Managing Director of Research
Beverage Marketing Corporation

Gary A. Hemphill is Managing Director of Research at Beverage Marketing Corporation. In that role, he directs the company’s extensive information products and services, consisting of comprehensive North American beverage databases, Market Reports, Directories, State Tracking Services and customized information consulting projects.

Mr. Hemphill has worked to develop and manage two beverage databases: DrinkTell, the only comprehensive U.S. beverage database; and the All-Channel Database, the only detailed channel analysis beverage database. In addition, he has created and maintained proprietary beverage industry information systems for clients in the U.S. and Canada -- helping to provide clients with the overall insights they need to make their strategic, planning and marketing decisions that are critical to their success.

Beverage Marketing publishes more than 30 industry-standard Market Reports and directories that cover the multiple beverage markets. The company’s wide range of respected U.S. reports cover soft drinks, bottled water, milk, beer, fruit beverages, New Age and functional beverages, wine, spirits, beverage packaging and more. In addition, the company publishes a select group of international reports targeting key growth markets. He has also worked to create a Canadian bottled water tracking service.

Mr. Hemphill has more than 25 years experience in the beverage industry. Previously, he served as editor of the trade publication Beverage Industry and he also directed new product publicity for the Pepsi-Cola Company where he contributed to a range of assignments. Previous to those positions, Mr. Hemphill held various newspaper writing and editing positions.

Mr. Hemphill is widely quoted in the press and has often been interviewed on both TV and radio on issues of critical importance to the beverage industry. He has spoken at a range of conferences, conventions and industry events including InterBev, the Beverage Forum, the NAMA (vending) trade show, the FMI convention, World Juice, the International Dairy Show and many others.

Mr. Hemphill holds a bachelors degree in journalism from The Ohio State University and resides in New York City.

Vice President of Research and Development
Borden Dairy

Nick Suffredin has served as Borden’s Vice President of Research and Development since June 2018. As VP of R&D, Nick is focused on developing new products and enhancing existing Borden formulas. By perfecting Borden’s recipes, Nick helps ensure that Borden’s products stay delicious and nutritious to consumers around the country. Nick also is responsible for leading a key element of the company’s innovation efforts, as Borden explores opportunities to expand its offerings into new product categories.

Previously, Nick worked as Director of Research and Development at Post Holdings, where he oversaw product development projects from concept through the initial production phase. Prior to that, Nick held leadership positions at Jel Sert and Integrys Energy Group and began his career as a scientist at PepsiCo. Nick has authored a number of articles on nutrition for leading publications, which draw upon his 10+ years of experience in the food and beverage industry.

Nick graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a degree in movement sciences and received a Master of Science degree in food science and human nutrition from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.