The Functional Beverage Playbook: From Idea to Scale
BevNET Live LA: dsm-firmenich Workshop
December 8, 2025 | Las Angeles, CA
BevNET Live is one of the beverage industry’s most influential gatherings, bringing together founders, formulators, investors, and innovators who are shaping what’s next in functional and better-for-you drinks. This December in Los Angeles, dsm-firmenich is excited to host a dedicated workshop designed to help brands move beyond short-lived trends and build products with staying power.
Join us for an in-depth session on creating functional beverages that truly stand out. Our experts will walk through how to connect real consumer insights with thoughtful formulation choices, from selecting purposeful ingredients to developing taste profiles that keep people coming back. We’ll explore how brands can balance performance, nutrition, and flavor, while still delivering on the clean-label expectations today’s consumers’ demand.
Whether you’re developing your first functional drink or scaling an established line, this workshop will offer practical, science-driven guidance to support smarter innovation and sustainable growth. We look forward to exchanging ideas, answering questions, and helping you bring the next generation of beverage experiences to life.
Malibu, Los Angelas, LA
December 8
2:00–3:00 PM
Our Panelists
William McCormack:
Will brings broad experience from the ingredients and flavors world and now leads beverage business development at dsm-firmenich, and he is deeply involved in helping beverage teams bring new taste and ingredient ideas to life!
Camilo Parris:
Camilo (Cam) Parris is the Health Benefit Solutions Manager at dsm-firmenich, connecting consumer insights and science with product development. Over his 10+ years with the company, he has supported multiple segments through market research and value-added solutions across the Americas.
Srini Subramanian
Srini Subramanian is a veteran food scientist with over 30 years of experience in food and flavor ingredients. He has spent more than two decades driving innovation in sweeteners and taste modulation, helping brands create better-tasting, healthier products.
Nataile Taake
Natalie Taake is a scientist, strategist, and innovator with 25 years of experience turning food science, culinary arts, and consumer insights into business impact. Her work has been featured on America’s Test Kitchen and CNN, and her patent-pending consumer segmentation model challenges traditional demographic norms.
Nicole Wong
As Sr. Manager of Beverage Applications for North America, Nicole brings 15 years of industry experience and a background in food science and business. Nicole began in food microbiology and spent 10 years at PepsiCo developing beverage and platform innovations.