The inaugural Sustainability in Drinks (SID) conference and exhibition on 14th and 15th October in London will feature the largest collaboration of global advisory bodies within the drinks industry ever staged in the UK. What started as a simple idea to showcase the best in drinks production, products, services and support ‘under one roof’ has grown into a resource for all members of the drinks trade with exhibitors, thought leaders and visitors from around the world.

The organisers have co-opted the support of advisors and experts who will contribute to SID talks including debates on packaging, regenerative practices, the race to net zero and creating sustainable supply chains. This is in addition to SID Associates having a physical presence or representation at the event, including Porto Protocol, IWCA (International Wineries for Climate Action), WSTA (Wines and Spirits Trade Association), Carbon Literacy Project, Carbon Trust and the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation – to name just a handful of contributors.

“Sustainability in Drinks is a new and critical forum to explore the sector’s journey to net zero and accelerate the steps to be undertaken across the sector to decarbonise,” said Isabel DiVanna, associate director and practice sales lead (agriculture, food & drink) at Carbon Trust.  “We are very excited to join and looking forward to talking to companies as they devise their plans and business cases, communications and stakeholder engagement strategies.”

Freddie Joosten, head of environment policy WSTA  said he is “delighted” to be involved in the event. “This event is a unique platform for packaging suppliers, buyers, designers, policymakers, and specialists to forge new partnerships and discuss the challenges and new trends in premium and luxury packaging. By sharing knowledge and collaborating on innovative solutions, we can accelerate the transition to an affordable circular economy and create a more sustainable future across our industry”.

The exhibition which is free to attend for drinks trade and press, with pre-registration required, will take place on Tuesday 15th October at St Mary’s, Marylebone from 10.30am until 5.30pm and will feature around 60 exhibitors across wine production, other drinks (including spirits and beers), products and services, including alternative packaging, advisory and certification bodies. Alongside the exhibition and SID talks will be a press room dedicated to news on exclusive product launches and the announcements of major international reports.

The previous day’s conference, held on 14th October at the WSET school in Bermondsey will be a great opportunity to be part of the debate on “Creating Value through Sustainability”, with keynote speakers Master of Wine Jancis Robinson OBE and Judith Batchelar OBE, alongside SID’s founding partners, Encirc, Wines of Alentejo Sustainability Programme, Maison Mirabeau and Beyond Zero.

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