Mixed Things

Industry

Amid a 32% surge in zero-proof drink sales, industry giants like Diageo and Molson Coors are launching non-alc products, with experts like Nik Sharma noting that once upstart brands start hitting $25MM-$30MM in annual sales--- acquisitions will happen. (modernretail.co)

The U.S. is experiencing its lowest beer consumption since the 1990s, with a 5% drop in shipments in 2023 and a predicted fall below 200 million barrels for the year, amid increasing competition from diverse alcoholic products and a shift towards ‘premiumization.’ (thedrinksbusiness.com)

Tesco predicts record '23 Christmas demand for no/low alcohol drinks, with beer sales up over 20%, wine by 15%, and spirit alternatives by 10%, driven by brands like Lucky Saint and Gordons 0%. (retailsector.co.uk) 

Sèchey and Target have expanded their partnership to offer curated non-alc cocktail and wine sets in stores for Dry January, following a successful pilot in December. (bevnet.com)

Across the U.S., non-alc bars are increasingly popular, with NielsenIQ noting a surge in sales to $500 million by July 2023, driven by health-focused younger generations and offering a social but alcohol-free experience. (foxbusiness.com)

Results: The Low & No Masters competition showcases innovation in low/no-alcohol drinks, emphasizing flavor and authenticity to meet growing consumer demand in a market expanding globally. (thespiritsbusiness.com)

MeMento, an Italian non-alc spirit brand, announces the return of its "Less is More" alcohol-free cocktail competition, encouraging bartenders worldwide to create innovative, sustainable drinks with MeMento products, culminating in a final event in Milan. (thespiritsbusiness.com)

Lyre's and Seedlip compete for the top spot in bars, while Everleaf emerges as another popular choice. (edition.pagesuite.com)

A crash course in CBD-infused craft beer, exploring its features and market potential. (craftbrewingbusiness.com)

A survey reveals young people (18-24 years) are the largest consumers of low and no-alcohol drinks in the UK, with 44% now choosing these alternatives. (uk.finance.yahoo.com)

SYSTM Foods Acquires HUMM Kombucha. (foodbusinessnews.net)

CEO of Wild Idol shares insights about the premium alcohol-free sparkling wine brand's growth in top retailers and Michelin restaurants, appealing to diverse consumers, and its commitment to quality and sustainability. (beveragedaily.com)

Video: Drizly's Head of Consumer Insights discusses their 62% rise in non-alc beverage sales in 2023, citing social trends and consumer value focus as key drivers w/ RTDs being top sellers on the platform. (youtube.com)

Launches + Collabs + More

Currently Crowdfunding: Momentum Brewery, formulated by renowned German brewmaster Alexander Himburg and crafted at the award-winning Great South Bay Brewery, introduces innovative low-calorie non-alc beers, in partnership with ProofNoMore for distribution. (indiegogo.com)

Talea launches first canned non-alc beer.

Fieldwork Brewing launches Supertonic— a new line of “zero-proof,” all-natural sparkling beverages, with some featuring the infusion of adaptogens and nootropics.

New Orleans' Urban South Brewery introduces a non-alcoholic version of their popular Holy Roller Hazy Juicy IPA. (nola.com)

Paulaner USA introduces Paulaner Weizen Radler 0.0%. (brewbound.com)

'Give Dry a Try:' Athletic Brewing introduces Track Record, an alcohol moderation tool within their mobile app, assisting users in tracking and celebrating their alcohol-free days. (athleticbrewing.com)

Uno Pizzeria & Grill has partnered with Ritual Zero Proof. (pizzamarketplace.com)

Optimist Botanicals launches CALI SPRITZ.

Health

Podcast: Exploring new alc-free drinks that promise the enjoyment of alcohol without the hangover---and delving into the science behind these alternatives. (theguardian.com)

Edibles, with short-term effects, and fewer long-term risks, seem a safer choice compared to alcohol with addiction and cancer risks. (eatingwell.com)

A gastroenterologist's insights into how alcohol affects the gut. (newsweek.com)

Parents' alcohol influence on kids: Experts suggest open communication, boundaries, responsible drinking modeling to reduce teen experimentation. (usatoday.com)

Alcohol-related deaths in the US top 140,000 yearly, but treatment for alcohol use disorder remains inadequate despite available medications. (vox.com)

New York State Department of Health's report on binge and heavy drinking statistics. (health.ny.gov)

Culture

Ghia Founder & CEO provides all the necessary resources to consider and appreciate Dry January. (melaniemasarin.substack.com) 

In 2024, health trends will include moderation in alcohol consumption, a shift towards decaf beverages, sustainable activewear, a return to nature with hiking, a focus on longevity, personalized healthcare, a reimagined plant-based diet, and a rise in racket sports and wellness-inspired travel. (cosmopolitan.com)

Sober Travel: Quitting alcohol enhanced the travel experience by enabling a deeper connection with each moment, saving money, and eliminating the downsides of drinking. (businessinsider.com)

Hotels across the United States are offering creative and delicious non-alc drinks in support of Dry January, along with various activities to enjoy instead of drinking alcohol. (forbes.com)

Author shares her choice of giving up alcohol, citing health benefits and lifestyle preferences, though it remains less common for her age group, while younger generations embrace a non-drinking culture. (ft.com)

US regulators are considering mandating tech in vehicles that can detect if a driver is drunk in a bid to reduce alcohol-related road deaths. (wired.com)

Delving into the rising popularity of non-alc drinks, showcasing the expanding market for alcohol-free beverages that appeal to both those abstaining from alcohol and those curious about sobriety, offering an array of flavors and experiences once reserved for alcoholic options. (latimes.com)

Startup CPG blog lists 12 non-alc brands that make Dry January enjoyable. (startupcpg.com)

The SF Standard lists the best non-alc drinks available in San Francisco bars. (sfstandard.com)

Non-Non-Alc Splashes

Crab whiskey and trout brandy. (foodandwine.com)

Ex-Pernod Ricard executive launches No Sleep Beverage to invest in and support emerging U.S. alcohol brands, with plans for additional funding in the coming year. (thespiritsbusiness.com)

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