Leitner-Waldman founded Archer Roose in 2014 with her partner David Waldman. The Boston-based entrepreneurs produce artisanal quality wines in formats designed to reflect modern lifestyles and reduce waste. In addition to her responsibilities at Archer Roose, Alicia Towns Franken is Head of Mentorship at Wine Unify Foundation, a Napa based non-profit organization committed to promoting underrepresented communities in the wine sector. She has over 25 years experience in the wine industry, most recently as VP at Archer Roose.

Leitner-Waldman and Franken join a formidable roster of multi-national wine industry professionals who will converge on Verona for the annual wine2wine Business Forum on 18 and 19 October. While addressing the question of inclusion and diversity within the wine sector, Leitner-Waldman and Franken will consider the development of new packaging materials for wine, including aluminum cans, which are emerging as more sustainable and attractive packaging solutions for the modern consumer, particularly in the North American market.

Franken’s session (“The Quest to Democratize Wine: Increasing Access and Inclusivity in the Wine Industry”) will look at how modern packaging can reduce exclusivity in the wine sector. Leitner-Waldman (“Dollars and Grapes: How to optimize profitability of your on-premise wine program”) will address the idea that, due to the low carbon footprint, significant recycling potential, and all-round versatility, aluminum cans represent an interesting, though controversial, alternative to traditional glass bottles currently dominating the market.