Upcoming Events
30 July 2026 | ABCL Webinar: Mid-Year Beverage Industry Briefing
Complimentary to NZBC members
13 August 2026 | ABCL Webinar - The Rise of Energy Drinks: What’s Driving the Growth?
Complimentary to NZBC members
17 September 2026 | ABCL Webinar - Chemicals of Concern: BPA, PFAS; Microplastics
Complimentary to NZBC members
15 Oct 2026 | 2026 Annual Beverage Conference & Awards
Beverage Conference and Awards 2026
This year’s NZBC Conference, Liquid Ambition, will shine a spotlight on innovation, resilience, and the future of Aotearoa New Zealand’s beverage industry.
Join us for a full day of insights, ideas, and inspiration at Tote on Ascot in Auckland, featuring an outstanding line-up of industry leaders, experts, and innovators. The programme has been designed to encourage meaningful discussion while providing plenty of opportunities to connect, collaborate, and network with fellow industry professionals throughout the day.
To conclude the conference, we are delighted to host the NZBC Beverage Awards Dinner, celebrating the exceptional people, businesses, and products that continue to drive excellence and growth across our sector.
We encourage you to explore the programme, discover the impressive calibre of speakers, and register early to take advantage of Early Bird pricing and secure your place at this premier industry event.
Early Bird rates are available until 14 August 2026.
Prices below are GST exclusive
Conference only ticket - $400
Conference and Dinner Member - $575
Conference only ticket Non Member - $500
Conference and Dinner Non Member - $675
Awards Dinner only - $175
Registering Three or More Delegates?
Companies/ Organisations who are registering three or more delegates are eligible for a group discount of $50 + GST per person. To access this special offer, please email info@nzbeveragecouncil.org.nz and we will arrange your registration and issue an invoice directly.
Speakers
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Matt Dilly is an Agricultural Economist, based in Auckland, New Zealand.
Matt covers New Zealand’s agricultural sector. He publishes ANZ’s Agri Focus and related research.
Matt joined ANZ in 2025 with 12 years’ experience as an agricultural economist at Fonterra and the Ministry for Primary Industries. In these roles, he has done work across every sector of New Zealand’s agricultural economy.
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With over a decade of experience in FMCG insights, Cormac works with food/drink companies across the globe to identify how changing consumer behaviour will impact future category innovation. In his current role as Associate Principal Food & Drink Strategist at Mintel, he analyses shifts in demographics, ingredients, claims, packaging and flavours to extract the implications for local market and export strategy. Cormac’s career has spanned roles in Europe and Asia Pacific consulting with some the world’s largest food/drink entities.
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Tom Walsh is a two-time Olympic medallist, three-time world champion, and two-time Commonwealth Games champion in men’s shot put. As one of the greatest throwers of all time, he ranks sixth in history for the longest throw ever recorded. Over 12 years as a professional athlete and still going, Tom has competed at the highest level, proving that success isn’t about delivering all the time—it’s about delivering when it matters most.
Born and raised in New Zealand, Tom’s journey has been defined by hard work, adaptability, and surrounding himself with the right people. His nine key lessons, shaped through years of competing against the world’s best, emphasize the importance of resilience, teamwork, and learning from both victories and setbacks. He believes that while talent and hard work are essential, true success comes from building strong relationships, embracing challenges, and understanding that obsession fuels achievement.
Tom has also navigated his career while managing dyslexia, an experience that has shaped his problem-solving skills and ability to adapt under pressure. He understands firsthand that success isn’t always a straight path—it requires finding your own way, leaning on the right people, and turning challenges into strengths.
Off the field, Tom is also a qualified builder, applying the same discipline and attention to detail in his craft. As a speaker, he shares powerful insights from his career, delivering engaging and relatable lessons that apply to sports, business, and life. His talks challenge audiences to rethink their approach to success, leadership, and personal growth.
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Leigh Hart is one of New Zealand's most distinctive comedians and one of its more unexpected business builders. Best known as "That Guy" from SportsCafe and as the creator of Moon TV, The Late Night Big Breakfast and Bhuja, Leigh has also founded the Wakachangi, Snackachangi and Arty D brands. He brings the same deadpan, irreverent style to corporate events, conferences and MC roles.
