Just Drinks is to host a two-day conference in London this week exploring the issues shaping the business landscape in the global spirits industry.

Executives from distilling giants Diageo, Pernod Ricard, Suntory Global Spirits and Moët Hennessy will speak at the two-day event, which will be held tomorrow and Wednesday (8 and 9 October) at the Pullman London St Pancras hotel.

The conference, held in partnership with Just Drinks‘ sister events arm Arena International, will bring together brand owners, retailers and analysts to discuss issues from premiumisation to moderation.

Day one will include discussions about how to build a brand in the on-premise, how to win over buyers in the off-trade and how the growing interest in health and wellness – including in moderation – is affecting consumption.

Executives from Diageo and Bacardi feature on the afternoon of the first day as they tackle hot topics including premiumisation, drinking ‘less but better’ and sustainability.

Suntory Global Spirits kicks off day two with a discussion of the trends shaping the sector and its analysis of where brands should invest.

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The second day also includes a panel session on building multi-category brands.

Delegates will have the opportunity on day two to join speaker-hosted roundtables exploring innovation, working with suppliers and tackling CO2 emissions.

The afternoon of the second day features a fireside chat with one of the co-founders of El Rayo Tequila, who will discuss the current funding environment and how to build an independent brand.

Speakers include:

Paul Thomas, international insight director and global head of shopper insight, Suntory Global Spirits

Claire Warner, head of luxury brand advocacy, Diageo

Natalia Kowalczyk, VP, marketing director Europe, Brown-Forman

Mark Makin, enterprise brands controller, Pernod Ricard

Michael Schmid, sustainable product design and breakthrough innovation senior manager, Bacardi

Tom Bishop, co-founder, El Rayo Tequila

Tom Warner, founder, Warner’s Distillery

Kendall Hidalgo, global media director, Moët Hennessy

Michele Tuveri, head of advocacy and spirits regional sales, Constellation Brands

Want to delve into the most pressing topics in the spirits industry?

Booking: Limited spaces remain – more info and booking on the Arena website.

Dates: 8 – 9 October

Contact: If you have questions about tickets, group discounts, sponsorship or marketing, contact Ben Gemmell: ben.gemmell@arena-international.com

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