-- Beverage School --

Welcome and Introduction to Beverage School

The Life of a Founder: An Interview with Oded Brenner

• Oded Brenner

  , CEO & Founder, Blue Stripes

  

  Oded Brenner

  CEO & Founder, Blue Stripes

  Oded Brenner is a pioneering chocolatier, entrepreneur, and the visionary co-founder and CEO of Blue Stripes, a brand committed to transforming the cacao industry by utilizing the entire cacao fruit—from the shell and bean to the pulp (70% of cacao fruit is typically wasted during the chocolate-making process). Widely recognized as the founder of the globally acclaimed Max Brenner chocolate brand, and often referred to as a real-life Willy Wonka, Oded has spent decades shaping the chocolate and confectionery landscape through his innovation and passion. His latest venture, Blue Stripes, has been recognized by Fast Company as the #1 most innovative company with 50 or fewer employees for 2025. It also secured $20 million in Series B funding in 2024 from prominent investors, including Zintinus, Whole Foods Market, The Hershey Company, and others. With Blue Stripes, Oded is on a mission to introduce the world to the incredible functional benefits of the cacao fruit, while simultaneously increasing the economic value for Ecuadorian cacao farmers and reducing the environmental impact of the cacao industry. Blue Stripes' revolutionary whole-cacao products, including the proprietary Cacao Water and Superfruit Gummies, are now available in Whole Foods Market, Costco, Sprouts, and other top retailers nationwide.

• Oded Brenner, CEO & Founder, Blue Stripes

Make Your Branding & Packaging Unforgettable

• Kelly Criswell

  , Founder, Mudge

  

  Kelly Criswell

  Founder, Mudge

  Kelly Criswell is the founder of Mudge, a branding agency specializing in innovative food, beverage, and wellness brands. With over 20 years in CPG brand development and packaging design (we stopped counting after 20), Kelly has helped brands from global powerhouses like Nestlé and Red Bull to emerging natural challenger brands connect with their perfect consumer. She’s known for weaving compelling brand stories and creating disruptive packaging that stands out in crowded markets. In her free time, you can find her snapping pics in grocery aisles, obsessing over the latest trends in food and bev, and sampling every single new brand she finds–for science. Ask her husband about their “Erewhon budget".

• Kelly Criswell, Founder, Mudge

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Food and Beverage Distribution But Were Afraid to Ask

• Bill Sipper

  , Managing Partner, Cascadia Managing Brands

  

  Bill Sipper

  Managing Partner, Cascadia Managing Brands

  Bill Sipper is a seasoned leader in the food and beverage industry, currently serving as the Managing Partner of Cascadia Managing Brands, a firm he co-founded in 2012 after merging his earlier venture, Cascadia Consulting Group, established in 2003 . With over three decades of experience, Sipper has held senior roles at prominent companies such as Evian, Clearly Canadian, Nantucket Nectars, Fresh Samantha/Odwalla, and Naked Juice. At Cascadia Managing Brands, Sipper has been instrumental in guiding numerous brands from inception to market leadership. His strategic expertise has supported the growth of brands like Liquid Death, Zico Coconut Water, Hint Water, C2O Coconut Water, Steaz, Rain Water and more. In 2024, Sipper authored Flavors and Fortunes: Navigating the Food and Beverage World, a comprehensive 1,100-page handbook that distills his extensive industry knowledge. The book offers insights into team building, consumer engagement, disruptive marketing, and sales strategies, serving as a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and industry professionals. Sipper is also a recognized speaker and contributor to industry publications, sharing his insights on brand development and market strategies. His pragmatic approach and deep industry knowledge continue to influence the food and beverage sector.

• Bill Sipper, Managing Partner, Cascadia Managing Brands

Coffee Break

Exotic Ingredients and Bold Claims: Avoiding Legal Pitfalls in Beverage Innovation

• Todd Harrison

  , Partner, Venable LLP

  

