Archives: Speakers

Tom Bell, Managing Director of Skinny Brands, was named Young Achiever of the Year in the Drinks Business Awards 2018. Tom Bell launched his business in 2015 aged just 26, and since then the brand has gone from strength to strength. Noticing a huge gap in the market for a brand that specialised in low-calorie alcoholic drinks which didn’t compromise on taste, he joined forces with Gary Conway and formed Skinny Brands. Tom wants to encourage more innovation in the drinks industry. Skinny Brands provide products that tick all the boxes – they are not only low-calorie, but also vegan-friendly, gluten free and kosher certified whilst keeping their great taste. Consumers no longer have to pay the price in excess calories when they enjoy a drink. Having successfully completed the first year of trading, Skinny Brands have entered into 5 international markets, 4 of the top 5 major retailers in the UK, 2500+ on-trade venues and their products are widely available through major wholesalers across the country.

International FMCG executive with extensive experience in all aspects of brand innovation, renovation, marketing and commercialization. Proven track record in scaling companies to international market leading positions. Created White Claw Hard Seltzer for Mark Anthony Brands, overseeing all aspects of the brand’s development and commericalisation in the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe. As founder and Managing Director of Kopparberg UK, led the creation of the fruit cider category in the UK, establishing Kopparberg as the largest fruit cider brand in the world’s largest cider market.

Whilst studying Food Science at Reading University I developed a strong interest in Food Law. Following a brief spell in production management I trained as a Trading Standards Officer. I acted as lead food standards officer in a number of enforcement positions within the UK, also advising national and regional professional groups and working with the Food Standards Agency on risk assessment and food authenticity.

Building on my experience of advising food businesses on compliance, I moved to Leatherhead Food International to lead their regulatory group. Stepping then directly into the food industry I worked as Global Director of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs for Mars Drinks, before moving to a different drinks area with SABMiller plc, subsequently joining ABInBEV. As Global SRA Director I hold a strategic role as part of our Global Innovation Technical Centre, bringing together technical and legal communities to enable consumer centric innovations across our whole portfolio.