Mock the Toast | 06.13.24

A.I. Summer Flavor Trends | Non-Alc Deal Activity Up | Sobriety Term Evolves

everything zero to low-alcohol

Industry

Diageo uses AI to identify top five summer flavor trends: umami, spicy, tropical, treating, and bloom harvest. (thedrinksbusiness.com)

RationAle Brewing announces a new investment from Bochi Investments. (linkedin.com)

LQR House acquires 8.58% of DRNK Beverage Corp for $4.8M, expanding into the booming non-alc and ready-to-drink beverage markets. (accesswire.com)

Mocktail brand Mixoloshe rebrands as Smashd after a viral Instagram campaign, boosting sales by 800% and increasing brand recognition. (adage.com)

bardelia, a non-alc retailer from Boisson co-founder, launches crowdfunding campaign. (linkedin.com)

The UK alcohol market is projected to decline, while the no/low-alcohol segment grows significantly, driven by moderation and duty changes. (drinksretailingnews.co.uk)

Pronghorn invests in Mocktail Club. (bevnet.com)

Blind Tiger surpasses crowdfunding target. (linkedin.com)

Non-alc beer sales are booming, significantly impacting the brewing industry, especially during peak beer-sales season from Memorial Day to Labor Day. (cleveland.com)

Understanding economics, health & wellness, and purpose helps alcohol brands anticipate trends, especially in the growing non-alc beverage market. (drinks-intel.com)

Royal Caribbean introduces over 100 new drinks, including low/no options, to attract younger cruisers. (thestreet.com)

A quarter of UK adults practice 'zebra-striping' by alternating between alcoholic and alc-free drinks at pubs, highlighting a growing trend towards moderation. (lownodrinkermagazine.com)

Funny Water CEO believes low alc-infused water appeals to consumers seeking a light buzz without carbonation (fooddive.com)

Founders Brewing’s non-alc hop water, Hoppy Mood, is now available across the U.S. (themanual.com)

Wild Idol, a premium alc-free sparkling drink, will be served at major summer events like Ascot, Wimbledon, and Lords. (thedrinksbusiness.com)

Botivo announces partnership with Nightcap Brands to expand sales, leveraging 424% year-on-year growth. (linkedin.com)

EvodiaBio secures investment to develop sustainable aromas for non-alc beer, aiming to replace hops and reduce environmental impact. (techfundingnews.com)

Australian companies Edenvale Wines and Lyre’s Spirits won six Gold medals at the World Alcohol-Free Awards, showcasing their quality and innovation. (foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au)

Podcast: Jen Batchelor of Kin Euphorics discusses enhancing mood, reducing cravings, and evolving social drinking. (youtube.com)

Sponsored: The Sir James 101 alc-free lineup offers flavorful substitutes for popular cocktails, perfect for restaurants, liquor stores, and retailers, ensuring no compromise on taste. (Add Sir James 101 to the mix)

Launches + Collabs + More

Devil’s Foot Beverage Company debuts zero-proof margarita. (craftspiritsmag.com)

Lily introduces yuzu flavor. (finance.yahoo.com)

Son of a Nun expands better-for-you portfolio. (beerandbrewer.com)

French Bloom is now available at RH Restaurants across the US and Canada. (linkedin.com)

Hiyo and Insomniac partnered to offer non-alc social tonics at festivals, promoting healthier lifestyles and enhancing the music experience. (bevnet.com)

Lucky Saint x Saucony (linkedin.com)

Mashgang x Cloudwater (linkedin.com)

Mashgang x Huel (linkedin.com)

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

Health

WHO report blames ultra-processed foods and alcohol for 19 million annual deaths globally, urging stronger regulations. (just-drinks.com)

Culture

ZPN curates all the non-alc events this summer. (zeroproofnation.substack.com)

Nolo wines, non-alc or low-alcohol, are gaining popularity for their healthier appeal, though quality varies significantly. (sarasotamagazine.com)

Are lower-alc rosés lower in quality? (daily.sevenfifty.com)

The drink aisle has transformed with a rise in non-alc and wellness-centric beverages. (tastingtable.com)

The concept of sobriety is evolving, with non-alc drinks becoming popular and the traditional view of sobriety being redefined. (salon.com)

Zero Proof Party, from Shaker & Spoon, delivers monthly mocktail kits crafted by world-class bartenders for non-alc cocktail enthusiasts. (urbandaddy.com)

De La Playa, a non-alc beverage and record shop in Highland Park, offers over 100 drinks and 3,000 rare records in a community-centric, inclusive space. (lataco.com)

Dry Humor non-alc popups offer wines and beers for everyone, soon moving to a permanent location. (masslive.com)

Non-Non-Alc Splashes

The most popular RTD cocktails & wine in every state of the USA. (insidethecask.com)

DoorDash expands alcohol delivery partnerships and introduces new ad features to enhance consumer engagement and brand growth. (about.doordash.com)

Data Shot 🥃

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