The Water Quality Association (WQA) Convention & Exposition will take place from 18-20 April 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event gives attendees the opportunity to meet some of the leading companies in the water treatment industry. Angie Silberhorn, CMP events director at WQA, reveals what we can expect from this year’s event. What can we expect from this year's event? The WQA Convention & Exposition is the most comprehensive annual gathering of water treatment professionals in North America. More than 2,500 participants are expected to join us for the event, with nearly 200 exhibitors (one-third of which are international) showcasing the latest products and technology, as well as four days of stellar industry education and networking. Our keynote session will be a dynamic event with live entertainment, leadership awards, an industry update from our president and executive director and our keynote speaker, Mae Stevens, an environmental and water infrastructure policy expert who advocates for point-of-use and point-of-entry applications and will deliver a 'state of the industry' message. You can also anticipate some elements of surprise and delight. Every year, the WQA Convention & Exposition has a keyword – this year's being 'Momentum'. Could you tell us more about that and what 'Momentum' entails? The need for quality water is everywhere and becoming increasingly recognised, so the momentum in our industry is rapidly building. Our annual flagship event must match that momentum. Our members depend on our convention to stay up to date on the latest trends, water science, business best practices and legislative and regulatory affairs. So, the convention, with the pandemic in our rearview mirror, is also building momentum in the experience we deliver as we’re seeing growth in membership, exhibitors, international attendees and first-time attendees. Have there been any changes or updates to the event since the last annual convention and exposition? As the industry continues to build momentum, so does WQA. We just saw the EPA announce its new regulatory goals for PFAS, one of the emerging contaminants that’s getting so much attention. And PFAS will be front and centre at this convention. We’ll have a one-day PFAS symposium along with education sessions and discussions in our Dealers and Manufacturers Sections Meetings. In addition, we’ll discuss our 2023 Consumer Opinion Study, a survey of consumers’ awareness and understanding of water quality issues and treatment options. That survey is done every two years, so this will be very important as we put the pandemic behind us and see what consumers are thinking and saying about water. With less than a month to go, this must be a very busy time for the events team. What does it look like behind the scenes as you prepare for this year's event? With a new and expanded WQA events team representing three generations, we’re looking at all aspects of the 2023 convention and beyond with fresh perspectives. We’re excited to be keeping and improving upon tried-and-true elements while also infusing fresh ideas. We’re in the final push ahead of the event, putting in long hours dotting the I’s, crossing the T’s and packing the boxes. The teamwork is outstanding, and we’re excited to deliver an incomparable experience. Is there anything else about WQA Convention & Exposition 2023 you would like to share? Each year’s convention has its own unique vibe, and this year surely will as well. We know new relationships will develop, longtime friendships will be rekindled, new business opportunities will emerge, and we’ll move the industry forward. Avoid FOMO, join us!

Carabao energy drink has expanded its offering with new Carabao Sport drink, available in two fruity flavours: Orange and Mixed Berry. Designed to aid hydration, the carbohydrate-electrolyte drink with added B vitamins launches this spring in a 500ml bottle. Carabao Sport is a flavoured still isotonic sports drink with sugars and sweeteners – Sucralose and Acesulfame K. The new fruit-flavoured formulas contain 4.4g of sugar per 100ml and 113 calories per bottle and are free of aspartame. John Luck, chief marketing officer at Carabao, said: “We’re delighted to expand our offering of great tasting fruit-flavoured drinks with the launch of Carabao Sport – a new isotonic sport drink, designed to aid hydration.” He added: “Carabao Sport includes the carbohydrates and electrolytes required to support prolonged exercise that you would expect to find in a sports drink, but it is our unique combination of aspartame free, added B vitamins, 100% natural colours and flavours and fantastic flavour that makes our drink special.” Consumers can find the new Carabao Sport drinks at UK retailers and petrol stations.

Hiru Corporation has entered into a “multi-million-dollar” agreement to package still and sparkling water products for Voss Water in the Western US. As part of the co-packing deal, Hiru, operating from its facilities in Glendale, Arizona and Denman, California, will fill still and sparkling water into bottles provided by Voss. The agreement covers all types of bottles used by Voss, including glass, aluminum and plastic containers, across a range of sizes. Kathryn Gavin, president and CEO of Hiru, stated: “This new co-packing agreement with Voss Water has been in the works for several months now and is a natural outgrowth of our ever-expanding ability to meet large client demand on the West Coast of the United States and our successful production history in servicing other similar national brands”. She continued: “We expect this co-packing relationship to become a significant and ongoing revenue source as we continue to meet their future delivery expectations and our manufacturing footprint continues to grow. [Hiru]…is growing at a rapid pace and now includes almost all of the national water bottling companies that are well known to the consuming public.” The precise financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.

