparts. She has built multiple award-winning, nationally distributed brands that have redefined what better-for-you food and beverage can be. Growing up on the counter of her mother's natural food store in the 1970s and the factory floor of her father's company, Cape Cod Potato Chips, Nicole was inspired to create brands that combined the best of both worlds. In 2003, she founded Late July Snacks, one of the first brands to carry the USDA Certified Organic seal. And in 2019, she founded Nixie — the most delicious zero-calorie, zero-sugar beverages on the market. With more than 30 years of product development experience, Nicole launched Nixie to shake up the beverage category with a bold mission: to eliminate sugar, single-use plastic bottles, and toxic forever-chemicals from consumers' favorite beverages - without sacrificing flavor or fun. Nixie quickly became one of the fastest-growing sparkling water brands, leading to its 2024 expansion into organic, zero-sugar sodas in nostalgic, classic flavors that rival mainstream diet sodas. Nixie Organic Zero Sugar Soda and Sparkling Water is sold in over 11,000 retailers nationwide and continues to grow. Nicole's leadership has earned her recognition from Food & Wine and Fortune as one of the "Most Innovative Women in Food and Drink," and from Forbes as one of the "Top Five Women Breaking Barriers in Food and Beverage." In 2007, she testified before Congress in a historic hearing on behalf of the Organic Trade Association. She's also spoken at industry events, including Expo West, NOSH Live, plus the Hirshberg Entrepreneurship Institute.

• Nate Cooper

  , Founder & Managing Partner, Barrel Ventures

  

  Nate Cooper

  Founder & Managing Partner, Barrel Ventures

  Nate Cooper is the founder & Managing Partner of Barrel Ventures, a seed-stage venture fund based in Chicago that supports category-defining companies innovating in throughout the food ecosystem. He launched Barrel after founding L3 Hospitality Group and Wise Apple—an early venture aimed at reinventing kids’ lunch. An early investor in companies such as Olipop, Nowadays, Helaina, Jumbotail, Confido & many more, Barrel focuses on companies where they can add a disproportionate amount of value. An Emory University graduate from the Goizueta School of Business, Nate earned his MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management as a Kellogg Scholar and Zell Fellow. At home, he's supported by his wife Ariel and 3 young kiddos Sadie (5), Chase (3), and Maddy (1).

• Giuseppe Infusino

  , Managing Partner, CIO, InvestBev

  

  Giuseppe Infusino

  Managing Partner, CIO, InvestBev

  Giuseppe Infusino is a Partner and the Chief Investment Officer at InvestBev, a private equity firm that invests in consumer brands, support services, and hard assets in the beverage space. He leads InvestBev’s investment strategy development, sourcing, diligence, and structuring processes. Prior to InvestBev, Giuseppe spent over a decade managing multiple private market investment portfolios on behalf of prominent institutional investors. He has successfully deployed over $10 billion across various strategies. Giuseppe is on the boards of CANN, Speakeasy, and L’Uva Bella. He holds an MBA in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a B.S. in Finance and Real Estate from University of Wisconsin-Madison.

• Ryan Fagan

  , Deal Partner, Gryphon Investors

  

  Ryan Fagan

  Deal Partner, Gryphon Investors

  Ryan Fagan is a Deal Partner at Gryphon Investors, a $10 billion middle-market private equity firm. He focuses on growth investments in Consumer Health & Wellness and Better-For-You Food and Beverage. Most recently, Ryan led Gryphon’s investment in Spindrift in partnership with Founder and Chairman Bill Creelman and CEO Dave Burwick. He also serves on the boards of Metagenics and Mechanix Wear, and has supported prior Gryphon investments including Zicam and Dessert Holdings. He began his career at Gryphon in 2007, after earning a J.D. from Columbia Law School and a B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Originally from Philadelphia, he now lives in the Bay Area with his wife and two daughters.

• Jon Halper

  , Owner & CEO, Top Ten Liquors

  

  Jon Halper

  Owner & CEO, Top Ten Liquors

  Jon Halper is the Owner and CEO of Top Ten Liquors, one of the Twin Cities’ fastest-growing independent liquor retailers. Since acquiring the business in 2013, Jon has expanded Top Ten into a leading presence across Minnesota, recognized for its innovative retail approach and commitment to community. In addition to building one of the state’s most successful liquor businesses, Jon has emerged as an industry leader in the THC and cannabis market. He has played a pioneering role in advancing usage, shaping regulatory policy, and fostering collaboration across the country. His work as a network builder and advocate has helped position Minnesota at the forefront of this rapidly evolving industry. Jon and his wife, Jill, are also deeply committed to philanthropy. They are longtime champions of the Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF) and continue to give back through numerous local charities and community initiatives. With a career spanning law, retail, and entrepreneurship, Jon brings a unique perspective on growth, responsible innovation, and the future of both the liquor and cannabis industries.

