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- Mock the Toast | 03.13.25
Mock the Toast | 03.13.25
Inc. Recognizes Non-Alc Female Founders | Distill Ventures to Cease Investments | Bitter is Better
everything zero to low-alcohol
Industry
Diageo’s Distill Ventures, which backed Ritual & Seedlip, to cease investments. (bevnet.com)
Inc. reveals its 2025 Female Founders list, which includes the founders of Mingle Mocktails, Ghia, and Little Saints. (inc.com)
Mocktails are pricey due to ingredient quality, labor, psychology, and restaurant margins, making them essential for profitability as alcohol consumption declines. (beercrunchers.substack.com)
Bitter non-alc drinks are booming, with botanicals and sugar providing complexity, mouthfeel, and an adult drinking experience without alcohol. (vinepair.com)
Little Saints is expanding sales, launching new products, and raising Series A funding. (crainsdetroit.com)
The CEO of De Soi advises brands to weigh Expo West's high costs carefully, emphasizing long-term ROI, networking, and strategic timing. (linkedin.com)
Athletic Brewing’s Two for the Trails program has raised over $6 million since 2018, funding global conservation and trail restoration projects. (ctinsider.com)
Botivo co-founder Sam Paget Steavenson shares his favorite drinks, bars, and insights on the evolving non-alc beverage industry. (slman.com)
Alcohol moderation is rising globally, shrinking markets and intensifying competition, pushing brands toward premiumization and strategic consumer engagement. (theiwsr.com)
Alc-free beer gains mainstream acceptance in the UK, with rising support for alc-free sponsorships at major sporting events. (joinclubsoda.com)
CleanCo secures major partnerships, expanding its presence in premium hospitality venues. (bevnet.com)
BrewDog CFO James Taylor is promoted to CEO as James Arrow steps down for personal reasons. (just-drinks.com)
Georgia lawmakers are considering a ban on THC-infused drinks, worrying brewers who sell them alongside traditional alcohol. (wabe.org)
Business of Drinks Podcast: How THC drinks brand Nowadays is scaling fast. (creators.spotify.com)
Growth Mavericks Podcast: From Hugs to Cocktails - A Conversation with Milan Martin, Founder and CEO at Free Spirits. (podcasts.apple.com)
Health
How alcohol affects the brain, exploring new research on its neurological impact. (nature.com)
Culture
Consumers embrace hybrid drinking—mixing alcohol alternatives, THC, and functional drinks for balanced, intentional social experiences. (rollingstone.com)
Groom uninvites parents from wedding after they insist on an open bar instead of a dry celebration. (people.com)
'Cali Sober' lifestyle gains traction, where individuals abstain from alcohol but embrace psychedelics and other substances. (wsj.com)
Non-Non-Alc
Bain & Company highlights 120 high-growth consumer brands driving 39% category growth, with 43 newcomers. (bain.com)
Chartreuse thrives by prioritizing tradition, sustainability, and rarity over mass production, maintaining its mystique and demand. (buildingthingsthatlast.substack.com)
Aguileros Beverage Group launches a $5M private equity fund to invest in Mexican beverage companies, securing $2M with a $10M cap. (labusinessjournal.com)
President Trump threatens a 200% tariff on European alcoholic products if the EU's 50% whiskey tariff isn't removed. (truthsocial.com)
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