Kore Drinks Co-Founder, Sam Cooklin-Smith is one of the UK drinks industry professionals helping shape the fast-growing no and low alcohol category. Through Kore Drinks, a specialist distributor of premium alcohol-free beverages, Sam works closely with brands, retailers, bars, restaurants, hotels, and hospitality groups to build commercially successful no and low alcohol programs across the UK market.

With deep experience in category development, trade partnerships, and route-to-market strategy, Sam has helped innovative no and low alcohol brands navigate listings, distribution, and customer adoption in a rapidly evolving drinks landscape. His expertise spans both the commercial and consumer sides of the sector, giving him valuable insight into what buyers, operators, and consumers are looking for in premium alcohol-free products.

As a judge at the London Wine Competition, Sam evaluates products through a commercial lens, focusing on quality, value, packaging, and real-world market relevance. He is passionate about helping the drinks industry better understand changing consumer behaviour and the growing opportunity within mindful drinking and alcohol moderation trends.