The Next Round: What happens after you change your drinking?
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The Next Round: What happens after you change your drinking?
Aaron is a specialist intellectual property solicitor and partner in J A Kemp’s Trade Marks & Designs Group. He has a very international outlook being qualified to practice law in the UK, Ireland, Canada and Australia. His practice involves all things related to trade marks and brand protection, as well as dealing with domain name and other internet-related issues, and both domestic and international IP disputes. Aaron has spearheaded worldwide trade mark clearance projects for both brand owners and creative agencies, helping with risk-management and positioning brands for growth from early stages, managing legal budgets big and small. He will be available for one-to-one discussions on IP strategy.
Founder of The Blue Dolphin Store, alcohol-free drinks retailer & distributor based in Barcelona (Spain)
An experienced social researcher with a record of applying behavioural science to policy problems, and running and designing robust randomised controlled trials.
Annabelle joined Drinkaware in 2020 and leads our research team.
She is an experienced social researcher with a track record of applying behavioural science to policy problems; and of running and designing robust randomised controlled trials.
She joins Drinkaware from Ofgem, where she led ground breaking trials to uncover what works in increasing engagement in the domestic energy market, and was part of a team awarded the 2019 Behavioural Exchange Award for Outstanding Research.
Before then, she worked in the Department of Health’s Behavioural Insight Team, focussing on robust evaluations of innovative ways to improve health outcomes, including increasing attendance at NHS Health Checks, which won the UK Government’s annual Social Research Award in 2014.
Blake has worked in research & insights for 20 years. He started his career at Kantar before joining Lumina Intelligence in 2009. Blake has worked across all areas of research and insights and has led the development of new products, content and marketing. He joined KAM, as a partner, in 2018 to drive forward their expertise in delivering market-leading research and insight-led products.
Brendan Williams is the CEO & co-founder of Paradoxx Drinks Ltd. which makes NuWave, a mood enhancing, alcohol-free beer.
He has more than 20 years of experience in the drinks industry gained with Carlsberg, Asahi, SABMiller, Coca-Cola and Fosters Group.
Within the last 10 years Brendan has held senior global (Carlsberg), regional (SABMiller) and national (Asahi) marketing leadership positions.
Brendan most recently led The Free Consultancy, an alcohol-free marketing consultancy. He was the Managing Director of Sentia mood-enhancing AF spirits, a TFC client in 2022/23. Brendan’s last corporate role was as the Global Marketing Director of Alcohol Free for Carlsberg where he developed the highly successful global alcohol-free strategy & coordinated the winning execution in 40+ markets around the world.
Founder of the mindful drinking brand and creative consultancy La Maison Wellness, Camille has spent her career as a consultant and global brand ambassador most notably for St- Germain and the Bacardi family of brands.
Chris is a recovering management consultant and technology exec who has worked in startups and digital transformation way too long. This includes working inside lots of large companies in banking, finance, insurance and media.
He’s exited and is involved in several ventures in the web content, original programming and creative production industries that are revolutionizing content and entertainment in the digital age.
Better Rhodes is the culmination of many personal and professional elements for Chris and he’s extremely excited about the possibilities for AF and adult premium beverages.
Chris has been a writer, journalist, author and magazine editor in the world of drinks for over 25 years. Two years ago, he teamed up with AF expert Chrissie Parkinson to set up the World Alcohol-Free Awards – the only competition dedicated to drinks at 0.5% abv or below.
Christof Tremp is the co-founder and CEO of Rebels 0.0%, a startup crafting alcohol-free spirits. With an MA in Business Administration from HSG and experience at Kraft Foods, Procter & Gamble, Unilever, and Lindt & Sprüngli. Through their “Cheers Revolution”, Rebels 0.0% is challenging social drinking norms by offering sophisticated alternatives to gin, rum, whiskey, and aperitifs. Rebels 0.0% taps into the growing trend of reduced alcohol consumption, especially among younger generations, while positioning itself as a choice rather than an anti-alcohol stance.
