Innovations in Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages Panel
Tuesday, May 6th | 10:45 am - 11:30 am
Consumer interest in innovative beverages continues to soar. Across generations, spirits lovers are rethinking their options, looking for premium experiences and new flavors, and experimenting in the market with lower and non-alcoholic options. These trends present opportunities for companies to connect their brands with the next generation of consumers. This session explores the flavor trends and innovations driving this next wave of beverage consumption. Join us as we discuss creative ways the industry is meeting the demand for unique and flavorful drinks.
Session Speakers
Matt Bambrick (Moderator)
Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, DöhlerGroup
Matt Bambrick serves as the Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at DöhlerGroup, a global producer of natural ingredients, ingredient systems, and integrated solutions for the food and beverage industry. With over two decades of experience in regulatory affairs within the food production sector, Matt has developed a deep expertise in navigating complex regulatory landscapes and ensuring compliance across diverse product lines.
Heather Daines
Senior Director Global Product and Sensory Research and Development, Beam Suntory
Heather Daines is the Senior Director of Product Innovation and Technical Research at Suntory Global Spirits. She spearheads a team dedicated to advancing and optimizing new products and innovations globally while directing long-term research initiatives. Heather and her team leverage extensive expertise in product formulation, process design, sensory evaluation, and technical innovation to create and deliver industry-leading, consumer-preferred products into the marketplace. With more than 18 years at Suntory, she has honed her skills across the diverse landscape of the spirits industry, exemplifying the company’s commitment to excellence and innovation.
John Fishel
Vice President, Beverage and Health Business Unit, North American Flavor Solutions, McCormick & Company
John Fishel is Vice President of the Beverage and Health Business Unit within the North American Flavor Solutions team at McCormick & Company, where he leads strategic growth and innovation across some of the industry’s most dynamic segments. With a foundation in chemistry and an MBA in strategy, John blends technical insight with business leadership to deliver impactful flavor solutions to customers. His career spans over 15 years of experience in R&D, commercial, and cross-functional leadership within the flavor industry. Known for his collaborative, customer-centric approach, John is passionate about translating science into real-world applications and driving forward the future of taste.
Ari Gastman
Principal Flavorist, dsm-firmenich
Ari Gastman leads citrus flavor creation globally for dsm-firmenich’s Taste Texture & Health division, ensuring the commercial teams have the best tools necessary to maintain a superior position. Ari received a Bachelor of Sciences in Biology at Binghamton University while on a pre-medical track before shifting his focus to flavor science. Prior to his role at dsm-firmenich, Ari worked for Kerry, Virginia Dare Extract Company, and Comax Flavors. When Ari isn’t creating the latest citrus flavor or helping design the next cutting-edge citrus ingredient, he can be found in Freehold, New Jersey, spending time with his family or working on a home improvement project!
