Announcing the IWSC No & Low Emerging Talent Awards 2026 Shortlist

IWSC news

Tue 31 Mar 2026

By Zoe Cunliffe

In its first year, we are delighted to announce the shortlist for the inaugural No & Low Emerging Talent Awards. After receiving a large volume of excellent candidates, our judges have praised the diversity of approaches to the category, the blend of trade and consumer influence, and the unwavering commitment to elevating the No & Low movement.

This year’s judging panel has comprised mindful drinks expert, Camille Vidal, No & Low membership club owner, Millie Gooch, Club Soda founder, Laura Willoughby and Business Development Director for BevZero, Irem Eren.

Of the multiple submissions received, three exceptional individuals have made the shortlist.

2026 Shortlist

Narmeen Kamran: Founder, Temperance AF & Desert Island Events

Narmeen Kamran's work spans advocacy, education and live event delivery, reshaping how alcohol‑free hospitality is designed and experienced. Her journey began through her own sobriety, leading her to challenge alcohol‑centric event culture and champion inclusive drink strategies, before founding Temperance AF and Desert Island Events.

Comprising a mobile bar service that delivers bespoke non-alcoholic cocktails, Temperance AF delivers premium experiences and rejects the often overlooked positioning of the ‘mocktail’. Meanwhile her events company, Desert Island Events, continues her drive to deliver top-quality and inclusive experiences – an ethos that has influenced a white paper she co-authored on alcohol and events, reframing sober inclusion as both a DEI priority and a commercial opportunity. Her work is redefining what inclusive hospitality looks like.

Alex Viol: Co‑Founder, Somm Zero (Canada) & Vino Zero (UK)

Another individual that is committed to inclusive hospitality, Alex Viol’s interest in the No & Low category has grown through experience as a sommelier. Through his projects, Somm Zero (in Canada) and Vino Zero (UK), he continues to curate high quality portfolios and distribution infrastructure across the No & Low category, and has worked across numerous consumer environments including large events such as Glastonbury festival.

Alex’s work includes education, advocacy and curation, and encompasses everything from supporting producers with format innovation to helping hospitality teams best understand their customers. Through Somm Zero and Vino Zero he endeavours to increase consumer awareness and hospitality knowledge around non-alcoholic wine and works to increase its presence within the UK market.

The judges recognised the breadth of his impact, noting his ‘strong innovation and strong leadership voice’ and his ability to build something with genuine international momentum.

Lucas Groglio: Founder, Coctelería Consciente (Argentina)

With nearly a decade of No & Low experience under his belt, Lucas Groglio has continued to push the boundaries of No & Low mixology across South America. Through his business Coctelería Consciente, he raises awareness around sustainability and healthy drinking habits through bar pop-ups and events. Alongside this, Lucas co-created Argentina’s first craft 0.0% lager (BIRRITA 0%) and alcohol-free RTD Gin & Tonic (LE MAT), as well as the country’s first ever No & Low festival focused on education, trade development and consumer awareness.

The judges acknowledged the scale of his work, the quality of what he has built and the positive influence he continues to have. As one judge noted, he has been ‘active in the No & Low space in building something fantastic.’

What Happens Next?

The winner for the IWSC Emerging Talent for No & Low will be announced on the 16th April. Keep an eye on our socials to stay up to date.