Industry

Athletic Brewing's launch of 19.2oz cans aims to expand non-alc beer into convenience channels, though its alignment with consumer needs and potential success remain uncertain as a growth strategy. (beercrunchers.substack.com)

The Pathfinder, co-founded by Hendrick’s Gin creator Steven Grasse, debuts in the UK. (thespiritsbusiness.com)

Diageo invests €30M more in Guinness 0.0 production as non-alc beer demand grows, aiming to expand the alc-free brand globally. (fooddive.com)

Creating a world-class non-alc beverage program involves precise labeling, preventing accidental alcohol service, thoughtful ingredient sourcing, and consistent staff training to enhance customer satisfaction and sales. (vinepair.com)

Heineken remains confident in non-alc beer growth despite Heineken 0.0 sales slowing to a 3% increase in Q3 year-on-year. (just-drinks.com)

Tom Holland's BERO blends heritage and modern design. (creativeboom.com)

Athletic Brewing attributes the success of low- and non-alc beers to offering diverse options, promoting them well, and training staff to confidently recommend them. (morningadvertiser.co.uk)

Health-conscious Japanese consumers are increasingly opting for low- or zero-alcohol beverages, driven by wellness trends, prompting brands like Kirin and Asahi to expand low-ABV offerings and reshape Japan's drinking culture. (thespiritsbusiness.com)

State agencies differ in regulating hemp and low-dose THC beverages, with approaches varying widely from strict bans to structured allowances across the U.S. (natlawreview.com)

Ben Witte built Recess by pioneering a "relaxation" beverage platform, focusing on mental wellness trends with unique ingredients, strategic marketing, and product expansion. (beveragedaily.com)

Hippie Water bootstrapped its launch with $110k, using founder expertise to cut costs in formulation, website design, and branding, while investing in production, logistics, and marketing for strategic growth. (linkedin.com)

The non-alcoholic beverage market is growing, attracting major industry players who invest in production, M&A, and brand expansions to meet rising demand. (just-drinks.com)

The pandemic shaped Gen Z’s preference for home-based socializing, pushing bars to adapt by prioritizing comfort, familiarity, and reduced social pressure. (bonappetit.com)

_{Presented by Focus on Health}

After a successful 2024 no/low tour featuring engaging education sessions for trade professionals on the benefits of incorporating no and low proof beverages into their programs, Focus on Health is excited to announce our 2025 tour!

Last year’s highlights included in-depth explorations of the process behind n/a offerings and upbeat happy hours showcasing innovative no and low proof cocktails created by nationally recognized bartenders.

Next year, we’re making planned stops at Arizona Cocktail Week, San Diego Bartender's Weekend, Portland Cocktail Week, Tales of the Cocktail, and Toronto Cocktail Conference, and we’re inviting sponsors across no, low, and full proof categories to join us.

This is your chance to position your brand in front of top industry professionals.

Reach out to Alex Jump ([email protected]) to start the conversation and secure your spot as a sponsor!

The proof is in the party! (Become a Brand Partner)

Brand Moves

Liquid Death introduces 'Misfortune Cookies' with dark messages in Chinese restaurants. (adage.com)

Raventós Codorníu launches a non-alc still wine. (just-drinks.com)

Happi teases a new upcoming flavor, feeling. (instagram.com)

Free Spirits Presents: Professional Hugs - The unlikely story of pro hugs & non-alcoholic cocktails. (youtube.com.com)

Orangily, formerly Loren’s Alcohol-Free Beverages, rebrands with a new name and logo to better connect with wellness-focused customers and the CPG market. (instagram.com)

Good Twin launches with a non-alc wine made from Italian grapes, delivering true wine flavor. (linkedin.com)

De Soi's newest flavor, St. Moritz Mule. (linkedin.com)

Peet's Coffee's holiday mocktail menu features non-alcoholic drinks like Sparkling Tiger's Eye, The Bestie, and The Derby, enhanced with Hella bitters for a bold, festive twist. (prnewswire.com)

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

Health

Research on hops suggests potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and blood sugar-regulating effects. (nationalgeographic.com)

Exploring the psychological benefits of non-alc drinks. (psychologytoday.com)

No/Low drinks are increasingly popular, sparking debate on their risks and benefits, especially for individuals with alcohol-related health issues (nature.com)

Oriental hornets uniquely metabolize high concentrations of ethanol without intoxication or harm, likely due to genetic adaptations, making them a potential model for studying alcohol tolerance. (arstechnica.com)

Culture

Younger consumers are choosing health over tradition, trading in wine for sober trends, and reshaping an industry long reliant on generational loyalty. (positivedamage.substack.com)

More Americans now use cannabis daily than alcohol, sparking debate on health impacts and concerns over insufficient research on cannabis. (freakonomics.com)

Brunswick Aces launched New Zealand’s first non-alcoholic bartenders competition and will begin in November. (instagram.com)

Trump on avoiding alcohol, citing his late brother's struggles with alcoholism as his reason. (the-independent.com)

Video: Ian Blessing, ex-sommelier at The French Laundry, shares his journey to co-founding a non-alc bitters company, inspiring alcohol-free creativity. (youtube.com)

Podcast: Zero Proof Nation founder joins the Killjoy AFteryparty to discuss the ZPN map, conscious connections and zebra striping. (podcasts.apple.com)

Non-Non-Alc

The health benefits of gathering and why we need third places. (twopct.com)

Recreational weed emerges as a rare bipartisan issue in the upcoming election. (wsj.com)

Data Shot 🥃

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