  Todd Harrison

  Partner, Venable LLP

  Todd Harrison, co-chair of Venable's FDA Group, guides clients through the myriad government regulations associated with food and drug labeling and marketing. Working extensively in the areas of food and dietary supplement safety, labeling, and advertising claims, Todd helps clients in the consumer products, drug and medical device, and dietary products industries comply with government regulations. He regularly achieves favorable results in defending clients against Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advertising complaints, enforcement actions, and prosecutions, and overcoming competitor challenges in courts and other fora. Todd has substantial experience in food and dietary supplement marketing, including health claims, structure/function claims, and nutrient content claims. He is also well versed in federal, state, and international consumer protection agency rules related to drugs, food, supplements, homeopathic remedies, medical devices, and cosmetics. He concentrates on compliance and cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), the FTC, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Todd advises clients on labeling requirements, organic products, and genetically modified organisms — developing strategies for companies to communicate information about their products without running afoul of agency regulatory requirements. He has assisted companies with compliance issues, including Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HAACP), best practices in manufacturing, product recalls versus market withdrawals, inspections, warning letters, FDA and the FSIS standards of identities compliance, importing meat and poultry products into the United States, and recordkeeping. Todd drafts opinion letters regarding the status of food ingredients in the United States and assists in the preparation of food additive petitions, Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) notifications, and new dietary ingredient notifications. He also helps companies develop self-determined GRAS positions for food ingredients.

• Todd Harrison, Partner, Venable LLP

Understanding Equity and Convertible Notes

• Ellie Myers

  , Associate, Nutter

  

  Ellie Myers

  Associate, Nutter

  Clients turn to Ellie for legal counsel on a wide range of matters, including mergers and acquisitions, venture capital and private equity financings, commercial lending transactions, and general corporate governance. Ellie represents early-stage companies in all stages of their business life cycle in a variety of industries, including food and beverage, life sciences, and information and technology services. She regularly advises clients on initial planning and formation, securing financing from third parties, and realizing business goals. Ellie also represents venture capital, private equity, and angel investors in connection with their investments in operating companies.

• Ellie Myers, Associate, Nutter

Getting it Made: Inside Input Costs and Copacking

• Beth Brown

  , Founder, S3 Connect

  

  Beth Brown

  Founder, S3 Connect

  A Supply Chain leader with over 20 years of CPG experience leading and building stronger, more efficient supply chain, operations and procurement organizations. She helps food and beverage brands simplify complexity, reduce costs, and build processes that support sustainable growth. As the founder and principal advisor of S3 Connect, Beth helps growth stage companies scale smarter with a connected approach to planning and cash management, enabling companies to strengthen supply chain operations, uncover savings and drive business growth. Her work helps brands simplify decisions, optimize resources, and scale with confidence. Beth brings a deep well of experience from both powerhouse brands and fast-growing startups. In addition to her work at S3 Connect, she currently serves as a Senior Advisor for Strategic Sourcing at Agrowgate as well as a mentor and advisor to emerging CPG companies through accelerator programs including SKU, TIG Brands, and Food'NBev Connect. She previously held supply chain and ops leadership roles at Reed’s, Diageo, Pepsi, and Gillette and holds a BS in Operations Management from Syracuse University and an MBA from Northeastern University.

• Tim Near

  , Partner, Agrowgate

• Beth Brown, Founder, S3 Connect
• Tim Near, Partner, Agrowgate

Expert Round Tables

-- Cannabis Unit --

From Online to In-Store: Cannabis Distribution Strategy for Brick and Mortar

• Ben Starmer

  , Co-Founder & CEO, Dad Grass

  

  Ben Starmer

  Co-Founder & CEO, Dad Grass

  Ben Starmer is the Co-Founder and CEO of Dad Grass, one of the country’s leading low-dose cannabis beverage brands. With boots-on-the-ground experience across DTC and DSD distribution, Ben brings a practical, operator-level perspective on how THC drinks can scale inside traditional bev-alc systems. He is a vocal advocate for low-dose, sessionable beverages as the foundation for mainstream category growth, and his work with distributors across multiple states gives him a unique view into the opportunities—and risks—shaping this emerging space.

• Brandon Hanson

  , Co-Founder, Goodmellow

  

  Brandon Hanson

  Co-Founder, Goodmellow

  Brandon Hanson is the co-founder of Goodmellow, a functional beverage infused with hemp-derived THC, crafted to bring people together through real flavor, intentional ingredients, and a balanced buzz. A lifelong innovator in the beverage industry, Brandon is also the co-founder and Master Blender of Hanson of Sonoma Distillery, the first certified non-GMO spirit in the U.S. and California’s best-selling ultra-premium organic vodka. With a background that spans mixology, flavor development, and organic production, Brandon has built a career around reimagining what mindful drinking can look like. The idea for Goodmellow began when Brandon started searching for a better way to drink—something that offered the ritual and relaxation of a cocktail without the hangover. Even on vacation, he wanted a drink that was social and uplifting, yet clean and balanced. When he discovered low-dose THC beverages, he loved the effect but found most options overly artificial or lacking in flavor. Drawing on his years of experience blending spirits and developing infusions, Brandon began experimenting with natural ingredients and thoughtful flavor combinations. The result is Goodmellow: a beverage that tastes as good as it makes you feel—crafted for those who want to unwind, connect, and savor the moment with intention.

