Mixed Things

Industry

Amid a growing "sober curious" Gen Z drinking 20% less per capita than millennials and prioritizing health and experimentation, the $2.1 trillion alcohol industry faces challenges adapting. (fortune.com)

poppi's Super Bowl commercial led to a 1561% jump in online engagement. (seekingalpha.com | Commercial)

Coca-Cola is reported to be among the potential buyers for poppi. (bloomberg.com)

Gorgie shifts focus from direct store delivery growth to a digital convenience strategy. (bevnet.com)

Danish non-alcoholic beverage maker Ish focuses on deepening market penetration rather than expanding into new ones, emphasizing the growth potential in the retail sector for non-alc products. (just-drinks.com)

Businesses report surging demand for no/lowl drinks, with Conker Gin Distillery noting a "huge market" for alternatives, fueled by 8.5 million Dry January participants. (bbc.com)

Pilot Project Brewing in Milwaukee is set to launch British craft non-alc beer brand Mash Gang in the U.S., bringing popular low/no beers directly to American consumers, eliminating the need for costly shipping. (onmilwaukee.com)

Asahi Breweries has decided not to launch new chūhai products with an alc content of 8% or higher, aligning with Japan's trend towards low-alcohol alternatives and aiming to reduce inappropriate drinking. (japantimes.co.jp)

Drink brands globally, including Japan's Asahi and Sapporo, and Korea's HiteJinro, are lowering the alcohol content in their beverages amid consumer demand for lighter options and economic pressures, reflecting a shift towards wellness and cost-saving measures. (semafor.com)

Drinkaware partners with UK pubs and bars, launching a free guide to boost sales of low and alc-free drinks across 5,200 venues, responding to a growing demand and the expected doubling of the alcohol-free beer market within the next decade. (barmagazine.co.uk)

Paramount Liquor collaborates with Noot Drinks Co to boost the non-alc drink market, integrating Noot's nootropic-infused cocktails into Paramount Connect for national distribution. (drinkstrade.com.au)

Discover how the NA drinks movement is redefining enjoyment in social situations without alcohol at SXSW. (schedule.sxsw.com)

Diageo aims to distribute Guinness 0.0 to 2,000 Irish venues, revealing 4% of its St James’s Gate Brewery production is now the non-alc variant, with significant growth and a 300% production increase from a €25m investment. (independent.ie)

CROSSIP, an award-winning 0% ABV spirit, enhances customer engagement with QR codes, offering guidance on enjoying alcohol-free drinks, via a partnership with Buyerdock. (linkedin.com)

Terpene-infused sparkling water, Downshift, launches subscription service. (linkedin.com)

Liquor retailers like Julio's Liquors expand non-alc sections, doubling SKUs from 70 to 150, featuring brands like St. Agrestis, Yu No, Ritual, and Lyre’s, catering to the rising demand for healthier beverage options. (shankennewsdaily.com)

Health consciousness and innovation are driving trends towards no/low beverages, emphasizing wellness, premium experiences, and culinary-inspired flavors. (foodinstitute.com)

Functional mushroom brand Odyssey Elixir secures $6M in funding to increase inventory and expand its presence in convenience stores." (beveragedaily.com)

How the no/low wine trend is advancing, leaving Italy trailing in its wake due to law constraints. (wine-searcher.com)

In Dry January 2024, non-alc beer sales grew to 0.31% on Drizly; Ritual Zero Proof and Guinness rose; new entrants like Lautus and Budweiser Zero emerging. (bevalcinsights.com)

Podcasts: Five Big Beverage Bets for 2024 including one prediction that Athletic Brewing will be acquired by a big soda brand like Pepsi. (podcasts.apple.com)

Launches + Collabs + More

Brookie’s launches non-alcoholic premixes. (theweekendedition.com.au) 

HOP WTR Love Playlists

Everleaf launches the 2024 Spritz Challenge for UK-based bartenders. (linkedin.com)

Liquid Death intros Death Dust. (fooddive.com)

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Health

Doctor advises against "saving up" drinks for bingeing, highlighting healthier drinking habits and the dangers of replacing alcohol with other substances. (washingtonpost.com)

Study: Alcohol and obesity increase bowel cancer death risk, especially in young women; calls for earlier screening and healthier lifestyles. (diabetes.co.uk) 

Culture

WM Phoenix Open closes gates, suspends alcohol sales due to safety concerns amid unprecedented chaos and overcrowding. (golf.com)

The powerful appetite-suppressing drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy, are reshaping industries by reducing consumer appetite, prompting businesses to adapt their offerings. (bloomberg.com)

Dry Atlas

If you’re not already subscribed to the Dry Atlas newsletter, I highly recommend it as another resource for everything surrounding the world of alcohol alternatives.

Here are a few pieces I enjoyed from their latest issue:

Three Spirit's co-founders discuss scaling their non-alc brand, balancing flavor with function, and the evolving social drinking landscape, emphasizing the role of bar culture in community building. (dryatlas.com)

Alc-free dating is emerging as a trend among those seeking clarity and authenticity in relationships, driven by generational shifts, wellness lifestyles, and dating apps promoting sober preferences, offering a way to form deeper, more genuine connections. (dryatlas.com)

Functional beverages with adaptogens and nootropics offer relaxation and focus, with products like Bonbuz and Three Spirit praised for efficacy and taste. (dryatlas.com)

Subscribe to the Dry Atlas newsletter

Non-Non-Alc Splashes

Finally: Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre launch a 'Gin & Juice' RTD beverage. (consequence.net)

The Wine Group's Netflix collaboration as a strategic branding move. (just-drinks.com)

^{Data Shot} 🥃

Event Sponsorship Opportunity

The Proof Is In The Party!

Join the No/Low Tour's second season as a sponsor to support Another Round Another Rally, a nonprofit uplifting the hospitality industry. Sponsor the tour, celebrating non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beverages, to contribute to the resilience and growth of the hospitality community. Partner with Focus On Health and Mover & Shake for a brighter future for those who serve with passion. Cheers to making a lasting impact! (Get Involved)

Non-Alc Opportunities

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