Sally Lyons Wyatt, publisher at Circana, speaks Monday at the Cold Vault forum. | CSP Staff
CSP’s Cold Vault Forum commenced on Monday in Lombard, Illinois, featuring insights from Sally Lyons Wyatt, publisher at Circana based in Chicago. The forum aims to address pressing trends and opportunities in the beverage sector.
Wyatt discussed the evolving beverage landscape, focusing on the performance metrics from the latter half of 2025 and early indicators from the first quarter of 2026, covering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic categories.
According to Wyatt, the total beverage market, valued at $497 billion, sees retail contributions amounting to $299 billion, with e-commerce and value channels demonstrating robust growth. Significant downturns were reported primarily in beer, wine, and carbonated soft drinks, alongside bottled water in 2025.
“Fuel decline overshadowed c-store bright spots in 2025,” Wyatt mentioned, highlighting a decrease in trips and an increase in spending as key factors.
However, the first quarter of 2026 hinted at a resurgence for convenience stores, even as fuel sales continued to lag. During this phase, beverages in convenience stores exhibited year-over-year growth across all channels.
Other notable industry experts will also present at the forum, which is scheduled to continue until Wednesday at the Westin Chicago Lombard. The event is attracting various retailers and suppliers.
The forum unites convenience store operators, category managers, and industry professionals to explore strategies for enhancing the performance of cold beverage sections.
Key product categories under discussion include carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks, ready-to-drink coffee and tea, enhanced water, and juices. Attendees will also delve into emerging trends shaping these categories.
Additional speakers at the event include:
- Nik Modi, RBC Capitals, Toronto. His presentation, Addressing The Questions That Matter, will delve into consumer spending patterns, key areas within the cold vault, growth opportunities, and insights from K-Pop beauty relevant to the beverage sector.
- Dave Williams, president of Bump Williams Consulting, Shelton, Connecticut. His presentation, 5 Keys to Maximizing Your Alcohol Portfolio, will outline best practices for optimizing alcohol sales.
- Colin Dornish, managing member, CSD Solutions, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His presentation, Every Inch must Earn!, will investigate the use of data and technology to maximize profitability.
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Key Takeaways
- The Cold Vault Forum focuses on trends in the beverage industry.
- Sally Lyons Wyatt emphasizes the importance of retail channels in the $497 billion beverage market.
- 2025 saw declines in beer, wine, and carbonated soft drinks, but early 2026 shows signs of recovery for convenience stores.
- Key topics include carbonated drinks, energy beverages, and ready-to-drink coffee and tea.
- Expert presentations will cover consumer spending patterns and optimizing beverage portfolios.
- The event fosters collaboration among convenience store operators and industry professionals.
FAQ
What is the Cold Vault Forum?
The Cold Vault Forum is an event focusing on trends and strategies within the beverage sector, specifically targeting convenience store operations.
Who are the speakers at the forum?
Speakers include industry experts such as Sally Lyons Wyatt, Nik Modi, Dave Williams, and Colin Dornish, each addressing different aspects of the beverage market.
What are the key topics of discussion?
Key topics include carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks, ready-to-drink beverages, and new strategies impacting the cold beverage market.
When is the forum taking place?
The forum runs from Monday through Wednesday at the Westin Chicago Lombard.
How can I learn more about the event?
Visit the official Cold Vault Forum page for more information.
