Speakers

As founder and CEO of Fishers Island Lemonade, a trailblazer brand recognized as one of the first premium craft cocktails to be packaged in a can, Bronya Shillo is a leader and innovator in the spirits-based ready-to-drink (RTD) category. The success of her brand, which launched in 2014, has been a catalyst for countless other RTD brands to enter the category over the last ten years. Today, Fishers Island Lemonade has won dozens of awards for its one-of-a-kind taste profile and commitment to high-quality ingredients.

When launching Fishers Island Lemonade in 2014, Bronya bet on herself and her love for the “FIL” cocktail – the most popular signature house cocktail at her family’s owned and operated Pequot Inn on Fishers Island, NY. After two full years of development, Bronya officially launched Fishers Island Lemonade on Memorial Day, pioneering the RTD craft cocktail industry. With only an estimated 5% of craft spirit brands owned by women, Bronya launched her business idea in the early days of a growing trend. Fast forward to today, Bronya continues to lead her company, which was acquired by Gallo in 2023, with a full family of Fishers Island Lemonade offerings, including variety packs, new flavors and more.

Since the brand’s inception, the portfolio of products has earned Platinum, Double Gold, and Consumer’s Choice Award at the 2022 SIP Awards and Gold at the 2022 Beverage Testing Institute Spirits Review. Bronya and Fishers Island Lemonade are also committed to philanthropic efforts by continuing to give back to the Fishers Island community and have partnered with non-profits. As she continues to be a leader in the industry, Bronya was recognized as a 2023 Beverage Dynamics 40 Under 40 nominee and was a featured panelist at AdWeek’s “Taste of Brandweek” panel in 2022.