Costa Coffee has appointed Philippe Schaillee as its next CEO, effective 10 April 2023. He will succeed Jill McDonald, who joined the coffee company as chief executive in 2019. McDonald decided to step down in July 2022 to join fast-food chain McDonald’s in an international role. Since McDonald’s departure, Shakir Moin has been serving as interim CEO and will continue to support the business until Schaillee takes over. Most recently, Schaillee has been senior EVP at France-based Groupe SEB, responsible for the small domestic appliances and cookware business units, a position he has held since April 2021. Schaillee, who will now be based in London, will report to the president of global ventures for The Coca-Cola Company – Costa’s parent company – Evguenia Stoichkova. “Philippe is an outstanding leader who comes to Costa with a deep background in business and a passion for building great brands,” said Stoichkova. “We look forward to working with Philippe to expand on the plans we have developed to grow Costa, both in its home country of England and beyond.”

A name that is not just a brand, but a manifesto: Rebel is the dispenser that embodies the rebellious spirit of those who want to break the rules and make a mark on the market with extraordinary performance. With a dispensing capacity of 30 litres per hour, this product is designed to meet the most diverse and specific needs. But that is not all: Rebel also offers the ability to dispense extremely hot and cold water, making it the ideal companion for every setting, from restaurants to offices. All of this is possible thanks to advanced technologies integrated into the product. Cooling is handled by a next-generation ice bank, specifically designed for this product, while the super-hot boiler ensures hot water temperatures of up to 98°C. The contemporary design and the “nonconformist” look of Rebel make it irresistible. Inside, there is ample space to accommodate a filter cartridge and a CO2 cylinder, offering a balance between power, functionality, performance and size.

Global Brands-owned RTD beverage brand, VK, has launched a new range of zero-sugar, low-calorie drinks, VK & Soda. The light range is available in two flavours, VK & Soda Berries and VK & Soda Lime, with each sugar-free drink containing 56 calories. The drinks combine either berry or lime flavours with the brand’s classic vodka. Charlie Leaver, head of brand at Global Brands Ltd, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to release this true innovation for the category – a product enticing the rapidly growing segment of health-conscious consumers, with the full flavour and taste that VK delivers.

Nestlé is planning to cut 94 jobs at its Dolce Gusto factory in the Midlands. The Swiss food giant told FoodBev that it is proposing some changes to its Tutbury plant, which would result in a reduction of staff. The company says the decision was made due to a “significant drop in demand” for the company’s Nescafé Dolce Gusto products. A spokesperson for Nestlé said: “We are proposing some changes at our Tutbury factory which would, unfortunately, mean a reduction in people. These changes are due to a significant drop in demand for our Nescafé Dolce Gusto products, which means some of our lines are under capacity or not in use.” They added: “Regrettably, it is necessary to propose a change in the factory structure to respond to this change in demand and ensure our manufacturing is as efficient as possible. As always, we are speaking to our employees about this proposal first, and nothing will be confirmed until those discussions have been completed.” #DolceGusto #Nestlé #UK

Richard’s Rainwater has opened a potable rainwater collection site in Louisiana, in partnership with Faubourg Brewing Co and its parent company, Made By The Water. According to Richard’s Rainwater, the new site is the largest of its kind in the world. Louisiana’s “first-ever” rain capture facility for drinking water is expected to collect more than 2 million gallons of water each year. CEO Taylor O’Neil said: “Collecting rainwater in New Orleans made sense as it’s one of the top three rainiest cities in the US”. He continued: “Faubourg Brewing Co has a rich history of creating quality products and supporting the local community. We are excited to partner with their leadership team to create jobs, support disaster relief and make their facility the most water-conscious brewery in the country.” Richard’s Rainwater is the nation’s first FDA-approved rainwater collection company, capturing newly fallen rain and packaging it into recyclable aluminium cans or glass bottles. Dan Griffin, vice president of operations at Made By The Water, commented: “We’re excited that Faubourg’s state-of-the-art facility is playing an important role in reducing waste in our community while also creating quality jobs in New Orleans East”. He added: “…we have a great respect for pure water as it is the number one ingredient in craft beer, and this partnership with Richard’s further solidifies our commitment to wastewater reduction and responsible use of natural resources. In this case, being good stewards of our environment is also good for our business.” #Bottledrainwater #RichardsRainwater #US