• Ben Starmer, Co-Founder & CEO, Dad Grass
• Brandon Hanson, Co-Founder, Goodmellow

Cannabis Issues for the Coming Year

• Sahar Ayinhsazian

  , Partner, A.Y. Strauss

  

  Sahar Ayinhsazian

  Partner, A.Y. Strauss

  Sahar Ayinehsazian is of counsel at A.Y. Strauss, where she focuses on corporate law, banking, and the cannabis industry. She represents businesses, investors, and financial institutions in complex corporate transactions, including formations, financings, mergers and acquisitions, licensing agreements, and creative restructuring solutions for cannabis-related businesses that lack access to traditional bankruptcy protections. Sahar serves as a steadfast advisor, confidant, and protector to clients, maintaining enduring partnerships that rely on her judgment and care. Recognized as a leading corporate attorney in highly regulated industries, Sahar has guided multi-state operators and emerging companies through intricate regulatory frameworks and national expansion. Her work is informed by her prior role as Director of Regulatory and Governmental Affairs at a multi-state money transmitter serving the cannabis industry, where she gained deep expertise in banking, credit flow, and compliance at the intersection of finance and cannabis law. Prior to joining A.Y. Strauss, Sahar was a partner at one of the nation’s top-ranked cannabis law firms, where she chaired the Banking and Financial Services Access practice and advised major operators on complex transactions. She also served on the National Cannabis Industry Association’s Banking & Financial Services Committee, advancing strategies to expand financial access for state-licensed businesses. Sahar has been recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America® (2023–2025) for Corporate Law, the Los Angeles Business Journal’s Women of Influence: Attorneys (2024), and the Global Top 200 Cannabis Lawyers list (2024–2025). She frequently writes and speaks on topics related to cannabis finance, corporate structuring, and compliance.

• Sahar Ayinhsazian, Partner, A.Y. Strauss

Sponsored Workshop: Hitting the Sweet Spot in Beverages

• Emily Berg

  , Marketing Manager, Beverages, Cargill

  

  Emily Berg

  Marketing Manager, Beverages, Cargill

  Emily Berg is a seasoned marketing manager with a dynamic background spanning strategy, category and consumer insights and integrated marketing communications across both B2B and B2C landscapes. Currently serving as a Marketing Manager for Cargill’s vast ingredient portfolio for beverages, Emily partners closely with customers to drive innovation, uncover growth opportunities and co-create the future of beverages.

• Leanne Pinsonneault

  , Senior Food Scientist, Beverages, Cargill

  

  Leanne Pinsonneault

  Senior Food Scientist, Beverages, Cargill

  Leanne is a Senior Food Scientist at Cargill, where she focuses on supporting customers in the beverage category.  In this role, she leverages her deep technical expertise in sugar reduction and in-depth knowledge of ingredients like stevia, polyols and texturizers, to help customers create great-tasting beverages with less sugar and fewer calories.

• Emily Berg, Marketing Manager, Beverages, Cargill
• Leanne Pinsonneault, Senior Food Scientist, Beverages, Cargill

-- RTD Spirits Unit --

Data Overview: The Market for RTDs

• Danelle Kosmal

  , Consultant , 3 Tier Beverages

  

  Danelle Kosmal

  Consultant , 3 Tier Beverages

  Danelle Kosmal is a seasoned professional in the beverage alcohol industry, known for her expertise in research, data analytics, and marketing strategies. Danelle joined 3 Tier Beverages in March 2024, where she brought a passion for leveraging data to drive industry insights and actions. Prior to her role at 3 Tier Beverages, Danelle served as the vice president of research at the Beer Institute, where she led data analytics and policy research, and delivered talks at key industry events. Before her tenure at the Beer Institute, Danelle spent 16 years at NielsenIQ, where she led industry thought leadership initiatives and best practice solutions for clients in the beer, wine, and spirits sectors, as well as for industry groups and the media. Danelle’s insights have been featured in national media outlets, including CBS This Morning, WSJ, NYT, CNN, Fox News, and The Washington Post, along with leading trade publications. Danelle earned her MBA from the University of Pittsburgh and her BA in International Studies and Economics from Allegheny College in Pennsylvania. She currently resides in Tokyo, Japan with her husband and son. When in the U.S., they call the Washington, DC area home.