Their spirits, produced in Switzerland using double distillation and organic botanicals, closely mimic traditional flavors. Committed to sustainability and ethical standards, Rebels 0.0% maintains a complex production process, resulting in a premium product.
A pioneer in the non-alcoholic space, Claire co-founded Æcorn in 2018 alongside Ben Branson, leading to its acquisition by Diageo in 2020. Now Head of Luxury Advocacy at Diageo, Claire is a speaker, mentor, and industry advocate, serving on the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation board and chairing the IWSC Alternative Drinks Awards.
Previously the multi-award-winning Group Head of Wine for Hakkasan, Chrissie is one half of the No/Low consultancy Brimful Drinks, and in 2022 co-founded the World Alcohol-Free Awards. Pioneering work with No & Low drinks since 2016 and known as a committed educator and thoughtful communicator. Awards include Imbibe Industry Legend, IWSC Lifetime Achievement, WSET Educator of the Year.
Following a 24-year career in hospitality, Denise Hamilton-Mace is now the founder and editor of Low No Drinker Magazine, the no.1 UK magazine for mindful & sober curious drinkers, and the host of the Low No Drinker Podcast, a weekly conversation with low/no-&-light brand founders and industry experts.
Denise is also a public speaker and writer passionately championing the rise and rise of the low/no-&-light alcohol industry.
The Founder of Drink Dry, the GCC’s first and only premium non-alcoholic drinks marketplace, Erika is a well-known and revered figure in the beverage industry.
Founder of Miue — a wine-inspired non-alc spritz.
Freddy Bulmer is an award-winning buyer at The Wine Society, responsible for wines from Australia, Austria, Portugal and New Zealand, as well as food, beers, ciders and low & no-alcohol drinks. He joined the Society in 2013 and became part of the buying team in 2015. Freddy works closely with producers around the world to source characterful, high-quality products that offer real value at every price point. He has played a key role in the success of numerous brands and bespoke launches across The Wine Society’s 180,000-strong membership.
Frederik is the founder of Lowlander, the pioneering brewery crafting no & low-alcohol beers infused with botanicals. With a passion for flavor and innovation, he has redefined beer by blending brewing traditions with natural ingredients. Frederik leads Lowlander in shaping the future of mindful drinking with bold, botanical brews.
JOMO Club is the leading non-alc drinks discovery box & club in the UK. As the Founder, I am committed to driving the alcohol-free space through the power of small brand to consumer discovery, education and powerful connection.
General Manager & Head Sommelier at Counter 71, a British ingredients led restaurant in Old Street London with a strong No & Low programme. Harry has over 25 years experience in bars & restaurants & joined the judges for 2024 Sommelier Edits No & Low Awards.
Jörg Geiger is a chef with a passion for learning and innovation and has been making alcohol-free drinks since 2003. From an early age he was fascinated by MeadowFruit and the beverages produced from them in his parents’ business. Over the years, the initial fascination developed into a deep passion for heritage fruit varieties, their cultivation, preservation and processing.
Today, drinks made from heritage apple and pear varieties enjoy renewed popularity. For Jörg Geiger, the excellent reputation of drinks made from MeadowFruit is mainly due to the “diva” of heritage pear varieties, the Champagner- Bratbirne Heritage [most]- Pear. Today, Jörg Geiger is known far beyond Germany’s borders for his knowledge of MeadowFruit trees. From new scientific findings to old techniques of production, Jörg Geiger combines tradition and innovation. The result is a plethora of unique MeadowFruit creations. Doing everything possible to preserve the ancient trees and the diversity of fruit varieties is one of his main goals and a constant motivation. That includes working towards even more sustainably and further increasing the biodiversity of the orchards. Soil health is of particular importance, because MeadowFruit trees are deeply rooted. And Jörg Geiger wants to make the owners of MeadowFruit orchards once again proud of their trees and the value of the fruit they yield.
