Mock the Toast | 07.11.24

Athletic Continues Domination | Non-Alc Brands Get High Marks | Podcasts Galore

everything zero to low-alcohol

Industry

Athletic Brewing Company closed a $50 million equity financing round led by General Atlantic to fuel long-term growth and meet rising non-alcoholic beer demand. (prnewswire.com | wsj.com)

Big brewers are expanding into zero-alc beers targeting health-conscious consumers, but the market remains small and faces competition from non-brewers. (reuters.com)

The 2024 Inviqa Alcohol DTC Ecommerce Report shows that non-alc brands like Lyre’s lead in customer experience with high marks for website performance, exclusive bundles, and excellent customer service. (inviqa.com)

Lyre's Spirit Co. promotes Kristy Bloomfield to CMO, focusing on US growth, digital strategy, and global market expansion. (mi-3.com.au)

A new report shows nearly 1-in-5 UK adults have tried CBD-infused drinks, with 28% interested in trying them in the future. (ife.co.uk)

Boisson partners with a new financial backer and reappoints their Chief Brand Officer to oversee restructuring and rebuild relationships. (linkedin.com)

A&W Canada partners with Labatt Breweries to serve Budweiser Zero in Ontario, making it the largest Canadian QSR to offer non-alc beer. (finance.yahoo.com)

Pathfinder launches in Canada. (linkedin.com)

Sales of non-alc beer in Ireland grew 18% in 2023. (checkout.ie)

Denver-based Grüvi partnered with AEG Venues to offer non-alc beer and wine at major music venues through summer 2025. (bizjournals.com)

Little Saints' ‘renegade approach’ to entrepreneurship. (kellogg.northwestern.edu)

What makes a great non-alc menu? (dryatlas.com)

The Botivo Drinks x Maison François limited edition, inspired by Pastis, launches today. (linkedin.com)

Beer giants are boosting the non-alc market with "non-compromising" options, driving category growth, says Athletic Brewing CEO. (fooddive.com)

Aldi is expanding its low/no alcohol range, launching a 0% Pinot Grigio Blush and making Zerozecco a permanent item due to rising demand. (kamcity.com)

Bartenders emphasize flavor, mouthfeel, brand training, versatile products, and education to grow the low/no alcohol market. (linkedin.com)

Athletic Brewing's "Atlética Mexican-style NA Copper" is now available at all of Darden's 88 Yard House locations. (linkedin.com)

Dallas-based alc-free cocktail startup JAS is a finalist in PepsiCo's Greenhouse Accelerator Program, aiming to win $100,000. (dallasinnovates.com)

Altitude Beverages teases a brand refresh and new product launch. (linkedin.com)

Ghia brings on new COO. (linkedin.com)

Participate in the Emerging Brands Pitch Contest at CGA Strategic Conference 2024 to showcase your brand to top California retailers. (cgastrategicconference.com)

Sponsored: Better Without champions the Low/No category makers and retailers. Leverage their marketing expertise for your channels, including Amazon setup, email campaigns, social media, influencer outreach, Paid Ads, SMS, and inclusion in the Better Without app. (Learn more)

Podcasts

Giuseppe Infusino from InvestBev shares a 4-part fundraising framework: Plan, Path, Pitch, and Process, covering product framing, funding types, pitch deck essentials, and post-pitch support. (spotify.com)

Bill Shufelt shares his journey from hedge fund to founding Athletic Brewing, the largest non-alc craft brewery. (maxpodcasting.com)

Bloomberg Radio's interview with Oceano wines Founder. (youtube.com)

Little Saints' pivot to DTC led to 600% YoY growth. (bsrdigital.com)

Launches + Collabs + More

El Águila adds non-alc version of its unfiltered beer, featuring classic upside-down design for colloids. (linkedin.com)

Peloton instructor to release book, Mocktail Hour, this fall. (pelobuddy.com)

Hippie Water debuted at Jon Bon Jovi's bar, selling 300 cans in five hours. (linkedin.com)

Pollen Projects announces Sylva, an experimental distillery on the Essex/Suffolk border, creating luxury, made-to-order dark spirits under 0.5% ABV. (linkedin.com)

Tilray launches new non-alc drink brand, Runners High Brewing Co. (theglobeandmail.com)

Kit NA Brewing launches "Have A Kit, Share A Kit" summer program, offering free packs to share with loved ones. (prnewswire.com)

Doctor-founded Pairings set to launch soon.

Illicit Elixirs x Bella Thorne

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

Health

Dr. Rhonda Patrick discusses alcohol's risks, benefits, metabolism, and effects on health-span and brain health. (foundmyfitness.com)

Moderate drinking, even two drinks per week, can shorten life expectancy by 3-6 days. (thehill.com)

Will the rise of Ozempic be bad for booze? (thedrinksbusiness.com)

Alcohol Free Radio: Integrating alcohol-free choices into a health-focused lifestyle. (spotify.com)

Culture

Tips for a booze-free summer with Booze Free in DC and Zero Proof Nation. (dcnewsnow.com)

The market for non-alc beverages is booming, and some researchers argue for age restrictions to prevent minors from buying them due to potential health risks. (npr.org)

Non-alc bars and drinks have potential in Myrtle Beach. (postandcourier.com)

Low & No panel on complications of alcohol definitions. (morningadvertiser.co.uk)

Wineries are adding non-alc options to attract more visitors. (winebusiness.com)

Offering non-alc options at events faces cultural resistance despite growing demand, but could enhance inclusivity and social experiences in professional and social settings. (startribune.com)

Non-Non-Alc Splashes

For the first time since the pandemic, U.S. bar and restaurant sales have declined in four of the past six months, indicating potential financial stress. (marketwatch.com)

Is Diageo a takeover target? (just-drinks.com)

E-commerce wine sales in the U.S. dropped to 8% in 2023, the smallest share since 2016, as in-person purchases gain traction post-pandemic. (just-drinks.com)

Carlsberg to buy soft drinks maker Britvic in $4 billion deal. (cnbc.com)

Data Shot 🥃

Non-Alc Opportunities

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