Breakthru Beverage CIO targets $700M in AI-powered e-commerce revenue

Glenn Remoreras has joined Breakthru Beverage Group as Chief Information Officer with a mandate to transform the $8.6 billion family-owned distributor into the most technologically advanced company in its industry. His strategy centers on scaling digital commerce, implementing AI across operations, and modernizing the sales process for the company’s 10,000-person workforce.

What you should know: Remoreras is taking a methodical approach to AI adoption that prioritizes education and infrastructure before deployment.

• The company targets $700 million in revenue through its B2B e-commerce platform Breakthru Now this year, enhanced with AI-powered chatbots and dynamic recommendations.
• Rather than rushing AI pilots, Remoreras organized an AI summit in May with CEO Tom Bené and over 20 senior leaders to build foundational understanding.
• Breakthru is partnering with AWS, Amazon’s cloud computing division, to migrate to the cloud and enable scalable AI experimentation while investing in internal data talent.

The big picture: The beverage distribution industry is undergoing digital transformation as companies seek competitive advantages through technology and data analytics.

• Remoreras brings cross-industry experience from beverage production companies Constellation Brands and Mark Anthony Group, plus distribution expertise from Cemex, a global building materials company.
• His global background—having worked across Asia, Europe, Mexico, Canada, and the U.S.—informs his leadership approach combining cultural insights with technical expertise.

Why this matters: Breakthru’s transformation reflects how traditional industries are preparing for agentic AI while building the foundational capabilities needed for sustainable innovation.

• “In the AI revolution, data is the fuel,” Remoreras said. “If you don’t have quality data or a modern architecture, you can’t achieve the flywheel effect that AI promises.”
• The company is positioning itself to be “the first to deploy [agentic AI] meaningfully in our industry” when the technology matures.

In plain English: Agentic AI refers to intelligent systems that can make decisions and learn over time without constant human oversight—essentially AI that can act independently to solve problems and adapt its approach based on results.

Key details: Remoreras has implemented a co-leadership model that integrates technology with commercial functions to ensure business-led innovation.

• The company uses a “two-in-a-box” format pairing business product owners with IT leads, supported by agile fusion teams.
• Each product maintains a long-term roadmap and backlog aligned with strategic imperatives like commercial effectiveness and operational excellence.

What they’re saying: Remoreras emphasizes solving real problems over chasing AI hype while preparing for significant workforce changes.

• “You don’t throw money at the hype. You solve real problems. That’s how you scale.”
• “In 20 years, agentic AI will handle roles we now associate with people. The shift is happening now, not in a decade.”
• “Our target this year is $700 million of our revenue coming through this channel. It really simplifies the customer experience in buying and transacting with us.”

Looking ahead: Remoreras is writing a book on AI set for release in six months while personally investing in AI education, including teaching his 14-year-old twin sons about the technology.