• Brad Barnhorn

  , Board Member and Strategic Advisor,

  

  Brad Barnhorn

  Board Member and Strategic Advisor,

  Brad partners with leading growth-stage food and beverage companies as an active Board member working with high performance CEOs to optimize their leadership effectiveness across all business dimensions in order to build/scale dynamic brands and create high value, category winning companies effectively positioned to sustainably drive strong, profitable growth and/or exit to strategic acquirers. Current Boards: Country Archer, Gimme Foods, Biena and Barney Butter. Prior Boards from early/growth stage through to Company Exit: Kevita (Pepsi), Simple Mills (Flowers Foods), Krave (Hershey), Flying Embers (JuneShine), Health Warrior (Pepsi), RightRice (Planting Hope), Zola (Karp Reilly), Fishpeople (Bornstein Seafood), Chameleon Cold Brew (Nestle), Red’s All Natural (Bansk Group) and Aura Bora (Next in Natural) … with cumulative exit value surpassing $1.5 billion. After time spent in management consulting and investment banking, Brad’s food/bev journey began over twenty-five years ago as the Founder/CEO of the Fantasia Fresh Juice Co. which he built into a leading superpremium fresh juice/smoothie brand culminating in a merger with Naked Juice and subsequent acquisition by Pepsi. He holds an MBA from the Stanford GSB and a true passion for unlocking the power of human transformation and possibility in life and leadership.

• Kim Route

  , Category Manager, INFRA

  

  Kim Route

  Category Manager, INFRA

  Kim Route is a Category Manager at INFRA, where she curates strategic promotions and identifies emerging trends across snacks, candy, chocolate, and beverages. With experience spanning both conventional and natural grocery, she is passionate about helping independent retailers thrive and advancing a more sustainable food system. Outside of work, Kim enjoys time with her three dogs, trying new recipes, exploring local breweries, and serving on the Advisory Board for Minnesota State University’s Women in Leadership program.

• Todd Davis, Natural Foods/Multi-Cultural Category Manager, King Soopers/City Market
• Nicole Dawes, Founder & CEO, Nixie Beverage Company
• Nate Cooper, Founder & Managing Partner, Barrel Ventures
• Giuseppe Infusino, Managing Partner, CIO, InvestBev
• Ryan Fagan, Deal Partner, Gryphon Investors
• Jon Halper, Owner & CEO, Top Ten Liquors
• Brad Barnhorn, Board Member and Strategic Advisor,
• Kim Route, Category Manager, INFRA

New Beverage Showdown Finals, Part I

Sponsored Workshop: Verticalized AI in Action 

• Kevin Senn

  , CEO & Co-Founder, Aisle AI

  

  Kevin Senn

  CEO & Co-Founder, Aisle AI

  Kevin Senn is the CEO and Co-Founder of AisleAI, a company transforming how consumer brands grow by bringing verticalized AI to the fragmented world of small-format retail. With a background spanning data, retail technology, payments, and growth strategy, he has built AisleAI into a fast-scaling, VC-backed platform trusted by emerging and established CPG brands across the country. Kevin is known for turning messy data into clear outcomes — making AI practical, usable, and revenue-generating for the teams on the ground. He speaks frequently at BevNET, NGA, Plug and Play, and other industry events, offering pragmatic guidance on demand prediction, pricing intelligence, whitespace identification, and the next wave of AI adoption. At the heart of his work is a belief that AI should make brands faster, smarter, and more profitable — not more complicated.

• George Martinez

  , Head of Business Strategy & Co-Founder, Aisle AI

  

  George Martinez

  Head of Business Strategy & Co-Founder, Aisle AI

  George is an experienced CPG Executive of 32 years with a demonstrated history of growing brands in the food & beverages industry. He has accomplished professional skills in Marketing Management, Market Planning, Business Planning, Field Execution, and Sales. George and his co-founders have built a team at Aisle AI that are industry-leading CPG experts committed to harnessing the power of AI for dynamic and accessible data analytics, available for all in the CPG industry. Aisle AI provides secure, AI-driven retail analytics on both first-party and third-party data through a language model fine-tuned specifically for CPG.  The results are actionable insights that grow brands for manufacturers and retailers.

• Tyler Coates

  , Chief Operating Officer, Ultimate Sales

  

  Tyler Coates

  Chief Operating Officer, Ultimate Sales

  After 25 years of leading the market in c-store foodservice, Ultimate Sales has now expanded our focus to become a “one-stop shop” across all CPG categories including candy, snacks, and packaged beverages for our customers. Because of the long-standing relationships and trust we’ve cultivated with both single-store operators and the largest chains in the country, we see expanding our product offerings as an opportunity to add value for our retailers partners and brands.  C-stores are not a division of our company, they ARE our company, and we’ve established strong relationships with retailers, distributors, and client manufacturers allowing us to work from concept to consumption, and every step in between.

