Industry

Non-alc beer sees consistent growth across the US, with northern states leading. (theiwsr.com)

Inspired by his challenging Dry January experience, Tom Holland co-founded BERO, a new non-alc beer brand with unique gold packaging aimed at blending in, launching online and in select U.S. cities. (fastcompany.com)

2024 has seen a wave of innovative no/ low launches from both established brands and new entrants, including Beefeater 0.0, Almave Ámbar, Padauk from Sylva, and French Bloom La Cuvée. (thedrinksbusiness.com)

Spindrift founder Bill Creelman’s commitment to fresher seltzer fuels the brand’s competitive edge. (bloomberg.com)

Wine is hurting: US wine sales are down 6% in 2024, driven by economic pressures, changing consumer behavior, and competition from alternative beverages like THC drinks, though high-end wines show modest growth. (thedrinksbusiness.com)

Facing declining wine consumption, California grape growers are considering removing vineyards to reduce oversupply, with up to 500,000 tons of grapes potentially unharvested this year. (6abc.com)

SipSource reports U.S. spirits sales dropped 3.9% through August 2024, with high-end bottles ($100+) declining 12.5% in bars and 8.5% in retail. (insidehook.com)

East Bay brewers like Fieldwork and Headlands are embracing non-alc beer to meet growing consumer demand, despite production challenges and modest sales. (berkeleyside.org)

Non-alc drinks, driven by "euphoric" functionality, reached $493M in sales, with top ingredients and growing categories like malt beverages boosting demand despite slowed innovation. (foodnavigator-usa.com)

Tesco has partnered with Lucky Saint to offer its first non-alc beer in the "Finest Dine In for Two" deal. (grocerygazette.co.uk)

Dry Drinker launching investment round. (linkedin.com)

Non-alc beer packaging from Michelob, Corona, and others evokes refreshment, adventure, and nature.(packagingdigest.com)

Blake Lively's Betty Buzz expands to 50 more UK Mark and Spencer stores after successful debut. (linkedin.com)

With Japanese consumers shifting away from strong alcohol, cider is gaining popularity as a lighter alternative appealing to those seeking moderation. (japantimes.co.jp)

Diageo, Heineken, and others are expanding non-alc portfolios as mindful drinking rises. (creative.salon)

Spain's new blood alcohol limit for drivers, now 0.2 g/L, will reshape wine and hospitality by pushing non-alc alternatives, designated driver services, and adjustments to wine tourism experiences. (linkedin.com)

UK-based Mash Gang,backed by parent company DioniLife, debuts in Colorado with Chug, a tropical IPA, and aims to redefine NA beverages at the Great American Beer Festival. (303magazine.com)

Lucky Saint’s Kerttu Inkeroinen shares how the alcohol-free beer brand aims to dominate by leveraging creativity over large budgets, focusing on brand assets and unique campaigns like "Thou Shalt Go to the Pub" to foster community and redefine the NA market. (thedrum.com)

Free Spirits launches in-house agency, IMPOSTER. (theimposteragency.com)

Podcast: NON founder on building partnerships, balancing growth, and staying true to brand while scaling successfully. (mydailybusiness.com)

Video: Non-Alcoholic Aficionado offers behind-the-scenes look at ABV Technology’s innovative vacuum distillation process that lowers beverages to 0.5% ABV, enabling breweries and wineries to offer popular non-alcoholic options efficiently. (youtube.com)

Brand Moves

Bero’s launch lineup features Noon Wheat, Kingston Golden Pils, and Edge Hill Hazy IPA. (x.com | instagram.com)

Talking Rain Beverage Co. incubating MIXT, a non-alc RTD cocktail line. (lauren-perry.com | x.com)

Busty Lush launches She's Marvelous, a hibiscus + chili mezcalita infused with adaptogens. (instagram.com)

ROLUS launches a sparkling hydration drink blending botanical flavors and electrolytes for non-alc social occasions. (finance.yahoo.com)

Heaps Normal launches Third IPA, a non-alc West Coast IPA with a wellness-themed campaign. (broadsheet.com.au)

Trejo Spirits launches American Whiskey Alternative. (instagram.com)

Athletic Brewing x Hyperice Sweepstakes. (athleticbrewing.com)

Beefeater 0.0’s TV commercial goes live in Spain. (youtube.com)

NietsCo launches in Germany at Bar Convent Fair, expanding its premium non-alc spirits with key contracts. (linkedin.com)

For Bitter or Worse to release a canned version of its popular Saskatoon non-alc cocktail. (instagram.com)

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Health

Over 100 members of Congress urge U.S. to halt controversial alcohol study over concerns of anti-alcohol bias and economic impact. (nypost.com)

Defining moderate alcohol drinking. (nytimes.com)

Are non-alc drinks a potential gateway to alcohol for teens? (spectrumlocalnews.com)

Nonalcoholic drinks effectively reduce mild alcohol consumption but are less impactful for severe drinking issues. (medicalxpress.com)

Culture

Lilah bar crafts inventive low-proof cocktails, using texture and creativity to deliver satisfying, nostalgic flavors. (sfstandard.com)

Sober travel trends upward. (insidehook.com)

Sober(ish) marketplace features non-alc spirits and cannabis-infused beverages, offering wellness-focused, alc-free alternatives. (greenstate.com)

Event planners emphasize offering non-alc cocktails to enhance inclusivity and attendee engagement at events. (mpi.org)

Non-Non-Alc

The highest-rated IPA in every state. (vinepair.com)

What do bartenders really think about the term ‘mixologist’? (foodandwine.com)

Italian vineyards face climate, changing tastes, and soaring debt costs, threatening traditional wine production. (bloomberg.com)

Data Shot 🥃

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