Jeremias Loock is CEO of The Other Bottle, Portugal’s leading distributor of premium non-alcoholic beverages. He has been shaping the alcohol-free wine movement since 2018, working with Kolonne Null long before the category could be called a market. Today, The Other Bottle operates two physical shops in Portugal and distributes a curated portfolio of alcohol-free wines, beers, and spirits across the Iberian Peninsula. With a background in film production, Jeremias brings a creative and strategic perspective to building a more mindful, modern drinking culture.
A writer, entrepreneur and pioneer of the alcohol-free movement in Africa.
Karen is Drinkaware’s Chief Executive Officer and joined the organisation in October 2022.
Karen brings over 20 years of experience across health and social care, most recently in the national alcohol and drug treatment charity Humankind where she was Executive Director of Strategy, Culture and External Affairs.
Prior to Humankind Karen worked at Addaction (now called With You), a charity that gives free confidential support to people with drugs, alcohol and mental health issues.
Karen is also Vice Chair of Trustees at the Avalon Group, a social care charity.
Karen is a collaborative leader, with expertise in strategy and communications. She has spent time working in business development and started her career as a volunteer.
Kate is the Founder of Nudge PR, a drinks and hospitality-focused PR agency. She has over 20 years’ experience working with both established and emerging brands, helping them to tell their stories, build their reputations, and connect with consumers and trade audiences alike.
Kate O’Dowd is the founder of Floreat Wines, a pioneering producer of sparkling wines with reduced alcohol and calories. Drawing on her background in herbal medicine, Kate has created a unique product that blends traditional winemaking techniques with botanical infusions for a fresh and flavourful experience. Her work reflects a commitment to health, sustainability, and innovation in the drinks industry.
Laura Willoughby is the founder of Club Soda, the Mindful Drinking Movement. She is a serial social entrepreneur and campaigner with a background in politics and marketing. Laura was awarded an MBE for services to charity in 2012 and is a regular speaker and commentator on mindful drinking and the alcohol-free drinks industry.
Founder of Zero Proof, a consultancy helping bars, restaurants, and brands create and market alcohol-free drinks programmes. Laura has over a decade’s experience in the drinks industry, specialising in cocktail development and training.
Lauren is the UK Marketing Manager at Lucky Saint, the UK’s #1 dedicated alcohol-free beer brand. She is passionate about changing perceptions of alcohol-free beer and making it more accessible and appealing to a wider audience.
Louisa is the co-founder of Wild Eve, a premium alcohol-free spirit inspired by the Isle of Harris. She works closely with local producers and foragers to create a drink that celebrates the island’s unique flora and culture. Louisa is passionate about sustainability, provenance, and quality in drinks production.
Category Manager for Beers, Cider & Spirits at Foodbuy (part of Compass Group), with 14+ years in the on-trade hospitality industry spanning bartending, brand work, and distribution across the UK, Europe, and the US. Previously with Seedlip—the world’s first non-alcoholic spirit—and a long-standing advocate of the No/Low and functional drinks movement, supporting its role in creating more inclusive venues and experiences. Formally curating drink product portfolios for multiple regional wholesalers, consulted on hundreds of venue and event menus, and delivered training and masterclasses throughout. Committed to improving access to drinks through clear quality measures, effective storytelling, and thoughtful commercial analysis.
Millie is the founder of Sober Girl Society, a global community for women who are sober or sober curious. Through events, content, and advocacy, Millie has created a supportive space for women to explore life without alcohol and challenge societal norms around drinking. She is also the author of “The Sober Girl Society Handbook.”
Natasha Brinsmead is the founder of Sip & Share, a community for people who love premium alcohol-free drinks. She curates monthly subscription boxes and online tastings, connecting members with innovative brands and products from around the world.
Nick Bodkins is the founder of A Route West and the former CEO of Boisson, a category-defining marketplace for non-alcoholic wines and spirits. At Boisson, Nick raised $22 million in venture funding and built a national footprint across New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, and e-commerce.
