Innovations in no and low abv (Industry Matters talk)

Following on from the success of the ‘Industry Matters’ stage at Imbibe Live 2019, WSET School Lonodn and Imbibe UK are partnering up to provide year-round opportunities for the drinks industry to get together and discuss the burning hot topics of today.

Hosted at WSET School London, our next talk will focus on the no and low abv beverage category, which continues to build momentum as we move into the 2020s.

This category has boomed throughout 2019, with some seriously refreshing innovations paving the way for a much more exciting no and low alcohol offering for consumers in both the on- and off-trade in the decade ahead. But how is this trend affecting the different sectors of the drinks industry, and is it here to stay?

In the Q&A portion of the evening, you’ll have the chance to ask the panel anything you want.

Key discussion topics

• The mindful drinking trend and its impact to date
• Technical innovations that are shaping the category
• How to achieve balance, flavour and complexity in low/no abv beverages
• The real story – trends and opportunities in 2020 and beyond
• Consumer and trade education – the importance of branding and storytelling
• How to make no and low abv beverages a successful part of your offering

Speakers

Taking the form of a panel talk and Q&A, Christine Marsiglio MW will be chatting to producers, consultants and innovators who are at the centre of the no and low abv beverage category. We’ll ask them what they’re expecting from this sector in the coming years, the keys to developing and launching a successful no or low alcohol brand, and how businesses can successfully embrace this trend all year round to expand their audience and enhance their drinks offering.

Daniel I’Anson, Pernod Ricard UK

Often referred to as ‘The Papa Beat’ (see his Instagram for more details), Daniel is the head of the Brand Engagement & Advocacy Team for Pernod Ricard UK. Daniel is a passionate educator and enthusiastic student, holding the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines and currently studying for the new Level 3 Award in Spirits. He has been in the trade for over 25 years in a range of sales, marketing and management roles working with large multi national luxury brands as well as small innovative start ups. Recently he has become an authority on how the on-trade can take advantage of the growing no/low abv trend.

Paul Mathew, Everleaf Drinks

Everleaf Drinks Founder Paul Mathew is a conservation biologist and bar owner with over 20 years experience in the drinks trade and a long family connection to botany and the environment. When developing Everleaf, he wanted to create a delicious and fun non-alcoholic drink to give people more choice when they don’t necessarily want to drink, and to also to embrace the concept of sustainability – sustainable consumption as well as sustainable sourcing. Everleaf Non-Alcoholic Aperatif has been one of the big success stories of the no/low alcohol category in 2019.

More speakers to be confirmed soon

Tickets are £13 per person (including a welcome drink) and can be booked through the WSET School London website: http://bit.ly/366pFxt