Leigh broke through as a roving reporter on cult comedy show SportsCafe. He went on to create some of New Zealand's most loved TV: Moon TV, Leigh Hart's Mysterious Planet, Screaming Reels, Olympico and The Late Night Big Breakfast. He co-hosts Bhuja on Radio Hauraki with Jason Hoyte, is a member of the Alternative Commentary Collective, founded Wakachangi Beer and Snackachangi Chips, and has been the long-time face of the Hellers brand.
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TBA
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Bron Williams is an award-winning strategist, brand builder, and founder of Essential Viewing: a strategic brand studio that helps change-ready businesses scale globally and own their place in culture. Operating at the intersection of creativity and commercial rigor, Bron has spent over a decade acting as a strategic architect for global disruptors.
She has been the brains behind some of the world’s fastest-growing category leaders, naming more than 50 companies globally and creating FMCG brands that currently sit in over 150,000 doors. This includes her pivotal work within the ZURU Edge incubator, where she created the positioning, naming, brand voices and strategic frameworks for over 18 disruptive brands — headlined by the meteoric rise of Rhodes Pet Science, which hit a $200M valuation in 2025. Her work has been featured on billboards from Australasia to Times Square. Bron is a New Zealander of English and Ngāti Pūkenga heritage.
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Holly McGrath is Co-Founder and Managing Director of Clean Collective, leading the business across New Zealand and Australia while driving the company’s product innovation pipeline and new product development.
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Karina didn't come from the beverage industry or a food technology background. Two years ago, she was a mum of three in Whangārei, rediscovering her strength, deepening her knowledge of nutrition, and competing on the bodybuilding stage.
When she couldn't find a protein drink to suit her needs, she decided to build one.
Today Love Muscle is ranged across Foodstuffs North Island supermarkets, has collected 5x Artisan Gold Medals, two NZ Food Awards wins including the Woolworths Beverage Award and Technical Innovation Award, and a Foodstuffs Emerge Start-Up Supplier Finalist placing.
Still runs it from Whangārei. Still leads every aspect of the business. Still figuring it out.
In this session Karina shares what the first two years has taught her: the unfiltered version.
Innovation Panel
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Will is currently the business manager for beverages and liquor at Foodstuffs North Island. A portfolio worth around 1.8b a year for FSNI with his key focuses being on setting strategy and driving performance of the categories. Will is passionate about building strong relationships with his suppliers and members to deliver great outcomes for the customers that shop the Foodstuffs North Island grocery banners. When Will is not working, he loves spending time with his family and watching / attending sport especially his beloved Wahs.
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Rebecca Brook is a growth strategist and advisor for packaged food, drink and wellness brands, and the Founder of Rise Growth Lab, home of The RISE Accelerator.
With more than 20 years’ experience across FMCG, Rebecca helps founders and business owners identify their strongest growth opportunities, prioritise what matters most, and build clear plans for sustainable, profitable growth. She also supports emerging suppliers through the New World Emerge programme, mentoring semi-finalists and finalists as they prepare to scale successfully in retail.
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Jamie Matthewson is General Manager for Impulse Grocery and Liquor at Woolworths NZ. Previously, Jamie was head of buying for Soft and Alcoholic Drinks at Waitrose, Britain's leading premium supermarket. Jamie has over 20 years of domestic and international retail and hospitality experience having held commercial roles at Tesco, Whitbread and Asda Wal*Mart. Jamie is an Alumnus Fellow at Nottingham University Business School.
Our MC for the Conference
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A former Olympian and one of Aotearoa’s most versatile multi discipline athletes, Sarah Cowley Ross has built a purposeful career at the intersection of sport, wellbeing, and storytelling.
Her background as a New Zealand high jump and heptathlon champion laid the foundation for a life defined by resilience, curiosity, and a deep commitment to empowering others through sport and movement.
Throughout a 15-year international athletics career, Sarah represented New Zealand at the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, and age group World Championships, earning a personal best of 1.91m in high jump—ranking her second of all time in New Zealand. The competitive grit, adaptability, and discipline forged on the world stage now fuel her dynamic work beyond elite sport.
