Industry

French Bloom becomes Formula 1’s first official alcohol-free sparkling wine partner, expanding luxury non-alc presence globally. (formula1.com)

Cocktail culture struggles to scale without mid-tier bars bridging the gap between elite venues and basic spots. (maffeodrinks.com)

Austin bars and restaurants face declining alcohol sales as mocktails and alternatives gain traction. (bizjournals.com)

Non-alcoholic drinks surge to $925M sales, growing 22% annually and nearing $1B by 2025. (nielseniq.com)

Massachusetts debates reviving happy hour to boost downtown bars, restaurants, and struggling local economies. (wsj.com)

Gen Z craves bold drinks as spicy alcohol, functional beverages, matcha, and pickle flavors gain popularity. (thedrinksbusiness.com)

The NA Beverage Company joins Jeff Church’s DreamMakers accelerator, gaining strategy, sales, and fundraising guidance in 10-week program. (linkedin.com)

UK nightlife faces “night-time deserts” as a quarter of late-night venues close since 2020. (thedrinksbusiness.com)

Constellation Brands cuts forecast as weak demand and Hispanic consumer slowdown drive beer sales decline. (just-drinks.com)

TRIP leverages TikTok Shop to drive record sales, brand awareness, and sell-out product launches. (linkedin.com)

Business of Drinks Podcast: L.A. Libations’ Danny Stepper shares how the company builds billion-dollar beverage brands and spots future winners. (youtube.com)

Health

Study finds cannabis use can reduce alcohol intake and cravings, suggesting substitution for heavy drinkers. (sciencedirect.com)

Non-alcoholic drinks boom as healthier alternatives, but risks include sugar content and relapse triggers for some. (oregonlive.com)

What does it mean to be thirsty? (quantamagazine.org)

Culture

After losing his father to alcohol abuse, Pablo Murillo co-founded Bar Nuda, LA’s sober nightlife hub. (goodmorningamerica.com)

Minnesota State Fair offers 70 cocktail-style seltzers, but spirits remain banned despite distillers’ push. (startribune.com)

U.S. alcohol consumption hits record low as WHOOP data and Gen Z fitness culture reshape social habits. (linkedin.com)

Alcohol’s cultural glamour fades as health risks, COVID reflection, and Gen Z sober curiosity drive decline. (jessafrances.substack.com)

Daybreaker and FlavCity to host nation’s largest sober dance party in NYC. (athletechnews.com)

Non-Non-Alc

The Distilled Spirits Council seminar urged brands to simplify ranges, use data, target correctly, and avoid complacency, as survival now trumps growth. (drinksinsider.com)

Marketers revive raunchy ads as brands like BondiBoost lean into “horny marketing” to grab attention. (modernretail.co)

Pernod Ricard revamps distribution with new RTD division, aiming to triple U.S. footprint in three years. (bevnet.com)

21st Amendment Brewery will close after 25 years, as founders wind down operations and seek a buyer. (brewbound.com)