Mock the Toast | 06.26.25

All The Bitter's Pour Decision | Cann Doubles Down on Retail | Dry Drinker’s Comeback

your weekly briefing on everything non-alc

Industry

Domaine Chanson abandoned plans for a non-alcoholic red Burgundy after failing to meet quality goals. (thedrinksbusiness.com)

Cann hired Jeff Chassner, ex-BeatBox exec, as VP of Sales to accelerate U.S. retail growth for its THC beverages. (businesswire.com)

Suntory denies being in talks to invest in alcohol-free spirits brand Arkay, despite Arkay’s claims. (drinks-intel.com)

Summit Brewing’s Nialas uses adventurous, flavor-forward packaging to reframe perceptions of non-alcoholic beer. (packworld.com)

Dry Drinker enters administration; brand and site acquired by new owner aiming for full relaunch soon. (drydrinker.com)

Non-alcoholic beer grew 23% in 2024 and is the only U.S. beer segment showing sustained volume gains. (theiwsr.com)

Sponsored

Make your summer shelves shine with Sir. James 101. Award-winning, alcohol-free mocktails in stylish, single-serve bottles that drive trial and repeat purchase. (Win the Summer)

Athletic Brewing advanced sustainability, donated $2.3M, cut water use, and supported 210 nonprofits in 2024. (athleticbrewing.com)

Jones Soda sold its Mary Jones cannabis drinks to MJ Reg for $3M to refocus on core beverages. (just-drinks.com)

Cannabis creators are filling the ad gap with grassroots influence, building loyal communities and driving industry growth worldwide. (forbes.com)

SOBR is changing its name to better match global growth, brand identity, and category leadership goals. (linkedin.com)

Alcohol- Free Radio: Ex-wine director Jillian Fontana shares how Mod Elixirs makes mindful, elegant drinking a healing ritual. (youtube.com)

Pour Decisions

sharing real mistakes and lessons from non-alc founders & operators

Ian Blessing - All The Bitter.pdf5.41 MB • PDF File

Health

Mayo Clinic On Nutrition Podcast: Exploring alcohol’s health impacts and how to resist social pressure to keep drinking. (podcasts.apple.com)

Even low to moderate alcohol intake significantly increases dementia risk, according to new brain autopsy study. (news.com.au)

Culture

Top executives share their favorite non-alcoholic cocktails for winding down without compromising early mornings. (bloomberg.com)

A non-drinker declined a party invite after being forced to split the alcohol bill equally. (people.com)

Carl Radke hints at future Soft Bar locations, including a possible non-alcoholic sports bar concept. (nationbeer.com)

Sober tailgates and alcohol-free fandoms are redefining party culture at concerts and NFL games. (wsj.com)

Sponsored

oHHo’s new Sparkling White Peach + Lemon seltzer blends hemp-derived THC, CBG, and CBD. Fast-acting, feel-good, and low-cal. Two dose options for every consumer. (Put Good Vibes on Shelf)

Non-Non-Alc

Big beer brands lock most UK pubs into contracts, keeping local brews off taps. (martinavis.substack.com)

Private label sales are booming globally as shoppers trade brand loyalty for better prices and rising quality. (foodnavigator.com)

Retail media is off-limits for alcohol brands, forcing them to innovate through data-rich, compliant alternatives. (linkedin.com)

Curated for Non-Alc & BevAlc professionals, retailers, and brands.

Boost your team's insights—forward to a colleague :)