Innovation in low and no alcohol

Susie Goldspink is the Head of No- and Low-Alcohol Insights at IWSR, the global leader in data, analytics and insights for the beverage alcohol industry. With extensive experience in market research and a deep understanding of consumer behaviour, Susie is at the forefront of the rapidly growing no- and low-alcohol sector. Her work involves analysing market trends, consumer preferences, and industry innovations, providing strategic insights that help shape the future of this dynamic category. Susie is passionate about the evolving landscape of mindful drinking and is committed to driving forward the industry’s understanding of this burgeoning market.

Brian Rosen is the founder of InvestBev and created an ecosystem that serves independent beverage brands at every stage of their growth journey - from inception through exit. Brian has dedicated his career to the beverage industry and is globally regarded as a leading authority on navigating the three-tier system. He was the CEO of his own $100 million independent liquor retailer, worked as a partner in the adult beverage category at PwC (Pricewaterhouse Coopers), and served as the lead consultant of trade marketing for Anheuser-Busch. He is the recipient of numerous industry awards, including Forbes Best of the Web (2x), Retailer of the Year (3x), Wine Innovator of the Year, and was a Power Ranking Top 100 Global Beverage Leader.

Dan racked up more than 15 years experience in the wine trade before he joined Schloss Wachenheim to take charge of the UK’s top selling alcohol free wine, Eisberg. He is an expert in the wine industry, and advocates for moderation over abstinence for those looking to make healthier choices.

At 18, Mark Wong's passion for beer and wine led him to become one of the highest-scoring French Wine Scholars. But in 2019, a devastating health diagnosis forced him to stop drinking entirely. Frustrated by existing alcohol-free options that couldn't replicate the authentic experience of traditional beer, Mark discovered an ancient Japanese text from 1211 AD - the Kissa Yojoki - detailing natural herbs with powerful relaxation properties. Told it was 'impossible,' Mark partnered with Durham University's Dr. Paul Chazot to develop Social Blend™, a revolutionary patent-pending technology combining ancient wisdom with modern science. After appearing on Dragons' Den in 2022, just six months into launching the business, Founder Mark Wong turned the Dragons’ 'too early' rejection into motivation. IMPOSSIBREW launched a successful crowdfunding campaign on Crowdcube in April 2022, surpassing its initial target of £400,000 in under 10 minutes from launch. The campaign ultimately raised over £750,000, significantly exceeding the original goal presented to the Dragons. IMPOSSIBREW has since achieved 299% three-year CAGR (2021-2024), and sold more than 1 million cans in the last 12 months alone.

Rachel Arthur is editor of BeverageDaily.com. She has a number of years of experience as a professional NCTJ-qualified journalist in both print and online media. Rachel has chaired events at major industry conferences, covered the rise and fallout of sugar sweetened beverage taxes across the globe and followed business developments in drinks through podcasts, video and online news.