Today, Sarah is a respected sports broadcaster, columnist, and commentator, proudly contributing to the Olympic Broadcasting Service for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and previously hosting as part of the TVNZ broadcast team for Tokyo 2020. Whether connecting with global audiences or supporting community events, she brings warmth, clarity, and a rare insider’s perspective to every live environment.
Sarah’s dedication to giving back to the sporting community runs deep. She is the former Chair of the New Zealand Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission, where she also served on the NZOC Executive Board. She has held governance roles with University and Tertiary Sport NZ, has been a national selector for Athletics NZ, and continues to support the Olympic Movement across the Oceania region. A passionate advocate for women’s leadership, she is an alumna of the NZOC’s Women in Sport Leadership Academy and now contributes as a facilitator, helping guide the next generation of women leaders across the Pacific.
A committed storyteller, Sarah is a columnist for Newsroom’s Locker Room, a platform dedicated to elevating women’s sport, and co-host of the podcast Suze & Sez Sportstalk. She is also a qualified physiotherapist and communications consultant with a strong public voice around wellbeing, movement, and everyday health—championing her personal mantra Never Miss a Monday to encourage others to start their week with intention, joy, and confidence.
Above all, Sarah is a proud mum to Max and Poppy. Her work is driven by the belief that sport and storytelling can help build a healthier, more connected Aotearoa where people of all ages feel inspired to move, belong, and thrive.
Thank you to our Platinum partner
Thank you to our Gold partners
Thank you to our Sliver partners
14 May 2026 | ABCL Webinar - Unveiling the Beverage Choices Roadmap to 2030
Complimentary to NZBC members
23 April 2026 | ABCL Webinar - Outlook from the 28-Year Beverage Trends Report
Complimentary to NZBC members
14 Apr 2026 | IFU Webinar - CSR Risk Management in Supply Chains
Complimentary to NZBC members
26 March 2026 | NZ Economy: Stuck in neutral or ready to shift gears?
About
Join us for an event sponsored by MCC to recognise Malcolm Davies, who was a strong supporter and advocate to the NZBC and to reflect on his contribution.
We will hear from Tony Alexander, a leading NZ economist who will provide an insight into the economic landscape and what this means for our industry.
Date
Thursday 26 March 2026 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM (UTC+13)
Location
Auckland Business Chamber Event Centre
Level 3, 90 Symonds Street, Grafton, Auckland 1010
24 March 2026 | Innovation Degustation with BFGS
The NZ Beverage Council is pleased to assist in promoting this valuable event on behalf of our member BFGS.
If you’re involved in beverages in any way — this is the event you need to be at. It’s called Innovation Degustation, and it’s happening Tuesday 24 March 2026 at The Annex in Auckland. This is not another conference. It’s a hands-on, taste-led experience designed to ignite innovation and collaboration across New Zealand’s beverage sector.
WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE
It’s the first event of its kind in New Zealand — a guided tasting of over 30 of the world’s most exciting and innovative new drinks
Brought together by Beverage & Food Gurus, NZ’s leading independent product-development team, this event is about experiencing global innovation first-hand — without leaving Auckland.
You’ll taste what’s trending globally — from protein & GLP-1 drinks to hydration, nootropics and 0 % alcohol concepts — and see how these ideas can inspire the next wave of NZ products.
WHY IT MATTERS
New Zealand’s beverage industry is world-class — but staying ahead means staying informed.
Innovation Degustation gives R&D, innovation, marketing, and brand teams a direct line to what’s happening internationally — insights that would usually require a costly overseas trip. It’s a chance to connect, taste, learn and be inspired — all in one immersive, expertly curated day. Expect ideas, collaboration, and serious momentum for the year ahead.
WHO IT’S FOR
- Founders & Business Leaders
- R&D & Product Development Teams
- Brand & Marketing Managers
- Innovation Leads & Portfolio Owners
Limited to just 40 attendees — intimate, impactful, and full of value.
EVENT DETAILS
Tuesday 24 March 2026
The Annex, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland
Early Bird $399 (until 31 Jan 2026) | Standard $499 (from 1 Feb 2026)
This is a unique opportunity to experience the best of global beverage innovation — right here in New Zealand. It’s going to inspire ideas, spark partnerships, and lift the entire industry. Tickets are limited, so secure yours today at bfgs.co.nz — and be part of shaping the future of NZ beverages.”
