Webinar: RTD Roundtable

Description

When: Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 3pm ET/12pm PT

What: Ready-to-Drink cocktails have been the biggest growth driver within the spirits market and the category continues to evolve to meet changing consumer demands. But there remain challenges within RTDs, from retail channel access and market-by-market legislative and regulatory issues to formulation, shelf-stability and packaging considerations. We’ve assembled a panel of craft spirits producers with successful RTD programs to offer their advice and insights on best practices and how to navigate the vibrant market.

Who:

Caitlin Fenstermacher, Lead Distiller, Eight Oaks Farm Distillery, New Tripoli, Pennsylvania. If you would have asked Caitlin 10 years ago what she wanted to be when she grew up, distiller wouldn’t have been on that list.  Caitlin graduated Bloomsburg University in 2014 with a degree in science and direction towards healthcare, but in 2016 she switched gears completely.  She started helping out in the tasting room at Eight Oaks and it wasn’t long until she jumped in full time as part of their production crew.  Starting as the assistant distiller, and working up to Director of Distillery Operations and Head Distiller, her passion for craft spirits still continues to grow.  From farming, to distilling, to barrel management she oversees the entire process from farm to bottle, but her favorite part is managing their two barrel barns.  Being a member of the Eight Oaks family and craft spirits community has been so rewarding, and she can’t imagine spending her days doing anything else.

Jon O’Connor is co-founder and co-owner of Long Road Distillers, the first distillery in the history of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Long Road was founded upon the belief that world class spirits could be crafted by taking advantage of the abundant agricultural resources and diversity found in West Michigan. Jon and his business partner Kyle have a firm commitment to doing things the right way, hence the name Long Road, there are no shortcuts. Their commitment to quality in sourcing ingredients, utilizing world class equipment, practicing time honored processes and ultimately being honest with their customers has earned them accolades from across the country for the quality of their spirits.

In addition to running his own distillery, Jon serves as the President of the Michigan Craft Distillers Association where he represents nearly forty other Michigan Small Distillers. MCDA serves as a resource for the promotion of the distilling industry in Michigan as well as leading
advocacy efforts for legislative change related to regulatory matters impacting the distilling and craft beverage industry.

Prior to starting Long Road Distillers, Jon owned and operated West Michigan Real Estate Advisors, a residential real estate appraisal and brokerage firm and he still holds a Broker’s License in Michigan.

Jon currently serves as First Ward Commissioner in the City of Grand Rapids and previously served one term on the Board of Education for Grand Rapids Public Schools.

Jon received an undergraduate degree in Public Administration from Grand Valley State University. He was born and raised in the small rural Northern Michigan town of West Branch before moving to Grand Rapids.

Jon is married to his amazing wife Monica, together they have a beautiful five year old daughter Eleanor and a rescue dog named Rosie.

How Much?: Free to ACSA members; $59 for non-members

Who Should Attend?: Beginner to Intermediate/General Audience

Sponsored by: Crafted ERP