Mixed Things

Industry

AB InBev's first-ever sponsorship deal with the Olympics--- non-alc Corona Cero is the beer of choice for the partnership. (cnbc.com | adweek.com)

Drizly, known for alcohol delivery, is shutting down as Uber Eats absorbs its services likely due to a 2020 data breach, prompting questions about the ease of alcohol delivery in the modern era. (eater.com)

AB InBev's CEO, Michel Doukeris, highlights beer's resilience to supply chain issues due to local sourcing. (cnbc.com)

The UK's Portman Group issued guidelines for responsibly marketing alcohol-free alternatives, focusing on clear adult targeting and avoiding confusion or appeal to under-18s and pregnant individuals. (beveragedaily.com)

The rise of hop water and its growing popularity in the beverage industry. (punchdrink.com)

In 2024, beer trends include Flagship IPAs gaining prominence, Imperial IPAs showing growth, THC-infused beverages emerging, Terpene IPAs evolving, Hop Waters rising, and potential confusion with cannabis references. (beercrunchers.substack.com)

Non-alc brands like Longbottom, HOP WTR, and hiyo, are gaining ground in the alcohol market, which is expected to experience an accelerated 7% CAGR, aiming to capture 4% of the total alcohol market. (beveragedaily.com)

The emergence of no-alcohol hard seltzer in the beverage industry. (wineenthusiast.com)

More reactions to White Claw 0% including some mocking it as rebranded sparkling water and others expressing excitement for a non-alc option, despite its relatively high price. (foxbusiness.com)

Investors seek opportunities in the rapidly growing non-alc beer market, considering stocks of major brewing companies like Heineken and O'Doul's or exploring ETFs with alcohol industry exposure. (thestreet.com)

Gen Z's alcohol consumption drops 25% as they embrace 'mindful drinking,' with a significant shift towards non-alc alternatives observed in response to health and wellness concerns. (menshealth.com)

Drizly (RIP) reported that non-alc beverages, particularly non-alc beer, saw significant growth in 2023, with Heineken 0.0 and Athletic Brewing products leading the sales and growth charts. (forbes.com)

A record 21% of U.S. adults will participate in Dry January '24, leading to increased demand for non-alc beverages, yet consumers face high prices due to factors like complex production processes, labor costs, and the lack of economies of scale in non-alc spirits compared to alcoholic drinks. (nbcnews.com)

The growing trend of reduced alcohol consumption in the U.S. has spurred a diverse and expanding market for non-alc beverages, offering quality and taste comparable to their alcoholic counterparts, despite similar pricing due to production complexities. (forbes.com)

Indigo Natural Products Management announces partnership with Partake Brewing for Canadian expansion. (linkedin.com)

Wynk announces multistate in-store availability, expanding its market reach. (bevnet.com)

Boisson is rapidly growing in the U.S. non-alc drinks market, leveraging partnerships and a $5 million funding round to expand nationally and challenge traditional alcohol beverage distribution models. (forbes.com)

Mash Gang, a non-alc brewery, secures major investment from tech investor Ryan McCarry, enabling aggressive growth, upscale production to 500,000 units, and investment in alcohol-free R&D, aiming for global leadership in the NOLO drinks sector. (brewersjournal.info) 

According to the author, most American non-alc beers disappoint in taste and safety, while European brewers lead in quality; larger breweries offer better options like Guinness 0.0 and Heineken 0.0. (allaboutbeer.com)

Launches + Collabs + More

Relax Wines enters into the non-alc wine category. (wineindustryadvisor.com)

L.A.'s first entirely no-alcohol bar in Chinatown. (timeout.com)

Samuel Adams' 'Due Date, Brew Date' contest offers expecting parents the chance to win a 40-week supply of Just the Haze non-alc beer by tagging their partner on Instagram and explaining why they'll give up alcohol until the due date. (craftbrewingbusiness.com)

Hooch Booch founder relaunches Corpse Reviver, a hydration drink with essential elements. (linkedin.com)

Everleaf's partners with Tayēr + Elementary, a renowned bar, to enhance their non-alc offerings. (thespiritsbusiness.com)

Pernod Ricard introduces Beefeater 0.0, available initially in Spain. (pernod-ricard.com)

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Health

Studies reveal that the placebo effect can cause people to feel effects of alcohol from non-alc beers, highlighting the power of expectation and association on behavior. (slate.com)

A Virginia Tech study analyzed Reddit posts and a remote study, finding that semaglutide and tirzepatide, drugs for Type 2 diabetes and obesity, decrease alcohol cravings and consumption. (sciencedaily.com)

Neurologist Dr. Restak, in his book "How To Prevent Dementia," advises stopping alcohol consumption at age 65 due to its neurotoxic effects on brain health and increased fall risks among the elderly.(huffingtonpost.co.uk)

A map illustrating the drinking habits of each state in America for 2023. (vinepair.com)

Culture

After a DUI, Vergie Arandid opened “Binge Bar,” a no-alcohol establishment, reflecting a trend driven by changing drinking habits of Gen Z and millennials. (washingtonpost.com)

Central New York craft brewers are experimenting with non-alc beers despite challenges like expensive equipment and complex production processes. (syracuse.com)

Discussing the varying quality of non-alc drinks in bars, highlighting the creativity and effort needed to cater to sober or 'sober-curious' customers with more than just simplistic mocktails.(seattle.eater.com)

Event: Absence Of Proof x Shopify NY: Dry January Panel, Party & Pop-Up Shop. (shopify.com)

Podcasts

Experience Matters: CMO of Mocktails talks about no & low trends and the effect on the hospitality industry. (spotify.com)

Business of Drinks: Founder & CEO of Recess discusses the creation of a new relaxation-focused drinks category. (spotify.com)

Influencer Marketing Blueprint: Founder & CEO of HOP WTR covers launching during COVID-19, combining DTC and retail strategies, and leveraging community for innovation. (youtube.com)

WBUR On Point: Behind the growing popularity of an alcohol-free lifestyle. (wbur.org)

Good Beer Matters: AFicioNAdo founder discusses mindfulness and alcohol-free choices. (goodbeermatters.net)

Wine Enthusiast: What happens when a sommelier stops drinking? (wineenthusiast.com)

Non-Non-Alc Splashes

Russian River Brewing's unique offerings and impact on the industry. (punchdrink.com)

Lagunitas Brewing Company appoints a Heineken veteran as its new head of sales. (brewbound.com)

The viral 'Josh Wine' trend. (thedrinksbusiness.com)

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