Download more details here.
19 March 2026 | Webinar: Innovative Ingredients for Modern Beverage Development
Complimentary to NZBC members
26 Nov 2025 | NZBC - AGM and XMAS Networking
NZBC - AGM and XMAS Networking
When: Wednesday 26 November - 5:00PM to 8:00PM
Where: Auckland Business Chamber, Events Centre - Level 3 - 90 Symonds Street, Grafton, Auckland
Cost: Complimentary to members (Member Only Event)
This is a very important event on the NZBC calendar. We will be holding our AGM to review our past year, and importantly discuss the year ahead for the NZBC. AGM papers will be released at least 2 weeks prior to this event. The full executive will be present, and the venue allows for relaxed networking. Food and drinks are complementary to all members. A great way to enjoy and toast to the end of 2025 amongst our peers in the beverage industry.
3 Nov 2025 | EHEDG Advanced Course on Hygienic Design
EHEDG Advanced Course on Hygienic Design
When: Monday 3 November to Thursday 6 November 2025
Where: NOVOTEL Christchurch, 52 Cathedral Square, Christchurch
EHEDG is pleased to offer this course providing knowledge and insight into the hygienic design of equipment and hygienic engineering aspects especially for the food, but also for the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and chemical industries. The aim of the 4 day course is to:
· create awareness of the EHEDG Organisation
· explain the benefits and importance of Hygienic Design
· provide understanding on the key Hygienic Design criteria for equipment and facilities, including detailed engineering concepts.
· communicate the Key Learning Points (KLPs) from all relevant EHEDG guidelines and EHEDG teaching aids.
The course is given from a practical viewpoint. The theoretical fundamentals of the different subjects are given in a short and concise way, continuously relating these to practice by means of examples on video, pictures or samples.
16 Oct 2025 | 2025 Annual Beverage Conference
Conference 2025
This year’s NZ Beverage Council’s conference theme will carry a topical theme of innovation. It’s timely given the non-alcoholic beverage industry in 2025 is characterised by a dynamic landscape of innovation. Keynote speakers at the conference will be Sir Ray Avery GNZM and Nicola O’Rourke. The line-up of conference speakers will also include Mintel, ANZ, James & Wells, Innovation Realised, Mānuka Phuel, Arepa Drinks, No Ugly Ltd, and post conference networking with dinner speaker and entertainment. The Event program can be downloaded here.
The 2025 Conference will be held 16 October, at Tote on Ascot, Ellerslie Events Centre, Auckland. The one day conference will commence with registration at 8.30am. The day will conclude with a dinner and entertainment. Mark this in your diary as a must attend event.
Pricing is as below. All prices are GST exclusive. If you are a company and looking to register three or more attendees then there is a reduction of $50.00pp. Please email info@nzbeveragecouncil.org.nz should you wish to take advantage of this special offer.
Member - $575.00 (Conference and Dinner)
Non Member - $675.00 (Conference and Dinner)
Dinner only - $175.00
Speakers
Our speaker programme includes:
Keynote speaker - Sir Ray Avery GNZM
Keynote speaker - Nicola O’Rourke
Matt Dilly - ANZ Economist
Alex Beckett - Mintel
Ross Pearce - Innovation Realised
Alex McDonald - Mānuka Phuel
Angus Brown - Arepa Drinks
Aaron Taylor - No Ugly Ltd
Ben Cain - James & Wells
Jamie Matthewson - GM Grocery and Liquor, Woolworths NZ
Download the programme here.
Thank you to our Platinum partner
Thank you to our Gold partners
Thank you to our Sliver partners
15 Sep 2025 | drinktec
drinktec 2025
The Drinktec fair is on again.
drinktec – The Worlds Leading Trade Fair for the Beverage and Liquid Food Industry
When: 15-19 September 2025 (Europe time)
Where: Munich, Germany
20 Aug 2025 | Market Insights Report 2025 and leveraging with AI
Market Insights Report 2025 and leveraging with AI
When: Wednesday 20th August 2025 - 5.30PM to 7.30PM
Where: Auckland Business Chamber, Events Centre - Level 3 - 90 Symonds Street, Grafton, Auckland
Cost: Complimentary to members . Non members $20 (incl GST)
Join us for an exclusive in-person event featuring Hunter Campbell, and hear from Lee Marshall - Managing Partner, Sindy Ward - Director Sales and Marketing and Wayne Fry - Manager, Supply Chain, Operations and Procurement who will share valuable insights into salary trends, talent dynamics, and hiring strategies across key industries.
