WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Beverage Industry Expo (USBevX) successfully concluded two-plus days of provocative dialogue that boldly presented the idea of an emerging “New Normal” in the beverage alcohol industry. Driven largely by Millennial consumer behavior that is creating disruptive change in the wine, spirits, craft beer and cider categories, this growing mega-trend was explored by hundreds of producers and industry executives from leading beverage companies across the United States at this inaugural conference.
Nielsen presented research that validates the notion of a New Normal, including the launch of never-seen-before on-premise data from their newly formed Nielsen CGA Brand Index. Acknowledging consumer tendencies to “cross-drink” has driven an explosion of new brands, new flavors and innovative new business models, thought-leaders from across beverage segments took on the challenge of identifying how the New Normal is affecting the industry and consumers now and in the near future.
The resounding take-away from the conference was how brands show their true character as they go to market will be key to winning in the New Normal. From emerging products to larger corporate brands, quality, transparency and authenticity will drive success with consumers. Innovation in product offerings seems to be driven by unorthodox precedents set by small craft producers.
Meanwhile, packaging continues to evolve in the direction of “premiumization”, while new cues will signify what “premiumization” means in the era of scaling back on package weight and environmental impact across all categories.
“The 2016 American drinker has more options than anyone in the history of the world,” stated attendee and speaker Greg Hall, former Brewmaster at Goose Island Brewery and Founder of Virtue Cider, “We all must create outstanding products, memorable brands and true value if we are to have the honor of filling their glasses.”
Concurrent with the conference, a cross-industry trade show featured more than 130 of the industry’s leading suppliers showcasing products and services from production equipment to tanks, bottles, labels, hops, vineyard equipment, tasting room supplies and more.
“We’re incredibly proud in the quality of our exhibitors and our conference, and in the reaction of our attendees. As with any trade event, the primary objectives are that attendees feel it was worth their time, they would recommend attending to a friend, and they plan to return. On all fronts, we hit it out of the park and we’re looking forward to even greater success next year,” said George Christie, President and CEO of US Beverage Industry Expo and Wine Industry Network.
The format of interactivity served attendees exceptionally well as several engaged with experts one on one, leaving with new ideas, invigorated to take on the New Normal of beverage alcohol with new information and ideas.
Dates for the 2017 U.S. Beverage Industry Expo are Feb. 22 – 24, 2017. It will be held at the Marriott Wardman Park in Washington, D.C.
For more information visit www.usbevexpo.com .
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