Conference Write Up
The challenges of sustainability and profitability were top of mind for the soft drinks industry as Canadean held its 13th International Soft Drinks Conference in Lisbon on Wednesday 28th May 2008. Held one day in advance of UNESDA’s annual meetings and General Assembly, the conference took as its theme: “New pressures, new solutions: innovating for a sustainable and profitable future”.
Kelsey van Musschenbroek, Canadean Chairman said: “A new set of pressures has emerged to challenge the global beverage industry, including escalating input costs, environmental concerns and an increasingly uncertain economic outlook. However, these pressures also act as a catalyst for innovation and we are delighted to welcome such a strong line up of speakers to address these issues.”
He continued: "Despite environmental and ethical concerns, health and wellness are probably top of the consumer wish-list. There is a rising demand for functional products, with specific health benefits, and significant NPD activity is devoted to areas such as smoothies, 'superfruits' and dairy drinks. Delegates will hear from key soft drinks, water and juice players about how they are meeting these rapidly developing consumer needs".
The programme was headed up with an overview and outlook for the global soft drinks industry. Presentations were given by Yiannis Petrides, President Europe of Pepsi Bottling Group; Emily Neill, Business Development Director at Canadean and John Sicher, Publisher/Editor of Beverage Digest in the USA. The lively discussion panel also included Dominique Luna from Refresco Iberia.
Innovation was a key theme, as companies not only seek solutions to rising input costs, but also respond to increased environmental awareness, and the need to build sustainable but profitable businesses. Here the beverage industry faces pressure from both governments, via more environmental regulation, and consumers – demonstrated by recent tap-water campaigns in the bottled water heartland of France. Speaking in session two titled 'Beverage Innovation - choice & the consumer' were Javier Santamaria, Yogurt and Juices Business Units Director, Grupo Leche Pascual; Paolo Gerevini, Marketing Director, Conserve Italia and Stefan Hoechter, Managing Director, Adelholzener Alpenquellen. Joining the discussion forum was also Alain Beaumont, Secretary General of UNESDA.
After lunch the programme continued with a session on the challenge to sustain revenue and earnings growth, as rising demand from the new economic giants such as China and India is counterbalanced by supply side pressures, with energy and raw materials price hikes threatening profitability. Speaking in this session were Cècile Bernheim, Strategic Planning Director of Coca-Cola Europe; César Sánchez Moral, Iberia Managing Director, Schweppes SA; and José Tomaz, President of Sumolis. Joining the dicussion panel was also Pedro Antonio Garcia from Coca-Cola España.
Environmental issues were addressed in the fourth conference session, with presentations from leading packaging suppliers. Eco-solutions need to work throughout the value chain, with packaging innovation a key factor. Examples include light-weighting of both PET and glass bottles, the use of recycled plastics, and a return to refillable systems. Presentations were given by Carlos Ballesteros, Technical Director, Artenius PET Packaging Iberia, S.A; Rob Miles, VP Sales & Marketing, Ball Packaging Europe and Jamal Gore, Managing Director, Carbon Clear. Dominique-Paul Valleé from Bericap also joined the discussion forum.
And finally the conference heard from Martin Möller , Vice-President of UNESDA and President WAFG who summed up the days learnings and the work of UNESDA in helping the soft drinks industry to tackle the health and environmental issues that the industry is facing today and in the future.
For further information please contact Canadean's Corporate Marketing Department, tel 44 (0)1256 394210 or email marketing@canadean.com.