In just six days the New Beverage Showdown pitch competition kicks off BevNET Live Summer 2019 in New York City, which means it’s time to reveal the New Beverage Showdown 17 semifinalists, and judges, who will take the stage.
The New Beverage Showdown, sponsored by Venturing & Emerging Brands (VEB), an operating unit of the Coca-Cola Co., is an integral piece of BevNET Live and the beverage industry’s leading pitch competition. It showcases the innovative and promising up-and-coming beverage brands and provides case studies for attendees to learn from and spark new ideas.
Twelve emerging beverage businesses will step into the spotlight for the semifinal round of the New Beverage Showdown, which is scheduled to take place from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM on Wednesday, June 12th. The entrepreneurs will share their business strategies and sample their products with a panel of expert judges for immediate feedback and commentary. A group of six finalists will then be announced at 12:10 PM. The final presentations will take place the following day, Thursday, June 13th, and a new group of judges will pick the winner at the end of the day.
Now, let’s meet the players. This summer’s semifinalists are promising brands from a variety of categories, including herbal tonics, coffee, sparkling waters, mixers, botanicals, tea, and cannabis-infused beverage.
New Beverage Showdown 17 Semifinalists:
- Minna
- LATTEA
- Cann + Bottl
- Dr. Priestley’s Fizzy Water
- Petal Sparkling Botanicals
- Sunwink
- Proposition Cocktail Co.
- Bimble Beverages
- VIVIC Sparkling Coffee
- YAYAYA
- Cloud Water Brands
- Sh’nnong Beverage Company
With decades of experience in brand building, retailing, investing, distribution and marketing, the judges for New Beverage Showdown 17 will offer participants and attendees valuable insights into what makes for a successful beverage brand.
Semifinal Round Judges:
- Mike Schneider, CMO, BevNET
- Bill Ford, Group Director, Venturing & Emerging Brands
- Mari Johnson, CMO, High Brew Coffee
- Filipp Chebotarev, COO/Partner, Cambridge Companies SPG
Final Round Judges:
- John Craven, CEO, BevNET
- Kellam Mattie, VP of Marketing and Innovation, VEB
- Dan Gluck, Managing Partner, Powerplant Ventures
- Lee Robinson, Director – Dairy & Beverage, Whole Foods Market
It’s not all up to the judges. BevNET Live attendees and live stream viewers can cast their vote, which is weighted by attendance. The brand chosen by attendees during the semifinal round receives a guaranteed seat in the finals and the tally will be utilized to assist judges in their decision-making.
In addition to being the star of the show, the winner of New Beverage Showdown 17 will be awarded a $10,000 awareness-building advertising package. Past victors include Hoplark Hop Tea, Health-Ade, MALK, Tio Gazpacho, Rise Brewing Co., Simply Soupreme, Bear Squeeze and Grady’s Cold Brew.
Watch the competition and meet the players at BevNET Live. 600+ beverage professionals are already registered and limited seats are available with only six days left to register. Register today to secure your seat before it’s too late.
Questions about the conference can be directed to Jon Landis, jlandis@bevnet.com. Sponsorship opportunities are available for companies looking for additional industry exposure.
About BevNET Live
BevNET Live Summer 2019 will return to the Metropolitan West in New York, NY on June 12 and 13. A Beverage School for industry newcomers will also be held on Tuesday, June 11 at no additional cost.
BevNET Live is the premiere event for beverage brands, distributors, service providers, retailers and investors to discuss what’s next for the industry. With the industry’s foremost speakers and our New Beverage Showdown, BevNET Live attracts hundreds of brands to each event.