• Kevin Senn, CEO & Co-Founder, Aisle AI
• George Martinez, Head of Business Strategy & Co-Founder, Aisle AI
• Tyler Coates, Chief Operating Officer, Ultimate Sales

-- Morning Presentations --

Retailer Profile: Inside INFRA

• Kim Route

  , Category Manager, INFRA

  

  Kim Route

  Category Manager, INFRA

  Kim Route is a Category Manager at INFRA, where she curates strategic promotions and identifies emerging trends across snacks, candy, chocolate, and beverages. With experience spanning both conventional and natural grocery, she is passionate about helping independent retailers thrive and advancing a more sustainable food system. Outside of work, Kim enjoys time with her three dogs, trying new recipes, exploring local breweries, and serving on the Advisory Board for Minnesota State University’s Women in Leadership program.

• Angela Bozo

  , Director of Member Programs, INFRA

  

  Angela Bozo

  Director of Member Programs, INFRA

  Angela Bozo is the Director of Member Programs at INFRA, joining the team in late 2021 with extensive experience in grocery retail, customer experience and training.  Angela was part of the leadership team that grew New Seasons Market to 20+ locations operating in 3 regions, managing a specialized culinary team at all stores that focused on elevating customer service and increasing overall product knowledge. She is proud to have contributed to New Seasons Market becoming the world’s first B Corp grocer. In 2018, she transitioned to IDDBA where she led the creation of the Charcuterie Professional Certification as well as oversaw the IDDBA-IRI partnership that resulted in Integrated Fresh, a data-based hierarchy for perishable departments. Angela is a lifelong learner, self-described grocery nerd and finds joy in ideating and creating resources and education to continue to evolve the grocery shopping experience for retailers and customers. And yes, her last name is pronounced exactly as you think it would be. 

• Kim Route, Category Manager, INFRA
• Angela Bozo, Director of Member Programs, INFRA

The Next Stage for Spindrift

• Bill Creelman

  , Chairman and Founder, Spindrift

  

  Bill Creelman

  Chairman and Founder, Spindrift

  Bill Creelman is the Founder of Spindrift Beverage Co., Inc. Founded in Charlestown, MA in 2010, today Spindrift is one of the fastest-growing brands in the country. Inspired by his upbringing in Western MA, his summers spent living and working on the island of Nantucket, and his longtime passion for unprocessed, seasonal, and fresh ingredients, Bill started Spindrift in 2010. At the time, no one had created sparking beverages using real squeezed fruit - so Bill and team were not only inventing a product but also an entire process. From sourcing the best-tasting fruit from farms to creating production processes to respect and celebrate that fruit. Through many years of trial and error, Spindrift has become a household name. Today, Spindrift products are available nationwide in retailers like Target, Costco, and Starbucks, and the Spindrift team has grown to over 175 passionate employees who are dedicated to making every beverage a positive force of nature. Bill lives outside of Boston with his wife, Harley, and their 4 kids.

• Ryan Fagan

  , Deal Partner, Gryphon Investors

  

  Ryan Fagan

  Deal Partner, Gryphon Investors

  Ryan Fagan is a Deal Partner at Gryphon Investors, a $10 billion middle-market private equity firm. He focuses on growth investments in Consumer Health & Wellness and Better-For-You Food and Beverage. Most recently, Ryan led Gryphon’s investment in Spindrift in partnership with Founder and Chairman Bill Creelman and CEO Dave Burwick. He also serves on the boards of Metagenics and Mechanix Wear, and has supported prior Gryphon investments including Zicam and Dessert Holdings. He began his career at Gryphon in 2007, after earning a J.D. from Columbia Law School and a B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Originally from Philadelphia, he now lives in the Bay Area with his wife and two daughters.

• Bill Creelman, Chairman and Founder, Spindrift
• Ryan Fagan, Deal Partner, Gryphon Investors

Going Pro: How Founder-Led Brands Evolve

• Maria Stipp

  , CEO, Suja

  

