Industry

The Zero Proof acquired The New Bar, creating a larger brand, retail, and distribution platform focused on adult non-alcoholic beverages. (prnewswire.com)

AMASS invests in Afterdream via SAFE, securing at least 15.67% future ownership in the fast-growing THC beverage brand. (fidelity.com)

The Trump administration is reconsidering how kratom should be regulated, a policy shift that could reshape the market for botanical products and broader discussions around emerging adult-use substances. (nytimes.com)

An Ohio judge temporarily allowed 10 companies to continue selling intoxicating hemp products while legal challenges to the state's restrictions proceed. (nbc4i.com)

What the rise of kombucha and other wellness-oriented beverages means for legacy alcohol companies adapting to changing consumer preferences. (vogue.com)

NielsenIQ highlights continued global growth in functional beverages, with alcohol-free drinks increasingly driven by wellness, added benefits, and changing consumer expectations. (nielseniq.com)

Athletic Brewing emphasized grassroots marketing and disciplined scaling as drivers of its growth. (bevnet.com)

New research from Inmar finds that shoppers purchasing non-alcoholic beverages continue to spend in traditional alcohol categories, suggesting complementarity rather than simple substitution. (massmarketretailers.com)

BRĒZ faces regulatory uncertainty and funding pressures while scaling its functional beverage business. (bevnet.com)

Examining whether optimism around hemp beverages is supported by market fundamentals or driven by overly ambitious expectations. (cantripguy.substack.com)

Packaging, cash flow and customer positioning remain key factors in low/no alcohol brand growth. (linkedin.com)

Diageo reportedly conducted another round of North American layoffs while reorganizing its U.S. business strategy. (fingers.email)

Impossibrew is expanding into retail after AI-supported growth and a successful crowdfunding round. (beveragedaily.com)

Modelo said flavor-forward non-alcoholic products help attract younger consumers seeking moderation without sacrificing taste. (fooddive.com)

Health

Some alcohol-related heart, brain and liver damage may improve after reducing or stopping drinking. (telegraph.co.uk)

Making the case that abstaining from alcohol can improve mental health, emotional resilience, and overall quality of life beyond simply avoiding addiction. (psychologytoday.com)

Culture

Drinking less does not necessarily reduce social engagement, as consumers continue going out while choosing more mindful beverage options. (thedailypour.com)

One-third of British consumers are cutting back on alcohol, reinforcing moderation as a mainstream behavioral shift rather than a niche trend. (thegrocer.co.uk)

Consumers are increasingly alternating between premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks across the same occasion. (forbes.com)

How a centuries-old beer brand is connecting with Gen Z by balancing heritage with modern branding, product innovation, and cultural relevance. (inc.com)

Today's optimization culture has created its own backlash, with many consumers questioning whether constant self-improvement has become exhausting. (proofpoints.substack.com)

Sophisticated non-alcoholic drink pairings that are becoming integral to fine dining rather than an afterthought. (theworlds50best.com)

Consumers are increasingly choosing earlier, lower-ABV drinking occasions over late-night consumption. (foodandwine.com)

Non-Non-Alc

AI search tools distinguish wine from alcohol broadly, presenting a potential messaging opportunity for the wine industry. (wine-searcher.com)

Alcohol and cannabis should not automatically be treated as equivalent substances in public policy debates. (wsj.com)

Aldi plans to expand to 4,000 U.S. stores, putting it on track to surpass Kroger by store count. (ft.com)

Changing consumer preferences are creating new opportunities for craft beer brands to broaden their appeal. (beercrunchers.substack.com)

Six iconic soft drinks showcase how local beverages reflect culture and consumer traditions. (monocle.com)

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