The Judging Panel
World Beverage Innovation Awards 2023

Ben Lockwood
Marketing Manager, BrewDog
Laura Willoughby
Laura Willoughby MBE is the founder of the world’s largest mindful drinking movement, Club Soda, and the UK’s foremost expert in low and no alcoholic drinks. Club Soda runs the new Low & No Tasting Rooms in Covent Garden.
Receiving an MBE for services to the community in 2004, Laura’s devotion to Club Soda means hundreds of thousands of people are supported in their journeys to live well by being more mindful about drinking alcohol.
Laura was named number 16 in 2023’s Drinks Retailing’s latest Top 100 Most Influential People in Drink, one of the 100 most influential women in hospitality by CODE, and is a Trustee for The Drinks Trust. The Club Soda Tasting Room was Drink Retailing’s Independent Retailer of the year 2023.
Club Soda is the UK's mindful drinking specialist. Experts in alcohol and behaviour change, they also run the Club Soda Tasting Room & Bar in Covent Garden. The Tasting Rooms are a space for consumers to try and buy low and no alcohol drinks and for brands to connect with consumers and the trade.
Club Soda is a social impact B Corp Business and creates change, choice and connection through research, events, drinks expertise, corporate workshops, menu conclusion and more. The Club Soda Tasting Room was Drink Retailing’s Independent Retailer of the year 2023.
Co-Founder of Club Soda, The Mindful Drinking Movement

Nicolás Hernández
Manager of Innovation & Premium Brands at HEINEKEN
Rafaela Sousa
Rafaela is the assistant editor at FoodBev Media and Refreshment magazine, a publication that focuses on the water, coffee and vending industries. Rafaela enjoys keeping up to date with the latest trends and developments in the food and beverage sector, particularly plant-based and functional applications.
From bakery to botanicals, plant-based to packaging, functional foods to flavours, Rafaela has written about it all!
Editor, FoodBev Media
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Rohan Carvalho
Rohan brings over 24 years of experience in the Bar and beverage industry: ranging from years of training beverage professionals to countless hours of R&D on drinks development for leading liquor brands, drinking establishments and India’s largest cafe retail chain.
He has been on the jury panel for several Bar Awards and has organised & judged numerous bartending competitions nationwide.
Rohan shared his inspiring story at TedX Lavelle road and still remains the 'go-to' man, helping his comrades & novice beverage professionals with life and the likes.
Founding Partner at Bar Square India, Tedx Speaker, President of Indian Flair Bartenders Association (IFBA)
Tom Bell
Tom Bell, a visionary thought leader in the functional beverage industry, with a remarkable 12-year track record of innovation and business development. Tom has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive success and growth by developing and launching multiple brands in the functional beverage category.
With a keen understanding of consumer trends and a passion for creating products that enhance people's lives, Tom has become a respected figure in the industry. His expertise extends beyond product development, encompassing marketing, brand strategy, and market positioning.
Throughout his career, Tom has leveraged his exceptional leadership skills to build high-performing teams and foster a culture of innovation within organisations. He has a proven ability to identify market gaps, anticipate industry shifts, and deliver groundbreaking solutions that capture consumer attention.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tom is known for his commitment to sharing knowledge and mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs. He actively contributes to industry conferences and publications, engaging with peers to drive continuous improvement and elevate the functional beverage sector.
Tom Bell is a true pioneer, dedicated to shaping the future of the functional beverage industry through his expertise, passion, and unwavering commitment to excellence.