Mock the Toast | 04.04.24

"Second Wave" of Innovation | Functional Bev Confusion | Canning Issue Reduces Potency

everything zero to low-alcohol

Industry

French wine consumption has significantly declined, with daily drinkers dropping from half in 1980 to 10% in 2022, as health-conscious younger generations opt for no- or low-alcohol options and beer. (economist.com)

Amid rising interest in health and moderation, the low-and-no alcohol industry is gearing up for a "second wave" of innovation, focusing on premium products and mental well-being trends. (just-drinks.com)

Boisson, a top non-alc retail chain in the U.S., is rumored to be closing all locations, despite recent expansion and a shift towards national wholesaling. (vinepair.com)

ANA Drinks, Adelaide's pioneering non-alc bottle shop, is closing due to rising operational costs, despite a growing demand for non-alcoholic options and a positive local community response. (theshout.com.au

Athletic Brewing is set to release its documentary "Inches to Miles" on April 5, 2024, showcasing the journey of three athletes at the 2023 IRONMAN® Lake Placid. (prnewswire.com)

Exploring Canada's burgeoning non-alc beverage scene, highlighting the rise of alcohol-free wines, beers, and spirits and the societal shift towards healthier, inclusive drinking options. (canadiangeographic.ca)

Lucky F*ck Energy's new campaign and packaging aim to challenge censorship, backed by an $8 million investment for brand expansion. (prnewswire.com)

Pentire brings on Jack Adair Bevan as Creative Director. (linkedin.com)

Stagecoach and Coachella music festivals partner with The New Bar to offer a full range of non-alcoholic beverage options. (adweek.com)

Botivo Drinks is launching its first major funding round this summer and seeks investment partners for growth. (linkedin.com)

Minnesota's THC beverage makers are adjusting to a canning issue that reduces drink potency due to the plastic liner in aluminum cans attracting THC away from the liquid. (kstp.com)

TALEA Beer Co., exclusively women-owned and founded, expands in NYC with a focus on inclusive, unique craft beers appealing to a wide audience beyond traditional beer drinkers. (wineenthusiast.com)

Asahi Group Holdings focuses on the U.S. market with premium, low-alcohol, and nonalcoholic beverages to meet evolving tastes. (japantimes.co.jp)

Free Webinar: Dry Atlas and Spirited Media offer social media strategy blueprint for emerging beverage brands. (Register)

Launches + Collabs + More

Aplós debuts RTD cocktails.

BrewDog unveils new low ABV beer Cold Beer. (talkingretail.com)

DC Brau to launch NA Brau, its first canned non-alc beer. (washingtonian.com)

Liquid Death releases new flavors. (linkedin.com)

WYNK fleet is running around Boston for all spring milestone events--St Pat's, Opening Day, and Marathon Monday. (linkedin.com)

Famille Hugel introduces 0.0, Alsace's first alc-free Riesling. (wineindustryadvisor.com)

Lapo’s introduces an NA Negroni.

Firestone Walker readies 805 8ZERO5, a non-alc blonde ale. (mybeerbuzz.blogspot.com)

HOP WTR's April Fool's: HOP CHW, a faster way to enjoy hops!

April Fool's: OLIPOP x Pringles

Reply to this email with your launches, collabs, expansions and/or news.

Health

Gut-health sodas like Poppi, Olipop, and Culture Pop, claiming benefits such as better digestion and less sugar, are gaining popularity, but their health benefits are more nuanced than advertised. (insidehook.com)

Reducing heavy alcohol consumption is linked to a 23% lower risk of major cardiovascular events, notably angina and ischemic stroke, highlighting the health benefits of moderation. (jamanetwork.com)

Young women drinking more than one glass of wine a day face a significantly increased risk of heart disease, with binge drinking further raising the risk by 68%. (cosmopolitan.com)

Culture

Explore the world of hemp and CBD beverages for wellness and relaxation benefits. (jessafrances.substack.com)

Up Elevated Cocktails in Illinois offers cannabis-infused mocktails, education on cannabinoids, and advocates for healthy, social alternatives to alcohol. (chicago.eater.com)

Milwaukee's Agency bar innovates with a full menu offering every drink in both alcoholic and non-alc versions. (forbes.com)

The rise of "functional beverages" promising more than hydration—such as improved energy, mood, or health—reflects our wellness obsession, yet their efficacy and impact on choice can be overwhelming and stressful. (theatlantic.com)

The Negroni, traditionally a spirit-forward cocktail, has become a standout in non-alc menus due to innovative zero-proof versions that maintain its complex taste and mouthfeel. (foodandwine.com)

Non-Non-Alc Splashes

Belgian researchers developed a machine learning model predicting beer taste from its chemical makeup, suggesting improvements for flavor enhancement. (smithsonianmag.com)

Smartwater now comes in cans. (packagingeurope.com)

Data Shot 🥃

Non-Alc Opportunities

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