The session will also delve into the broader economic outlook and examine how companies are leveraging AI and fostering strong workplace cultures to remain competitive and empower their leaders in an ever-evolving market.
This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with industry peers and stay informed on the latest developments in the non-alcoholic beverage sector.
Light refreshments will be provided.
26 June 2025 | A webinar on regulations, key insights, and their importance
Complimentary to NZBC members
28 May 2025 | IFU/SGF Global Juice Roadshow 2025
IFU/SGF Global Juice Roadshow 2025
NZBC are pleased to support the promotion of the IFU/SGF Global Juice Roadshow 2025.
When: Wednesday 28th May, 2025 - 9.30AM to 5PM
Where: Rydges Auckland, 59 Federal Street, Auckland
Cost: See Link
This is a unique opportunity to explore the local industry, connect with juice producers, and share insights within the global juice community. Join the roadshow in Auckland for this exciting event and be part of the journey towards innovation and collaboration in the juice industry.
The event consists of Conference and workshops.
8 May 2025 | A Webinar on Marketing regulations for food and drink
Complimentary to NZBC members
30 Apr 2025 | Webinar: Shaping tomorrow - Latest global trends
Complimentary to NZBC members
16 Apr 2025 | IDEXX Insights to strengthen your Quality Control strategy
Complimentary to NZBC members
25 Feb 2025 | Webinar with Michael Evangelidis from GovConnex
Complimentary to NZBC members
19 Feb 2025 | Webinar with Hilary Souter - Advertising Standards Authority
Complimentary to NZBC members
12 Dec 2024 | NZFIN Food and Beverage Accelerator
NZFIN Food and Beverage Accelerator
When: Register now
How: On Line Application
In May 2024, NZFIN Food and Beverage Accelerator was launched and designed to drive the profitable growth of small Food and Beverage businesses. The NZFIN accelerator is a very affordable three-month program of in-depth training, personalised coaching, and access to an expert network and a supportive community – Participants create a profitable growth plan and are provided with all the tools needed for success in making the plan happen. After two successful programmes in 2024, the next intake of SMEs for the accelerator will be on 3rd February 2025.
11 Dec 2024 | Hunter Campbell - Informal Networking and Xmas Gathering
Hunter Campbell - Informal Networking and Xmas Gathering
When: Wednesday 11 December 2024 - 6:00PM to 8:00PM
Where: Auckland Business Chamber, Events Centre - Level 3 - 90 Symonds Street, Grafton, Auckland
Cost: Complimentary to members (Member Only Event)
Lee Marshall from Hunter Campbell will present insights from the Mood of the CFO, 2024 report and will be available throughout the evening for discussions with members.
This is a complimentary event for our members, offering a relaxed setting for networking.
We would like to extend our gratitude to our sponsors, Hunter Campbell.
14 Nov 2024 | Starting your Supermarket Journey – navigating an increasingly complex landscape
Starting your Supermarket Journey – navigating an increasingly complex landscape
When: Thursday 14th November 9.30am to 11.30am
Where: The FoodBowl, 28 Verissimo Drive, Auckland Airport
Cost: Early Bird $125 +GST and fees (until October 18th). Standard ticket $150 +GST and fees.
This workshop is aimed at startups and SMEs who are planning to work with supermarkets in FMCG, or those who are just starting to get their products into stores. This is the ideal workshop if you want to gain a better understanding of the structure of the market, routes to market, and what you can do to increase your chances of successfully presenting your products for sale on retail shelves.
Starting your Supermarket Journey – navigating an increasingly complex landscape
16 Oct 2024 | ABCL/ICBA APAC Webinar - Insights into Plastics, Australian Packaging Regulatory Reform & Chemicals of Concern
ABCL/ICBA APAC Webinar - Insights into Plastics, Australian Packaging Regulatory Reform & Chemicals of Concern
When: Wednesday 16th October 3.00pm to 4.00pm
Where: Online via Microsoft Teams
Cost: Free to NZBC members
The Australian Beverages Council has kindly extended an invitation to our members for this important event.
