Riding the Roller Coaster: Cider’s Economic Outlook
Speaker: Lester Jones
Date & Time: Thursday, February 6, 10:30 – 11:45 AM
National Beer Wholesalers Association Chief Economist Lester Jones will examine where the Cider Industry and alcohol beverages have been and where we’re headed following another wild roller coaster ride in 2023 and 2024. He will present on a wide variety of data and insights that explain how consumers, retailers, suppliers, and policy makers view the industry. Participants will get a unique perspectives on the economic and demographic factors shaping the cider and alcohol industry in 2024 and beyond.
Crafting the Future: Gen-Z’s Influence on Alcohol Brands
Speakers: Mary Mills, Devon Hevener
Date & Time: Friday, February 7, 10:30 – 11:45 AM
Join us for an insightful presentation hosted by 3 Tier Beverages where we will explore the dynamic impact of Gen-Z on the alcoholic beverage industry. This session will delve into the key national trends shaped by this influential generation, highlighting their preferences and purchasing behaviors.We’ll examine Gen-Z’s passion for sustainability and how this ethos is driving changes across alcohol brands. Discover how cider, with its natural ingredients and artisanal appeal, aligns perfectly with Gen-Z’s values, offering a unique opportunity for growth in this market. Through engaging data insights and trend analysis provided by Nielsen (NIQ), we’ll illustrate how cider producers can effectively connect with Gen-Z consumers, not only ensuring exceptional products but also by resonating with the values that matter most to them. Join us to help unlock strategies together that will position cider brands at the forefront of this evolving landscape!
State of the Apple Industry from US Apple
Speakers: Christopher Gerlach
Date & Time: Friday, February 7, 2:00 – 3:15 PM
The past few seasons have been challenging for the U.S. apple industry. Increasing production and decreasing exports have caused prices to fall at a time when input costs have been skyrocketing. Fortunately, innovations in technologies and techniques have dramatically increased productivity, allowing growers to do more with less. This session will take a deep dive into the prevailing trends and forces shaping the U.S. apple industry now and for years to come.
Pushing Back on The False Narrative of Neo-Prohibition
Speakers: Aaron Sarnoff-Wood
Date & Time: Friday, February 7, 2:00 – 3:15 PM
This session will examine the recent resurgence of the anti-alcohol movement, focusing on key players and their strategies to target alcohol producers and alcohol consumers alike. Anti-alcohol legislation is often supported with the misrepresentation of public health data to create a skewed narrative. We’ll discuss how narrative has impacted legislative efforts and the areas in which efforts have focused upon. We will discuss how to better understand and interpret research so that we may explore steps to promote a more balanced, evidence-based conversation about alcohol and craft cider’s role within this debate.