Industry

Diageo buys Ritual Zero Proof. (just-drinks.com)

BevAlc in the US saw a 2.8% volume decline in early 2024, except for RTDs, with state-level differences, like New York's spirits growth, showing the need for tailored and localized strategies. (beveragedaily.com)

Go Brewing leverages on-site activations like triathlons for brand building and data collection, using unique engagement tactics to attract high-value customers for its non-alc beer. (beercrunchers.substack.com)

Joe Chura, founder of Go Brewing, highlighted the success of draft beer, widespread availability, and email collection at Riot Fest but noted the need for more staffing and improved merchandise sales. (linkedin.com)

Non-alc beer now makes up 10% of Weihenstephan’s production and is featured in 16 of 18 Oktoberfest tents. (npr.org)

Athletic Brewing's non-alc Run Wild IPA is now available on tap in select Milwaukee locations as part of its pilot draft program expansion. (onmilwaukee.com)

Molson Coors partnered with Naked Life to launch low-calorie non-alc mocktails, amid declining beer sales. (thestreet.com)

Patagonia and Deschutes Brewery launched the first certified-organic non-alc beer in the U.S., made from sustainable Kernza grain to promote eco-friendly agriculture. (thecooldown.com)

Guinness 0.0's high price is due to a complex de-alcoholization process, extensive quality checks, and added costs like bacterial risk management and more frequent pub line cleaning. (thetimes.com)

American Canning halted aTULC can production after their supplier unexpectedly withdrew, impacting operations amidst a growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions. (bevnet.com)

Brewbound highlighted five key Gen Z cultural themes for alcohol marketers: Healthy Hedonism, Embracing the Absurd, Ode to Joy, Halcyon Days/Nostalgia, and Third Places. (brewbound.com)

CEO of Liquid Death shares insights on building a brand through creativity, comedy, and hiring for uniqueness. (raconteur.net)

Suze Tonic Zéro Non-Alcoholic to begin roll out in the US. (linkedin.com)

California Gov. Gavin Newsom's emergency ban on hemp THC products, effective immediately, impacts THC beverages and sparks industry controversy. (sfgate.com)

After financial difficulties, Bock/Ale considers closure. (lesaffaires.com)

CleanCo has transitioned to 0.0% ABV, redesigned its bottle for sustainability, and expanded its distribution network. (thespiritsbusiness.com)

The zero-alc beverage market, worth $20bn and 1% of global alcohol sales, is growing at 9% annually, with zero-alc beer surpassing 10% of sales in several European countries. (ft.com)

Event: Join Club Soda next month for the launch of their white paper exploring barriers and solutions for low/no options in food service. (Reserve Your Spot)

Bonbuz, founded by Fay Behbehani, launched a community investment round, offering public investment alongside renowned backers like Ashley Graham and Emma Grede. (Learn More & Invest)

Acquisition Opportunity: A nationwide brand producing a line of non-alc products and successfully operating for over a year with sales across the US is looking to sell. Reply directly to this email if interested.

Brand Moves

Liquid Death x Plunge (foodandwine.com)

Go Brewing was the official non-alc beer sponsor at Riot Fest. (instagram.com)

Casamara Club introduces Superclasico, a non-alc aperitivo. (instagram.com)

Bella Hadid’s Kin Euphorics launches Luna Morada, celebrating Latin American flavors and wellness. (forbes.com)

Anheuser-Busch launches Michelob Ultra Zero, a 0% ABV beer with 29 calories, arriving in January 2025. (beveragedynamics.com)

Tilray Brands will launch hemp-derived Delta-9 THC mocktails, seltzers, and sparkling drinks in key U.S. markets starting in October--- 420 Fizz, Herb & Bloom, Fizzy Jane, Happy Flower. (cannabisbusinesstimes.com)

^{Reply to this email with your launches, collabs, expansions and/or news.}

Health

A UCL study suggests calorie labels on alcohol could help heavier drinkers reduce consumption and maintain weight. (sciencedaily.com)

Culture

Intermittent sobriety. (cnn.com)

Reno gets its first non-alc bar. (msn.com)

Portugal gets its first non-alc bottle shop. (linkedin.com)

Non-alc bottle shop, Dray, to open new location in Cambridge, MA. (instagram.com)

Zero Proof Nation highlights five non-alc dark beers perfect for fall. (zeroproofnation.substack.com)

Non-alc cocktails are priced similarly to cocktails due to the high cost of NA spirits, often comparable to mid-to-top-shelf alcohol. (buzzfeed.com)

Sipland is expanding the no/low movement in Charleston through events, city guides, and non-alc pop-ups. (charlestoncitypaper.com)

Travis Barker quit drinking and drugs, now relying on cold plunges and exercise for concert preparation. (wsj.com)

Some experts are calling for laws to limit non-alc drink sales to minors, citing concerns they could encourage underage drinking. (mercurynews.com)

Non-Non-Alc

Critiquing the inflated status of wine, suggesting price doesn’t always reflect quality. (spencerjakab.substack.com)

Patrón Tequila founder John Paul DeJoria has acquired Waterloo Gin, aiming to expand its reach and refresh its packaging. (thespiritsbusiness.com)

Daniel Humm’s Clemente Bar, opening in October above Eleven Madison Park, combines art and high-level vegan cocktails, offering a nostalgic, creative experience inspired by iconic bars like Kronenhalle. (grubstreet.com)

Data Shot 🥃

Careers in Non-Alc

Visit the full job board here.

Non-Alc Activity Tracker