Summit was born from the expertise of founder Gregory Cattin and his desire to provide a unique service to beverage companies both large and small. With over 25 years past experience working for F&B giants Danone and Nestle (including 15 years in Mainland China with a focus on ready-to-drink beverages) and as a fluent Mandarin speaker, Gregory’s work experience in Shanghai, Paris, Beijing, Xiamen and Hong Kong on products including Evian (launched in China early 90s), Kronenbourg 1664 (launched in Hong Kong early 90s), Perrier, Nescafe Ready-To-Drink (profitable growth acceleration.
Presently, still advising Nestle on the business), Yinlu plant-protein beverages (portfolio renovation) and Jax Coco coconut water (turnaround of the start-up in 18 months) allows him to support small and large ventures and to bridge international and local Chinese business cultures.
Gregory advised the Board of Swire Beverages (a multi-billion USD company) during 2017-2018 before initiating and leading their set-up of a Corporate Venture Capital vehicle during 2018-2019. Over a period of 12 months, a pipeline of 100 beverage companies were identified, 30 of which were approached with 5 investment cases formally presented to the senior management of both Swire Beverages and The Coca-Cola Company. Some of these early-stage companies have since grown
substantially including one unicorn of the Chinese beverage industry earning 2021 revenues of USD 1 billion only five years after creation.
Gregory has actively contributed to European, US and Chinese companies within a challenging and fast changing Chinese market, some highlights as shown below. To learn more about working together to grow your business, please contact gregcattin@summitconcepts.com.