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 Sally Lyons Wyatt, publisher at Circana based in Chicago.
Wyatt discussed evolving beverage trends that are impacting the cold vault, examining beverage performance trends from the second half of 2025 and the early indicators from the first quarter of 2026 for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
In the expansive $497 billion beverage market, retail sales account for $299 billion, with e-commerce and value channels experiencing significant growth, Wyatt noted. The decline seen in 2025 was mainly attributed to beer and wine, along with carbonated soft drinks and bottled water.
“Fuel decline overshadowed c-store bright spots in 2025,” Wyatt pointed out, adding that fewer consumer visits and increased spending were significant factors.
Nonetheless, early signals in the first quarter of 2026 indicated a recovery within convenience stores, except for fuel sales. Convenience beverages continued to show year-over-year growth during this time across all channels.
Joining Wyatt are other industry experts speaking at the forum, which will run until Wednesday at the Westin Chicago Lombard. The event attracts retailers and suppliers aiming to enhance operational efficiency in cold beverage sections.
Focus areas for the forum include a variety of products such as carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks, ready-to-drink coffees and teas, enhanced waters, and juices, alongside discussions on strategies and emerging trends that are influencing the category.
Featured speakers at the event include:
- Nik Modi, RBC Capital Markets, Toronto. His presentation titled “Addressing The Questions That Matter” will delve into consumer spending habits, trends within the cold vault, growth areas, and lessons the beverage industry can learn from K-Pop beauty.
- Dave Williams, President of Bump Williams Consulting, Shelton, Connecticut. His presentation, “5 Keys to Maximizing Your Alcohol Portfolio,” will provide insights into best practices for expanding alcohol sales.
- Colin Dornish, Managing Member, CSD Solutions, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His presentation, “Every Inch Must Earn!,” will highlight how data and technology can be utilized to optimize profitability.
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Key Takeaways
- The Cold Vault Forum in Lombard, Illinois features insights into trends shaping the beverage market.
- Retail sales in the beverage sector have reached $299 billion, led by e-commerce and value channels.
- 2025 saw declines in specific beverage categories, notably beer, wine, and carbonated soft drinks.
- Initial data from 2026 indicates a potential recovery for convenience stores, particularly in beverage sales.
- The forum includes presentations from various industry experts addressing current market dynamics.
FAQ
What is the Cold Vault Forum?
The Cold Vault Forum is an industry event focused on beverage trends within convenience stores, bringing together retailers and suppliers to explore growth opportunities.
Who are the main speakers at the forum?
Key speakers include Sally Lyons Wyatt, Nik Modi, Dave Williams, and Colin Dornish, each presenting insights on different aspects of the beverage market.
What topics are being discussed at the forum?
Discussions will cover various beverage categories, trends influencing sales, and strategies for maximizing revenue in the cold vault sector.
How long does the forum run?
The Cold Vault Forum is scheduled to run through Wednesday, providing attendees with ample opportunities for networking and learning.
Where is the forum taking place?
The forum is taking place at the Westin Chicago Lombard in Lombard, Illinois.
