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- Mock the Toast | 01.23.25
Mock the Toast | 01.23.25
New Non-Alc Funding | THC Beverages' New Era | Alcohol's Reliance on Heavy Drinkers
everything zero to low-alcohol
Industry
LA-based hiyo raises $19M in funding. (bevnet.com | Non-Alc Activity Tracker)
IMPOSSIBREW launches crowdfunding campaign. (crowdcube.com)
Club Pillar, an invite-only dating app for the alc-free community, to shut down. (linkedin.com)
Better Rhodes grows non-alc market presence with NYC debut in Duane Reade and Walgreens, showcasing Wander + Found and Sir James brands. (ctinsider.com)
Non-Alc brands like Lucky Saint and Heineken 0.0 innovate through bold campaigns, cultural integration, and draught availability. (lbbonline.com)
Cann capitalizes on Dry January with "Cannuary," growing sales 75% through inclusive, moderation-focused marketing. (modernretail.co)
Cantrip evolved from a 2020 micro-dose cannabis beverage concept into a profitable, expanding THC drink brand aiming to rival major CPG players. (cantripguy.substack.com)
Non-alc beverages face flavor criticism but excel in health and inclusivity. (foodnavigator.com)
Declining alcohol consumption drives bars to craft premium N/A drinks, reshaping profit strategies and customer offerings. (grubstreet.com)
Highlighting De Soi’s consumer-first flavors, HOP WTR’s cofounder collaboration, and insights on scaling innovative non-alc brands with focus and intention. (letsmakemagic.substack.com)
Big brands dominate the no/low space, but smaller brands can thrive by innovating flavors, storytelling, and unique consumer experiences. (thespiritsbusiness.com)
THC-infused hemp drinks are popular but face legal challenges, as seen with Pamos' expansion in restrictive markets. (bloomberg.com)
Alcohol guidelines face scrutiny as ICCPUD warns of low-use risks, while NASEM highlights moderate drinking's potential health benefits. (pressdemocrat.com)
UK no/low market grows rapidly, driven by no-alcohol beer and premium innovations; spirits and wine lag behind. (theiwsr.com)
Park Street Insider Podcast: What It Takes— Building a Category-Leading Brand with Seedlip’s Emma Wykes. (parkstreet.com)
Taste Radio Podcast: Amanda Thomson built Noughty Wines by trusting her vision, prioritizing quality, and avoiding imitating traditional wines. (tasteradio.com)
Seir Hill's spirits are crafted for those who want classic flavors without alcohol, sugar, or guilt, supporting American farmers with every bottle. Available for distributors, bar and restaurant managers/owners, and offline/online retailers. (Join the Revolution)
Health
Drinking less than 7 drinks weekly is advised, as studies reveal increased risks with higher alcohol consumption. (npr.org)
Zero-alcohol products may reduce harm but risk exposing minors to alcohol cues, raising concerns about underage drinking and regulation. (sciencedirect.com)
Time is a premium for non-alc founders with lean teams, yet many are stuck in the details of planning events, coordinating meetings, doing admin tasks, and the list goes on.
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Culture
A fifth of U.S. adults consume 90% of alcohol sales, fueling industry reliance on heavy drinkers. (wsj.com)
10 of the best non-alc cocktail programs in the US. (vinepair.com)
Debates on moderate drinking weigh small health risks against its enduring social and cultural appeal. (theatlantic.com)
Dry January advocates moderation over abstinence, with growing non-alc options redefining rituals and encouraging flexible, healthier choices.(thedrinksbusiness.com)
Many bars still neglect the growing demand for thoughtful, non-alc drinks, missing opportunities with health-conscious and sober consumers. (oldster.substack.com)
Non-Non-Alc
Younger drinkers favor affordable wines, urging the wine to shift focus from premiumization to accessible, innovative products. (winebusiness.com)
Soda consumption contributes to global health issues, linked to 330,000 deaths and rising diabetes cases. (npr.org)
L.A. wildfires devastated wine communities, destroying Rosenthal Wines, homes, and businesses, prompting widespread relief efforts. (wineenthusiast.com)
Data Shot 🥃
Brand Moves, Distribution, & Openings Edition hits Mondays.
Boost your team's insights—forward to a colleague :)