  Maria Stipp

  CEO, Suja

  Maria Stipp is the CEO of Suja Life, the leading functional wellness platform and parent company of Suja Organic and Vive Organic. She has an impressive leadership track record and a deep understanding of the food and beverage market. Her most recent role was with Sapporo-Stone Brewing Company where as CEO she doubled the size of the business and oversaw its successful acquisition by Japanese beer manufacturer Sapporo. Previously, Stipp was the CEO of Lagunitas Brewing Company where during her tenure, the company achieved the number #1 IPA in the US. She sits on the board of Siete Family Foods, California Olive Ranch and Monte Vista Farms. Prior to entering the craft brewing world, Stipp was President of ecoATM, an automated kiosk business that enables consumers to sell or recycle their electronics for instant cash. Following her pivotal role in developing the commercial strategy for Redbox and Coinstar, The New Venture Team at Redbox, later oversaw the acquisition of ecoATM. Before joining ecoATM, Stipp was the Executive Vice President of the Owned Properties Business Unit at Activision. Maria was responsible for the Call of Duty, Guitar Hero, and Tony Hawk franchises as well as the task of new IP invention. She also successfully launched Skylanders, a new IP that became a $1 billion franchise. Previous roles include working in sales, marketing, and new business development at Vivendi Universal Games, Miller Brewing Company and Kellogg Sales Company. Stipp started her career in retail management at the Nash Finch Company. Stipp holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa, and is a proud mother of teenage twins (boy and girl), enjoys running and spending time with her family.

• Maria Stipp, CEO, Suja

Networking, Sampling & Taste Radio Studio

New Beverage Showdown Finals, Part II

-- Final Presentations --

Why Some Beverages Just SELL: Revealing the Psychology Hidden in the Sales Data

• Hunter Thurman

  , Founder, Alpha-Diver

  

  Hunter Thurman

  Founder, Alpha-Diver

  Hunter Thurman is the founder of Alpha-Diver, the market research consultancy that’s been advancing how leading businesses understand consumer behavior since 2011. By combining PhD-level expertise in psychology with proprietary AI-powered data, Hunter helps leading brands, retailers, and Wall Street analysts move beyond surface-level metrics to uncover the why behind consumer decisions—and what to do about it. His work turns complex human behavior into clear, actionable strategies that drive confident decisions and double-digit growth. As a frequent speaker, author, and contributor to industry conversations, Hunter plays an active role in shaping how the marketplace thinks about and activates consumer understanding.

• Hunter Thurman, Founder, Alpha-Diver

New Beverage Showdown: Judges’ Remarks and Winner Announcement

ANA Investing – Market Trends

• Jen Batchelor

  , CEO & Founder, Kin Euphorics

  

  Jen Batchelor

  CEO & Founder, Kin Euphorics

  Jen Batchelor is the co-founder and CEO of Kin Euphorics, a category-defining brand in the non-alcoholic beverage space. With a background in Ayurvedic practice, psychology, and neuroscience, Jen launched Kin in 2017 to reimagine how we revel—without alcohol. She became the first Latinx woman to raise over $15 million in venture capital for a beverage brand and has since helped lead a movement that blends wellness, social connection, and cultural relevance. Her journey offers hard-earned lessons in category creation, consumer education, fundraising, and scaling a brand with soul. Jen is an inspiring, no-fluff speaker with a track record of pushing boundaries and building community. She brings real talk and actionable insights—from navigating growth in a crowded space to creating emotional resonance with customers. Her perspective is especially relevant for founders breaking into wellness, functional, and lifestyle categories—and for anyone seeking to build a movement, not just a product.

• Brandon Yahn

  , Partner, Convivialite Ventures

  

  Brandon Yahn

  Partner, Convivialite Ventures

  Brandon is a Partner and Co-Founder of Convivialite Ventures, where he leads North American investments. CV is backed by Pernod Ricard, the second largest wine & spirits company in the world and invests in consumer startups that are reinventing the way people socialize, entertain, and share experiences together. Investments that Brandon has led include Fever, AvantStay, Fetch Rewards, Bartesian, Outdoorsy, ResortPass, Peerspace, ChowNow, WaveXR, Atmosfy, Liquid Death, Sanzo, AF Drinks, Ghia, and Glovo (acquired by Delivery Hero). He is currently on the Board of AvantStay, Bartesian, Sanzo, and AF Drinks. Prior to investing, Brandon worked as entrepreneur, startup operator, and management consultant and drove early business initiatives at three $1+ billion startups: Credit Karma, Datalogix, and Evernote. Brandon has an MBA from University of California, Berkeley and a BS in Industrial Engineering from West Virginia University.

• Jen Batchelor, CEO & Founder, Kin Euphorics
• Brandon Yahn, Partner, Convivialite Ventures

Build to Flip, or Build to Last?

• Courtney O'Brien

  , Founder, The Outlier Initiative

  

  Courtney O'Brien

  Founder, The Outlier Initiative

  Courtney O’Brien is a strategic brand leader behind some of the most successful beverage brands in the world. She built Apothic into a $100M+ wine powerhouse, led the U.S. launch and repositioning of Coke Zero into a $1B+ megabrand, and spearheaded Evian’s marketing strategy in one of the most competitive beverage categories. As founder of The Outlier Initiative, she helps ambitious beverage brands break through the noise, claim their space, and engineer demand - using the same proven strategies that built billion-dollar brands, without the Fortune 500 budget.

• Courtney O'Brien, Founder, The Outlier Initiative