Industry

But what is clear is that with today’s consumers, particularly the younger consumer, being much more mindful – both about their alcoholic intake but also about general healthiness – is that I think there will be an increasing role in lower alcohol, whether that’s all the way to zero or just lower than traditional – that segment actually can become quite large. -Eric Ottawa, Brooklyn Brewery CEO. (just-drinks.com)

Trinchero Family Estates, the fourth-largest US wine maker, sees double-digit growth in its Seaglass and non-alc FRE brands, the latter grew 10% to 380,000 cases in 2023. (shankennewsdaily.com)

Non-alc spirits sales surged 101% YoY over Easter, becoming the fastest-growing alcohol category, tripling other categories' growth. (linkedin.com)

Zero-alcohol RTDs are gaining popularity, driven by convenience and affordability, with a growing interest in moderation and health benefits. (just-drinks.com)

Illinois craft brewers are concerned that proposed hemp regulations will negatively impact their THC-infused beverage sales, which have become an essential revenue stream for many breweries struggling to recover from the pandemic's economic effects. (chicagobusiness.com)

Heribert Bayer’s Zeronimo wine, the world’s first 98-point rated dealcoholized wine, has launched in the US, gaining popularity for its high quality and health benefits. (foodingredientsfirst.com)

Functional non-alc bevs are rapidly growing, with consumer demand for energy boosts and digestive health benefits leading product innovation. (storebrands.com)

Athletic Brewery Co. will open a temporary "popup taproom" at its Milford headquarters during renovations, hosting weekend events with beer, food trucks, and music. (nhregister.com)

Seedlip founder Ben Branson advises low-no start-ups to avoid emulating alcoholic brands, emphasizing originality in the sector. (just-drinks.com)

seasn Cocktail Bitters will be available for order in the US in June. (linkedin.com)

The sober curious movement is growing in Connecticut, with more people embracing non-alc drinks due to health concerns and social acceptance. (ctinsider.com)

Video Podcast: “Alternative Drinking” w/ Emily Heintz, founder of Séchey. (youtube.com)

The number of Italians drinking wine daily dropped by 400,000 between 2022 and 2023. (thedrinksbusiness.com)

UK's Lucky Saint has seen 180% YoY growth and presence in 7000 venues. (linkedin.com)

THC-infused drinks, legalized by a 2018 loophole, are gaining popularity and creating competition between the alcohol and cannabis industries, with both sectors vying for market share amid increasing regulation. (axios.com)

Botivo Drinks launches EIS investment raise, showcasing 424% growth, strong organic sales, high repeat customer rates, and significant market presence in top restaurants and Whole Foods. (linkedin.com)

At the Beer Marketers Insights Conference, Beer Crunchers highlights discussions focused on the rapid growth of non-alc drinks and the cautious interest in THC beverages amid regulatory uncertainties. (beercrunchers.substack.com)

For Bitter For Worse is now in Southern California distribution. (linkedin.com)

KUL MOCKS coming to Publix Super Markets and adding 2k+ points of distribution. (linkedin.com)

Podcast: How Botivo is disrupting the non-alc category. (podcasts.apple.com)

Spiritless CEO discusses leading the no/low proof spirits movement, balancing startup challenges, and promoting inclusivity and health on Alcohol Free Radio presented by Better Rhodes. (podcasters.spotify.com)

Launches + Collabs + More

De Soi releases Spritz Italiano, inspired by the Aperol spritz. (cntraveler.com)

Lucky Saint x Strava Challenge. (linkedin.com)

Founders Brewing introduces Hoppy Mood, a non-alcoholic hop water flavored with botanical terpenes. (fooddive.com)

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Health

Is non-alc beer a good sports drink? Non-alc beer hydrates & provides carbs post-workout but lacks electrolytes/protein, making sports drinks slightly superior for recovery. (gq.com)

The Alaska State Legislature passed a law requiring alcohol retailers to post cancer warning signs, highlighting the link between alcohol and breast/colon cancers. (alaska-native-news.com)

Fears rise as US health authorities may label wine unsafe at any level, potentially devastating the wine industry. (wine-searcher.com)

Culture

Millennials and Gen Zers prefer alc-free dates for health and cost reasons, with 81% already having tried dry dating this year. (datingnews.com | ajc.com)

A wine producer criticizes dealcoholised wines for their high production costs, altered taste, and environmental impact, questioning their value and authenticity. (thedrinksbusiness.com)

When is a non-alcoholic drink alcohol-free? (economist.com)

Are no/low drinks, featuring innovative blends of spices, fruits, and teas, getting closer to matching the real thing? (theguardian.com)

Wisconsin's first non-alc bottle shop, Sober Social, opened in Middleton. (madison.com)

Ever After, Portland's upcoming non-alc bar and bottle shop, will offer events, workshops, and a marketplace for the sober community. (pdx.eater.com)

Atlanta's zero-proof scene is thriving, with places like The Zero Co., Vesper, Lyla Lila, BoccaLupo, and Distillery of Modern Art offering diverse and affordable non-alc options. (atlantamagazine.com)

F1 star Lewis Hamilton and biochemist Iván Saldaña created Almave, an alc-free tequila made from blue Weber agave, offering a traditional taste without the alcohol. (foodandwine.com)

Meet Meagen Anderson, who launched the AFicioNAdo™ Certification Program to educate about non-alc beverages, driven by her personal journey and industry expertise. (canvasrebel.com)

Non-Non-Alc Splashes

The U.S. wine industry will see disappearing wineries, more discounts, pushback against non-alc alternatives, legal reforms, evolving wine media, resistance to negative health claims, wholesaler consolidation, and wine becoming "cool" again. (tomwark.substack.com)

America's caffeine addiction fuels a $21 billion energy drink industry with brands like Celsius, Monster, and Rockstar driving growth. (sherwood.news)

BORG (Blackout Rage Gallon) is a dangerous drinking trend among college students, involving a gallon jug of mixed alcohol, water, flavor enhancers, and electrolytes. (cnn.com)

Cocktail Courier acquired Thirstie to integrate its DTC technology, aiming to adapt to post-pandemic shopping habits. (modernretail.co)

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