ABCL/ICBA APAC Webinar - Insights into Plastics, Australian Packaging Regulatory Reform & Chemicals of Concern
With media focus intensifying around plastics, PFAS and BPA it is important to have an understanding of the current status of packaging regulatory reform and ongoing discussions into regulating chemicals of concern on a state, federal, and international level.
Join us on for a deep dive into the current reform landscape, and get insights on what to expect from different consultations and programs currently on the go, and how you can have your voices heard both individually and through the ABCL and ICBA-APAC
Not able to make it? Feel free to forward this invitation to a member of your team.
Warm regards,
Geoff Parker - CEO
Australian Beverages Council Ltd
16 Oct 2024 | 2024 Annual Beverage Conference
Conference 2024
Registration is open!
Registration is now open for the 2024 Conference to be held 16 - 17 October, at Tote on Ascot, Ellerslie Events Centre.
This year's conference will start with Welcome Drinks the night before, and this is a chance to get together informally before the conference.
The one day conference will commence with registration at 8.30am, formalities at 9am, and conclude at 5.30pm on Thursday 17 October. The Annual General Meeting and pre dinner drinks will follow from 5.30pm at the outstanding "Winning Post" bar overlooking the racecourse. The day will conclude with a dinner and entertainment.
Pricing is as below. To note all prices are GST inclusive.
If you are a company and looking to register three or more attendees then there is a reduction of $50.00pp. Please email info@nzbeveragecouncil.org.nz should you wish to take advantage of this special offer.
Member Standard Price
$675.00
Non Member Standard Price
$775.00
Dinner only
$175.00
Speakers
Our speaker programme is complete and we are pleased to announce some
of the following speakers that will be presenting.
Henry Russell
Economist, ANZ
Sam Borgfeldt, Director
Beverage and Food Gurus Limited
Kate Gooch and Irina Sweeney
Circana
Introducing our Motivational Speaker
Kevin Bigger
"The best motivational speaker in New Zealand"
From his unique background in business consulting, ultra-endurance adventures and TV presenting Kevin delivers powerful, battle-tested tools and techniques that will make our 2024 conference delegates much more effective in setting and achieving their own exceptional goals, during these challenging economic times.
Kevin will speak to our members on resilience and high performance.
Thank you to our Platinum sponsor
Thank you to our Gold sponsors
9 Oct 2024 | Food and Consumer Law – Regulatory Update and Trends
Food and Consumer Law – Regulatory Update and Trends
When: Wednesday 9th October 9.00am to 11.00am
Where: The FoodBowl, 28 Verissimo Drive, Auckland Airport
Cost: Early Bird $125 +GST and fees (until October 4th). Standard ticket $150 +GST and fees.
This workshop is perfect for Food Professionals who need to better understand advertising and food and beverage law compliance across Australia and New Zealand. The event will be hosted by The FoodBowl and presented by Ciska de Rijk from Essence Compliance.
Food and Consumer Law – Regulatory Update and Trends | New Zealand Food Innovation Network
5 Sep 2024 | Container Return Scheme Update
Container Return Scheme Update
On behalf of the NZBC, hashtag#ClarkeTruscott, will be presenting an update on the hashtag#ContainerReturnScheme (CRS) via webinar on 5th September, NZT 10.00am. Clarke will be supported by hashtag#ShannonDohertyAndall, Sustainability Manager for the hashtag#AustralianBeveragesCouncil (ABCL), This webinar will provide a learning platform to people new and familiar to this subject and it will also refresh our current industry position with the CRS.
Clarke is a leading expert in container return scheme design and operations. He has been active in policy discussions on the design of a potential New Zealand scheme since 2017 and has previously represented the NZBC in the formal scheme co-design process.
Shannon has been the Australian Beverages Council’s Sustainability Manager for three years. In this role she assists members of all sizes meet their environmental and sustainability goals. She also assists them navigating Australia’s various container deposit schemes. Prior to joining ABCL Shannon worked on sustainable packaging products for the food, drink, and pharmaceutical industries.