Mock the Toast | 02.01.24

Dry Feb | Cannifesto | Embracing the term "Mocktail"

everything zero to low-alcohol

Mixed Things

Industry

HOP WTR's DNT TXT campaign offers a lockbox to prevent shameful Valentine's Day texts to exes by securely holding phones until the morning after. (mediapost.com)

Seedlip emphasizes live experiences to drive brand awareness in the booming non-alc spirits industry, highlighting the importance of first-hand product trials. (eventmarketer.com)

Go Brewing, with a strong financial foundation, is quickly becoming a leading name in the non-alc beer market by emphasizing quality and innovative craft beer offerings. (forbes.com)

Asahi Group Holdings invests in The Zero Proof, a US non-alc drinks retailer, to expand distribution and product range. (brewbound.com)

During Dry January, alcohol spending halved compared to December, with no- and low-alc beer sales jumping from 4% to nearly 6%. (thedrinksbusiness.com)

Celebrity involvement in non-alcoholic beverages has boosted industry attention and innovation, fostering collaborations with bars and restaurants. (forbes.com)

Oettinger acquires JoyBräu, a non-alc functional beer brand, expanding its product range and targeting the functional drink market internationally. (just-drinks.com)

UK consumers favor smaller, higher-quality alcoholic drinks for health reasons, leading to a surge in 100ml taster bottles. (theguardian.com)

During the pandemic, Wisconsin's Untitled Art became a leader in the nonalcoholic beer market, offering healthier alternatives. (wpr.org)

Miller64 rebrands as Miller Extra Light, shifting focus to its low alcohol content to align with consumer trends towards moderation, supported by an expanded media campaign and new packaging. (marketingdive.com)

Critiquing neo-prohibitionist measures in states like Oregon and Washington--- arguing they echo past Prohibition's failures, while noting a societal trend towards moderate alc consumption and the growing non-alc beverage market, urging a balanced approach that respects cultural and economic contributions of the beverage industry. (martinmcclanan.medium.com

Brewing non-alc Stouts poses unique challenges, from legal restrictions on naming to recipe adjustments for flavor and color, with brewers innovating with malt selections and additional ingredients to replicate traditional Stout characteristics without alcohol. (porchdrinking.com)

Mash Gang CEO & Co-Founder on how adopting non-alc beer can diversify and invigorate the brewing industry, overcoming biases and market challenges to appeal to health-conscious consumers and ensure long-term success. (mashgang.shop)

The drinks industry trends towards craft, non-alc, and health-centric offerings, with sustainability and functionality at the forefront, using analytics and AI for targeted marketing to eco-conscious and wellness-focused consumers. (thedrinksbusiness.com)

Bartenders are innovating with non-alc cocktails, moving past classic templates to embrace culinary creativity and redefine the cocktail experience with unique, mindful concoctions. (punchdrink.com)

Zero-ABV spirits are increasingly competing with alcoholic brands, showing significant growth in the UK, the largest market for alc-free spirits. (drinks-intel.com)

In January, UK pubs experienced a 7% drop in drinks sales compared to the previous year, with a notable 19% decrease in spirits sales. (theguardian.com)

Dry/Damp Jan participation in '24 has increased to 27%, especially among Gen Z at 75%. Non-alc brands like Melati Drinks and the Mocktail Club have seen significant growth; Moment's adaptogen-based beverages rose 63%; Boisson's marketplace earns an estimated $20 million annually with a 10% sales boost (nextbigshop.com)

Gen Z and Millennials are changing the perception of Dry January by embracing moderation and non-alc alternatives, while the "cannifesto" signifies a shift towards canned, eco-friendly beverages that align with these consumer preferences.​ (lbbonline.com)

Bevvy's: Toronto's new dedicated non-alc bottle shop. (torontolife.com)

Marketers can tap into the growing sober curious trend among Gen Z and Millennials by offering messaging aligned with sobriety and engaging on social media platforms.(mmm-online.com)

Author of The Dry Challenge discusses the growing trend of alcohol-free travel experiences in response to health and wellness priorities. (omny.fm)

The growth of the alc-free wine category has been slower than beer due to technical challenges and lack of large brands, but smaller players and new world wine countries are driving innovation, while consumer spending is rising, and bars and restaurants stocking alc-free wine could boost the category. (beveragedaily.com)

Podcast: CEO & Founder of NON talks about Dry Jan and the inspiration of non-alc. (spotify.com)

Launches + Collabs + More

Sarilla unveils Hoppy Hibiscus in collaboration with Pink Boots Society—- with 5% of sales aiding their mission to empower women and non-binary individuals in the beverage industry.

Founders Brewing debuts non-alc beer, Hoppy Mood. (fox17online.com)

Dry Feb™️, a collaboration between Lyre's and Ezy Raise, supports the American Cancer Society by encouraging a month of alcohol abstinence to raise funds and awareness for cancer, (prnewswire.com)

Chinese beer brand Tsingtao, launches Tsingtao 0.0.

Dun launches with Spicy Mango Marg & Piña Colada. (linkedin.com)

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Health

Alcohol and obesity are potential contributors to the rise in colorectal cancer deaths among young adults in the UK and Europe, with alcohol alone possibly increasing the risk by up to 50%. (medicalnewstoday.com)

Culture

Vogue explores mindful drinking. (vogue.co.uk)

The challenges and perceptions around choosing a sober lifestyle. (businessinsider.com)

On embracing the familiarity and clarity of the term "mocktail" to cater to consumers seeking alc-free alternatives, despite its negative connotations. (punchdrink.com)

The shift towards sober curious and mindful drinking among millennials and Gen Z suggests a cultural change, potentially marking the decline of the traditional all-or-nothing approach to alcohol. (msnbc.com)

Non-Non-Alc Splashes

Gatorade introduces Gatorade iD with DJ Khaled collaboration, offering personalized benefits and equipment for athletes. (adage.com)

Diageo reports a drop in spirits sales in Latin America due to a challenging consumer environment and inventory levels. (bloomberg.com)

Data Shot 🥃

Non-Alc Opportunities

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