Mixed Things

Industry

Amid rising non-alc beer popularity, breweries need to mindfully craft brands that appeal to both existing fans and new consumers, emphasizing quality, craft, and distinct branding. (mediapost.com)

Chicago's Hopewell Brewery ventures into THC-infused beverages amid stagnating craft beer sales, exploring new growth avenues while navigating legal complexities. (chicago.suntimes.com)

The New Bar, a non-alc bottle shop, to open a new location in San Francisco at the end of March. (sfstandard.com)

Scotland sees a rise in non-alc beverages with Jump/Ship Brewing and Feragaia leading the pack, as UK's non-alcoholic drink sales soar by 89% from 2018 to 2023. (list.co.uk)

Abstinence Spirits appoints Richard Rushton, former CEO of Distell, as a board member and Gary Leibowitz, a seasoned advisor in the beverage sector, as Strategic Advisor to boost its growth. (prnewswire.com)

Keurig Dr Pepper collaborates with Coffee Mate to launch a limited edition creamer for "dirty soda," targeting the TikTok-inspired trend to enhance its market presence. (thestreet.com)

Podcast: Who wants non-alcoholic beer? Everyone, apparently. (gimletmedia.com)

Magic Cactus, offering a non-toxic buzz with real ingredients, sees strong DTC sales and secures a significant distribution deal after entering the US market. (finance.yahoo.com)

OLIPOP leverages Fetch, America's top rewards app, to tap into a health-conscious demographic, driving loyalty and increasing sales among Gen Z, Millennials, and wellness enthusiasts. (fetch.com) 

Pamos Cannabis Cocktails & Spirits secures distribution in Specs stores across Texas. (linkedin.com) 

Marijuana legalization is linked to a decrease in beer sales but varied effects on spirits and wine, with cannabis tax revenue now exceeding that of beer and wine, highlighting a consumer preference shift towards cannabis. (thedalesreport.com)

Celebrating female entrepreneurs innovating in the non-alc industry. (drydrinker.com)

Lewis Hamilton's alcohol-free agave spirit, Almave, launches in the UK. (thegrocer.co.uk)

Boisson partners with Ted Segers, bringing a regal non-alc beer for serious drinkers, blending tradition and excitement without the buzz. (linkedin.com)

SXSW 2024 Panel: Exploring the evolving legal landscape of cannabis, focusing on how hemp-derived THC products are reshaping the industry and legalization discussions. (schedule.sxsw.com)

Whole Foods Market is now accepting applications for its 2024 Local and Emerging Accelerator Program, aimed at supporting innovative brands. (wholefoodsmarket.com)

Olipop's pursuit of new funding with a sales target of $400MM, up from $250MM in 2023. (theinformation.com)

Terps & Co, backed by NZ Trade & Enterprise, seeks investors for their buzz-inducing, award-winning non-alc spirits and sodas. (linkedin.com)

Tomonotomo launches a Kickstarter for an all-natural non-alc agave spirit, offering a unique alternative to traditional spirits. (kickstarter.com)

Launches + Collabs + More

DAYBREAKER, a wellness community & sober morning dance party, partners with Parch to create Sunrise Supertonic.

Hopewell Brewing launches hemp-infused, lemon-lime sparkling beverages—-Choom and Choom Lite.

Caleño intros new Mojito flavor.

Green Monke collaborates with Cookies to introduce a new 100mg THC-infused iced tea in California 🥴 (stpetersspirits.com) 

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Health

A study reveals that while mild to moderate alcohol consumption may reduce all-cause mortality and sudden cardiac arrest risk, heavy drinking increases the risk of atrial fibrillation and all-cause death. (nature.com)

Research debunks myths about youth drinking, showing alcohol uniquely harms young adults' developing brains, challenging notions of safe early consumption and European drinking cultures. (bbc.com)

Arnold tackles Snooze Juice (sleepy girl mocktail). (arnoldspumpclub.com)

Culture

Did humans evolve to drink? (wsj.com)

Amid the rise of zero-alcohol drinks, Australian parents express concern over these alternatives for teenagers, fearing they might normalize or even increase alcohol consumption among youth. (flinders.edu.au)

Restaurants are expanding non-alc menus to meet the growing demand for healthier lifestyle choices, catering to the "sober curiosity" trend among consumers. (lehighvalleylive.com)

Two months into an alcohol-free year, despite exploring various non-alcoholic and de-alcoholised drinks and visiting alcohol-free venues, the quest for a satisfying substitute for wine's taste and social benefits remains elusive. (bbc.com)

Non-Non-Alc Splashes

Lagunitas' efforts to redefine itself amidst leadership changes and declining sales. (goodbeerhunting.com)

JuneShine acquires Flying Embers, a hard kombucha brand. (brewbound.com)

2024's El Niño may bring record heat, challenging vineyards with wildfires, cyclones, and heatwaves. (thedrinksbusiness.com)

Jason Momoa + Guinness US. (adweek.com)

^{Data Shot} 🥃

Non-Alc Opportunities

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