Industry

Go Brewing hired Revolution Brewing COO Chuck Zadlo as Craftsmith Beverage CEO, aligning visionary founder Joe Chura with an experienced operational integrator.(linkedin.com | beercrunchers.substack.com)

Gallup reports U.S. alcohol consumption has fallen to a record-low 54%, with most Americans now viewing moderate drinking as harmful to health. (gallup.com | nytimes.com)

A recent survey shows most Americans misunderstand hemp beverages’ effects, highlighting the need for clear education as regulation debates intensify. (linkedin.com)

Uncle Arnie’s raises $7.5M in Series A funding to expand nationally in THC beverages, adding Boston Beer co-founder Harry Rubin to its board. (finance.yahoo.com)

Union Wine Co., after revolutionizing canned wine, is entering the fast-growing non-alcoholic beverage market. (bizjournals.com)

A federal judge upheld New York City’s ban on steeped kava drinks, ruling they are regulated food additives under FDA law. (courthousenews.com)

Oklahoma craft beer sales drop as younger drinkers favor low-calorie seltzers and cannabis-infused beverages, forcing brewery closures. (journalrecord.com)

Nicotine pouch sales boost Altria stock 23% while Molson Coors drops 12% as beer faces competition from spirits and non-alcoholic drinks. (wsj.com)

Brewers bet on improved taste and broader marketing to keep non-alcoholic beer growing despite slowing sales and industry headwinds. (oregonlive.com)

Treat Instagram like a brewery’s modern website by optimizing bios, highlights, pinned posts, carousels, and reels to inform, engage, and grow audiences effectively. (beercrunchers.substack.com)

C-stores face complex, state-specific rules on hemp-derived THC sales, prompting experts to urge lobbying for favorable regulations before opportunities disappear. (cspdailynews.com)

THC-infused drinks on tap debut in Wisconsin, South Carolina, and Minnesota, offering alcohol alternatives while facing looming state and federal regulatory challenges. (forbes.com)

High-priced “loud luxury” cocktails featuring extravagant garnishes, rare glassware, and theatrical presentations are reshaping drinking culture by emphasizing exclusivity and memorable experiences. (thespiritsbusiness.com)

Despite tariffs and economic uncertainty, major companies like Molson Coors, Ralph Lauren, and McDonald’s are maintaining or increasing marketing investments to protect brand strength. (adweek.com)

Cannabis stocks surged after reports Trump may reclassify marijuana as less dangerous, potentially easing major regulatory and financial hurdles. (sherwood.news)

FRE Alcohol-Removed Wines renews its partnership with Create & Cultivate through 2026, continuing to provide inclusive non-alc options at women-focused events nationwide. (finance.yahoo.com)

Non-alcoholic players like HOPWTR, Curious Elixirs, and Abtrax Tech appear on the Inc. 5000 2025 fastest-growing companies list. (inc.com)

The creator of Seedlip, alongside his former COO, is seeking investors for two new non-alc brands: Sylva, an aged sipping spirit, and SEASN, award-winning cocktail bitters. (linkedin.com)

MAFFEO DRINKS Podcast: A veteran of major spirits companies explains how the pandemic’s temporary sales surge is fading, exposing weak loyalty and fueling cross-category drinking trends. (spotify.com)

Culture

Republican drinking rates drop 19 points to 46%, contributing to lowest US alcohol consumption in nine decades. (ft.com)

Gen Z is reshaping drinking culture, skipping alcohol for health, cost, and lifestyle reasons, fueling explosive growth in non-alcoholic beverages. (myjournalcourier.com)

Brussels Member of Parliament Sonja Hoylaerts failed a breathalyser after being mistakenly served Aperol instead of Crodino. (brusselstimes.com)

Non-Non-Alc

Global spirits sales face macro pressure, shifting consumer habits, and Gen Z moderation, but premium brands, emerging markets, and innovation offer growth paths. (dough.substack.com)

A growing “performance economy” reframes alcohol as a curated identity tool and wellness accessory, shifting from escapism to intentional, status-driven consumption. (linkedin.com)

Two-thirds of UK adults believe big brewers threaten small breweries, prompting CAMRA to call for urgent market reform and fairer pub access. (thedrinksbusiness.com)

US restaurant traffic is falling as consumers cut spending, eat at home more, and trade down due to economic uncertainty and rising menu prices. (ft.com)

Major wine companies’ retreat from value brands risks losing new consumers, creating a demand gap and threatening long-term industry health. (vinepair.com)