Industry

Health-Ade Kombucha sold to Generous Brands for $500 million, with former investors retaining minority stakes in the acquiring company. (wsj.com)

Bolle Drinks surpassed its fundraising minimum in 7 days and expects to close funding soon. (linkedin.com)

Low-dose THC drinks offer a safer and more social entry point that can drive broader adoption, repeat use, and regulatory support. (beercrunchers.substack.com)

Virtual influencers like Mia Zelu are reshaping drinks marketing by boosting engagement, lowering costs, and driving measurable brand interest while raising authenticity concerns. (drinksdigest.com)

Non-alc and wellness drinks outpace alcohol growth, driven by Gen Z, daily rituals, and evolving retail habits. (numerator.com)

Dedicated non-alcoholic search categories are vital to help consumers easily find sober-friendly venues and retail shops. (linkedin.com)

Moderation is reshaping alcohol consumption, with Gen Z (75%) and Millennials (74%) leading a global 20% decline since 2000. (theiwsr.com)

ENABs offer 90% margins using existing ingredients, proving a strategic, profitable alternative to cocktails without compromising quality or experience. (linkedin.com)

Drink Redacted launches a $25 aphrodisiac tonic using herbs to offer a flirty, non-alcoholic alternative to liquid courage. (bevnet.com)

Best Day Brewing is rapidly scaling nationwide by tapping wellness trends and crafting flavorful non-alcoholic beers that resonate with modern, social drinkers. (mercurynews.com)

Speculation surrounds Diageo CEO's departure, with weight-loss drugs like Ozempic potentially contributing to industry struggles. (drinksdigest.com)

Facing declining alcohol sales and rising health concerns, major beverage companies are exploring hemp-based THC drinks for growth, high margins, and shifting consumer preferences. (reuters.com)

BRĒZ’s success comes from digital-first branding, modular product design, and redefining THC drinks as tools for state-shifting experiences. (nihiloagency.substack.com)

Spearhead Global's grant supports women-owned food or beverage businesses with funding, mentorship, and packaging innovation to scale impact. (enthusefoundation.com)

Female founders with under $1M in sales can pitch live in Salt Lake City for a chance to win $25K. (linkedin.com)

The MAFFEO DRINKS Podcast: Seedlip founder Ben Branson shares how category creation, credibility, and influential relationships shaped his non-alc ventures Sylva and Seasn. (youtube.com)

Shelf Talks Podcast: De Soi CEO Scout Brisson shares retail growth strategies, pricing insights, and founder lessons. (spotify.com)

Health

Forever chemicals detected in U.S. beer raise health concerns, prompting brewers to invest in filtration systems. (wineenthusiast.com)

Culture

As Michigan embraces the sober-curious movement, bars and consumers are reshaping nightlife culture with inclusive, alcohol-free spaces that prioritize wellness, connection, and modern social rituals. (bridgemi.com)

Gen Z drinks less, tips poorly, and frustrates bartenders with awkward etiquette and individual transactions. (sfstandard.com)

Americans are drinking more selectively; non-alc sales grew 28% as Gen Z drinks 50% less than Gen X. (seattletimes.com)

Hilary Sheinbaum’s journey from nightlife to NA advocate mirrors a broader cultural shift in drinking. (citybiz.co)

Non-Non-Alc

Cookies, the cannabis lifestyle brand, has entered spirits with a new ready-to-drink tequila cocktail launch. (bevnet.com)

RTD growth is being fueled by bold branding, social relevance, and occasion-first marketing, not just flavor or convenience. (linkedin.com)

Liquid Death will enter energy drinks in 2026 with a zero-sugar, coffee-level caffeine formula co-developed by Dr. Darshan Shah. (linkedin.com)