Industry

MNG Brands acquires WellBeing Brewing, expanding its non-alc and functional beverage portfolio with plans for broader distribution and THC-infused drinks. (craftbrewingbusiness.com)

As alcohol consumption drops, non-alc beverages like seltzers, THC-infused drinks, and NA beers are surging, prompting industry giants to innovate, acquire, or risk losing market share. (forbes.com)

Bordeaux winemakers embrace no/low by innovating with de-alcoholized and non-fermented wines to attract younger consumers. (thedrinksbusiness.com)

Manufacturers prioritize annual volume potential over minimum runs, expecting beverage brands to show market analysis, commitment, and professionalism for better partnerships. (linkedin.com)

Do cannabis beverages have an e-commerce problem? (bevnet.com)

Non-alc liqueurs are emerging as versatile cocktail ingredients. (drinksint.com)

Suppliers often fail by sending generic emails, neglecting retailer research, using identical decks, skipping follow-ups, and ignoring products after placement, hurting long-term success. (linkedin.com)

Ministry of Sound launches alcohol-free daytime raves with DRIIA, featuring no/low alcohol drinks and a curated mocktail menu. (thedrinksbusiness.com)

TRIP grew from a family kitchen startup to outselling Heineken 0%, driven by consumer demand for alcohol alternatives and viral brand engagement on TikTok. (linkedin.com)

Drinks Insider Podcast: How Morten Sørensen Created ISH, Conquered 25 Markets and Partnered With Ford. (podcasts.apple.com)

U.S. of N/A Podcast: Mindful Merlot: Navigating low and no-alcohol wines. (usofna.com)

Health

One drink daily raises blood pressure. (rollingout.com)

Culture

A woman’s coworker acted drunk at a party, then got angry upon learning the punch was non-alc, blaming her for embarrassment. (people.com)

Writer explores the impact of alcohol on well-being, questioning if abstinence could improve mental health and urging reflection on drinking habits. (theatlantic.com)

Los Angeles is redefining nightlife with a surge in alc-free beverages, from craft mocktails to premium non-alc wines and beers. (ktvz.com)

Activists urge the Irish government to ban zero-alcohol advertising at sports events. (irishexaminer.com)

HiteJinro’s new 16.9% soju faces backlash as critics argue lower ABV threatens the cultural identity of South Korea’s traditional distilled spirit. (thedrinksbusiness.com)

Non-Non-Alc

The top 4 best-selling whiskies in the world are from India. (x.com)

AI is revolutionizing the alcohol industry by optimizing production, predicting trends, and enhancing marketing, but concerns remain over data quality, ethics, and human expertise. (thedrinksbusiness.com)

Team Toxic’s “Reverse Guinness” was a white stout with a black head, designed as a bold industry satire, gaining viral attention before the brewery shut down. (vinepair.com)

Constellation Brands plans to exit the wine business, negotiating sales with Delicato and Duckhorn as it sees declining wine sales and a strategic shift toward beer. (winebusiness.com)

Data Shot 🥃