Delivering the in-depth information and thought-provoking analysis that have made them must-attend events for industry executives, our Breakout Sessions are back and better than ever. With gripping topics focusing on the latest trends of 2005, these interactive workshops will keep you on-track and in-touch with the current state of the beverage universe as well as what to expect in the near future.

Breakout registrants are entitled to attend one session from each group.

Group 1 (to run concurrently)

 I. Market Trends I:  Alcoholic Beverages
Presented by: Brian Sudano,Managing Director & COO, Consulting Services, Beverage Marketing Corporation

Distilled spirits and wine have both registered significant growth in recent years, outpacing the beer market.  What's behind the latest developments?  Brian Sudano, head of BMC’s beverage alcohol consulting practice, explores the current competitive environment, evolving consumer trends, competition between categories and volume trends and projections in the beverage alcohol market.

II. Changing Retail Realities
Presented by: Marc-David Bismuth, President Danone Waters of North America and President, Danone Naya Waters, Bruce Cohen, Principal and Consumer Goods Industry Leader, Kurt Salmon Associates, and Peter Hsia, Principal, Kurt Salmon Associates

The emergence of mass merchandisers and continuing retailer consolidation altered the retailing landscape in recent years.  How are mass merchandisers changing the industry? What impact does the proliferation of products have on competition for shelf space? These and other questions will be addressed. This workshop examines developments in retail channels and their effects on the beverage marketplace.

Group 2 (to run concurrently)

 I. Market Trends II:  Non-alcoholic Beverages
Presented by: Gary A. Hemphill, Managing Director & COO, Information Services, Beverage Marketing Corporation, and Andrea Foote, Editor-in-Chief, Beverage World

Are new line extensions and flavors a viable means to revive carbonated soft drink volume growth?  How will the waning of the low-carb craze affect CSDs and fruit beverages?  Some segments of the bottled water industry remain strong, but what's happening in the others?  Gary Hemphill and Andrea Foote delve into what’s moving CSDs, bottled water, fruit beverages and other drink categories and provide insight into the latest volume data and brand, packaging and market trends with the entire range of non-alcoholic beverages.

II. New Products and Consumer Trends
Presented by: Tom Vierhile, Executive Editor, Productscan Online

Each year sees many new products in massive beverage categories, like carbonated soft drinks, as well as smaller ones, such as ready-to-drink coffee.  This workshop looks at both the latest beverage introductions and developments in consumer behavior.  It examines data on the newest and most innovative beverage products as well as demographics and insights into prevailing trends.  It explores the various new hybrids, functional beverages and line extensions as well as the trends they either respond to or inspire.