• Danelle Kosmal, Consultant , 3 Tier Beverages

Appetite for Disruption: Sales & Marketing Tactics for RTDs

• Marian Leitner-Waldman

  , Founder & CEO, Archer Roose Wines

  

  Marian Leitner-Waldman

  Founder & CEO, Archer Roose Wines

  Marian Leitner-Waldman is the founder and CEO of Archer Roose Wines, one of the fastest growing wine companies in the U.S., dedicated to uniting world-class winemaking with sustainable packaging. She is on a mission to democratize fine wine by making the wine industry more inclusive and leveraging format to fit the lifestyles of modern consumers. The brand’s Emmy-award winning commercials, starring business partner and actress Elizabeth Banks, have been lauded by the San Francisco Chronicle as the "most innovative wine marketing around." Marian is the recipient of Wine Industry Advisor’s “Most Inspiring Person in Wine” in 2025. Archer Roose Wines sold over 100,000 cases in 2024 and was awarded the prestigious Hot Prospect Award by Shanken. The brand has also been recognized by Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator, and the Beverage Tasting Institute, and is now available in James Beard Award–winning restaurants, Target, Sprouts, Regal Cinemas, Princess Cruises, on JetBlue – as well as stadiums, venues, and retailers nationwide. Underscoring its leadership in innovation, Archer Roose Wines co-funded research on hydrogen sulfide formation in canned wine with the NY Wine and Grape Foundation in collaboration with Cornell University’s Food Science Department, earning the Best Oenology Paper award from the American Journal of Enology and Viticulture. In 2022, Constellation Brands, Inc. announced its investment in the brand through its venture capital group. Marian holds a B.A. from Johns Hopkins University in International Relations, where she guest lectures. She is Co-Chair of the Board of United South End Settlements. She is a MassChallenge Finalist and a Babson Breakaway Challenge Finalist and has been featured on CNBC Power Pitch. Marian lives in Boston’s South End with her family.

• Adam Kroener

  , President & Co-Founder, Carbliss

  

  Adam Kroener

  President & Co-Founder, Carbliss

  Adam Kroener and his wife disrupted the beverage industry with their zero carb, zero sugar, 100 calorie and gluten free, Carbliss!  Carbliss is a Premium Ready to Drink cocktail that actually boasts flavor.  Since 2019, Adam and Amanda have skyrocketed their success, expanding backyard to backyard into 19 states all while receiving many accolades including: the #1 Fastest Growing Food and Beverage company in the Nation, and #1 Fastest Growing Regional company on the Inc. 5000 List of Privately Owned Companies. In 2024 Carbliss was listed as the #1 Growth brand GLOBALLY for Insurgent Brands and #2 Fastest Growing Spirits company GLOBALLY in 2025.  The company has also been named a Hot Brand in 2022, 2023 and 2024. It’s not just their products that stand out, Adam’s leadership and entrepreneurial journey has rewritten the playbook and set a new leadership precedence . He was named to the list of Best and Brightest CEOs and he and his wife Amanda were named Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist 2025.

• Mike Perry

  , Founder/CCO, Tavern Agency

  

  Mike Perry

  Founder/CCO, Tavern Agency

  Mike Perry is founder and chief creative officer of Tavern, a Brooklyn-based global creative agency crafting timeless brands across food, beverage, hospitality, and beyond.   With 15+ years at the forefront of brand building, Mike’s earned a reputation as a certified creative powerhouse. His career spans leading roles at top global studios like Stranger & Stranger, Design Bridge, and JKR, and media giants like NBC Sports and TikTok. He’s the creative mind behind some of the industry’s most recognizable rebrands for clients such as Budweiser, Burger King, and Diageo. Driven by Tavern’s Modern Heritage philosophy, Mike blends legacy and innovation to create dynamic brands that flex to the lightning-fast pace of culture. In a world of trend-chasing, Tavern focuses on what lasts: commercially powerful, future-ready brands and ambitious experiences that resonate at every touchpoint. Recent collaborations include Sizzler, Overholt Whiskey, Fishers Island Lemonade, and New York City FC.

• Marian Leitner-Waldman, Founder & CEO, Archer Roose Wines
• Adam Kroener, President & Co-Founder, Carbliss
• Mike Perry, Founder/CCO, Tavern Agency

BevNET Live Welcome Reception