He led the brand through explosive growth—and a difficult restructuring—earning recognition in The New York Times, Forbes, Business Insider, and BevNet. These experiences, from scaling to course-correcting, now shape the work he does at A Route West: helping founders and operators grow smarter and adapt faster.
Before launching Boisson, Nick spent more than a decade in enterprise marketing and technology, leading digital strategy and GTM execution for both consumer brands and SaaS companies. His approach combines startup urgency with enterprise structure.
Nick is a two-time judge at the World Alcohol-Free Awards in London and was recently named a no/low alcohol judge for the IWSC.
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Nick Graham is the founder of High Point Drinks, a Cornwall-based producer of premium non-alcoholic fermented aperitifs and digestifs. His background in the drinks industry spans over 20 years, and he is committed to crafting complex, flavourful alternatives to alcohol using natural ingredients and traditional methods.
Olivia is the Head of Marketing at Everleaf, the award-winning range of non-alcoholic aperitifs. She has a background in brand strategy and consumer engagement, with a focus on sustainability and storytelling in the drinks industry.
Patrick is the Managing Director at Wise Bar Trader, a specialist distributor of premium no and low-alcohol products in the UK. With a deep knowledge of the sector, Patrick supports bars, restaurants, and retailers in building successful mindful drinking offerings.
Rachel is the co-founder of Nonsuch Shrubs, makers of premium non-alcoholic shrubs inspired by heritage recipes. She is passionate about flavour innovation, sustainability, and the revival of traditional preserving methods in drinks production.
Robyn is the ex-founder of Square Root, an alcohol-free brand she took from kitchen table to millions of bottles sold. She is now helping the next wave of food & drink brands thrive on DELLI.market
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Sam is the founder of Mindful Mixology, a consultancy and training company helping hospitality businesses to create exceptional alcohol-free cocktail menus. With a background in bartending and menu development, Sam is dedicated to improving the quality and variety of no and low-alcohol options.
Sam Page is the Head Bartender of Sexy Fish, an industry leading bar & restaurant in the world of alcohol free & low ABV cocktails. He’s worked at Sexy Fish for 3 and a half years and contribute heavily to all drink development programs. He enjoys focusing on flavour forward, balanced and minimalist serves that highlight incredible ingredients & products- “great drinks don’t have to be complicated”.
Samantha is the UK Country Manager for Lyre’s, one of the world’s leading non-alcoholic spirit brands. She has extensive experience in brand management and sales, with a passion for making premium alcohol-free alternatives available to everyone.
Sarah is the founder of The Mindful Kitchen, a catering and events company specialising in plant-based, alcohol-free experiences. She creates immersive dining events that combine flavour, wellness, and sustainability.
Shilen is the founder of Distill Ventures, the world’s first accelerator for drinks brands. He has been instrumental in supporting the growth of numerous alcohol-free and low-alcohol companies, helping them scale internationally.
Experienced Co-Founder with a demonstrated history of working in the machinery & the food industry. Founding Member of ISH Spirits in 2019 & Founder of NOLO Collective ApS in 2024. Skilled in Food & Beverage, Management, Business-to-Business (B2B), Entrepreneurship, and Business Strategy. Strong entrepreneurship professional graduated from HEC Paris.
With his wife and business partner, Mary, Tim Bird operates seven boutique pubs in rural Cheshire and North Staffordshire. They are committed to being renowned for having one of the best drinks acts in the UK and whilst space is at a premium on our bars, they will make space for the right drinks that capture the imagination of their guests and their teams.
Tom is the founder of Wise Bartender, the UK’s largest online retailer for no and low-alcohol drinks. He has built a comprehensive range of products for consumers, events, and hospitality venues, championing choice and accessibility in the mindful drinking sector.
Will is the co-founder of Real Drinks Co., producers of naturally fermented sparkling teas. With a focus on craftsmanship, flavour, and sustainability, Will has helped position Real as a premium alternative to traditional alcoholic drinks.
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