NuZee-owned single-serve coffee brand, DripKit, has collaborated with coffee roaster Rival Bros. Coffee, to launch the Rival Bros. Dripkit. The Rival Bros. Dripkit is a quality, easy-to-use single-serve pour-over, available in two medium roast flavour profiles. The new single-serve packs produce a 10oz cup of coffee, using 17 grams of roasted and ground coffee, in a just-add-water format, creating a freshly ground coffee drink in two minutes. Dripkit founder and CEO, Ilana Kruger, said: “I founded Dripkit with the belief that delicious, pour-over coffee can be an accessible and quick luxury. Our partnership with Rival Bros. enhances the flavour of our brand and offers another delicious way to enjoy our unique coffee format.” The flavours include Whistle and Cuss, with beans from Latin America, Indonesia, and Africa that feature notes of malted dark chocolate and Bourbon Barrel Aged, a blend with smoky, caramel notes, crafted with Brazilian beans and aged for up to two weeks prior to roasting in oak barrels. The single-serve drinks are priced between $17.50-$18.75 per 5-pack. #DripKitCoffee #NuZee #RivalBros #US

Middleby Corporation has announced the acquisition of Marco Beverage Systems, a beverage dispensing solutions manufacturer, for an undisclosed sum. Marco’s products include Pour’d cold coffee on tap, which is a cold coffee solution that improves the speed of service in the out-of-home coffee business. The company has annual revenues of $30 million with facilities in Dublin, Ireland and Ningbo, China. The company’s operations – in the latter market, in particular – will expand Middleby’s manufacturing and sales teams and capabilities. “Marco is a leader in innovative beverage dispensing systems. This acquisition is highly complementary to our growing beverage portfolio, and the Marco product line further expands our offerings in coffee brewers, cold brew dispense and a variety of hot, cold and sparkling water dispensers,” said Middleby CEO Tim FitzGerald. “Touchless and in-counter dispense technology is rapidly gaining popularity due to space and labour advantages, along with enhanced aesthetic features. Marco is well-positioned with solutions for these growing trends.” Marco’s management team will remain unchanged.

Lavazza Professional has announced the acquisition of Scottish vending operation SV24-7 Vending (Stirlingshire Vending). SV24-7, a family business with over 60 years of vending industry experience, offers vending and office coffee services, including micro markets. Ken MacIsaac, UK business leader at Lavazza Professional, said: “By welcoming such a well-established and reputable provider to the Lavazza Professional family, we can continue to deliver a ‘one-stop-shop’ solution for machines, drinks, snacks and exceptional service to customers in the central belt of Scotland; from Glasgow to Edinburgh, to Tayside and everything in between”. He added: “The changes have been well received, and we’re looking forward to unlocking the opportunities that the acquisition presents". Fiona Chambers, former director of SV24-7, commented: “Over the years, we built our business on providing our clients with the most effective vending solutions, underpinned by our commitment to service excellence and a product portfolio tailored specifically to the needs of each client – aligning perfectly with Lavazza Professional". “We have built strong relationships with our customers over the last 11 years, so with both businesses sharing the same values, it was a logical step for us to move the operation when the opportunity arose.” Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Refresco has opened a new €20 million high-bay warehouse at its production site in Calvörde, Germany. The new facility has a total capacity of over 41,000 pallet spaces, becoming Refresco’s largest fully automated warehouse. Refresco said the warehouse is of “strategic importance” for future production and logistics at the site. In addition, the fully automated logistics system is expected to enhance occupational safety. With the investment, the company expects to improve the efficiency of both the production environment and the transportation of finished products. The warehouse will enable Refresco to continue to grow and acquire new business. Till Alvermann, managing director at Refresco Germany, said: “The new high-bay warehouse is a milestone for us and makes this one of Refresco’s most advanced locations worldwide. Among other things, the complete automation of our logistical handling allows us to load quickly and safely and improves our competitive advantage. We also strengthen the service level for our customers.” #Germany #Refresco