Mock the Toast | 10.05.2023

Molson Coors increasing non-alc investments | Alcohol-free dating | Sober October round up

Mock the Toast | everything zero to low-alcohol.

Mixed Things

Industry

Molson Coors CEO is investing in non-alc offerings to cater to the growing trend of health and wellness among consumers--- plans to launch energy drinks and a non-alc version of Blue Moon for "dry January," with confidence that their brewers have achieved a taste similar to the real thing & anticipates increased shelf space and continued growth in the market. (cnbc.com)

Category leader with a 53% share of the non-alcoholic wine category, FRE, announces the launch of its 187ml "mini" wines. (finance.yahoo.com)

London-based non-alc brand Three Spirit has revamped its packaging to enhance sustainability, aesthetics, and energy efficiency, with a focus on using 52% recycled glass to reduce its carbon footprint. (bevnet.com)

Virgin Voyages' approach to options on sober cruises. (virginvoyages.com)

After a $5 million bridge round of funding from Convivialité Ventures (Pernod Ricard) and Connect Ventures, Boisson's new CEO aims to optimize warehousing, supply chain, and logistics. (axios.com)

To succeed in the competitive beverage market, brands need to focus on distribution. (tastecooking.com)

Former White Claw sales head tapped as Liquid Death's first Chief Commercial Officer. (brewbound.com)

Health

Now a growing body of research says any alcohol raises the chance of premature death from a variety of causes. About half of cases of liver disease are attributed to drinking. Alcohol is also a potent carcinogen. It can cause cancer because it breaks down in the body to form a compound called acetaldehyde, which damages DNA. That damage can lead to at least seven types of cancer. Fifteen percent of breast cancers are linked to alcohol. And according to the WHO, half of cancers in Europe linked to alcohol are caused by “light” or “moderate” consumption." 👀(scientificamerican.com)

Rising temperatures in New York State are linked to increased hospitalizations for drug and alcohol abuse, particularly among those aged 25 to 44 and men. (gizmodo.com)

Providing non-alcoholic beverage options significantly reduced alcohol consumption, even up to 8 weeks after the intervention, among participants who were excessive drinkers. (bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com)

The risks of alcohol consumption for breast cancer survivors. (winespectator.com)

Culture

The UK government's plan to redefine 'alcohol-free' as 0.5% ABV or lower aims to simplify labeling but may require clear communication to avoid confusion for those seeking completely alc-free options. (worldafawards.com)

John Goodman's decision to quit alcohol. (torontosun.com)

Do you get drunk faster on a plane? (cntraveler.com)

In-flight mocktails and non-alc drinks on different airlines. (forbes.com)

The culture around drinking is changing as health concerns mount, with calls for stricter guidelines limiting alcohol to two drinks per week and likening it to tobacco in terms of regulation, posing challenges for the drinks industry. (wineenthusiast.com)

Tammin Sursok discusses her journey to sobriety. (mamamia.com.au)

Ceremony, a non-alc bottle shop, launches Leslai, an AI-powered drink assistant. (brewbound.com)

A list of the best non-alcoholic beers. (esquire.com)

Athletic Brewing hosting fifth annual Oktoberfest in Connecticut. (nhregister.com)

Alcohol-free dates are gaining popularity, with 76% of people trying them in the past six months, according to a Dating.com survey. (abc7chicago.com)

Sober October

Sober October and its origins. (thezeroproof.com)

The best non-alcoholic drinks for Sober October. (womenshealthmag.com)

The popularity of mindful drinking during Sober October. (irishnews.com)

Non-alc Caleño and Duppy Share (rum) have launched "So-So Sober October," a campaign promoting moderated drinking during the month with special cocktails like the 50/50 Mojito. (thespiritsbusiness.com)

12 non-alc bars across the U.S. for a sober Sober October. (pastemagazine.com)

Doing Sober October without breaking the bank: Alcohol-free alternatives can be costly, but some affordable options exist. (telegraph.co.uk)

Go Sober for October 2023: A guide to an alcohol-free Stoptober. (telegraph.co.uk)

CEO suggests reevaluating workplace events and offering alternatives to alcohol for a more inclusive environment during Sober October. (hrnews.co.uk)

The potential health and weight benefits of participating in Sober October. (thetimes.co.uk)

Celebrate Sober October with a clear head. (laweekly.com)

More options for Sober October 2023. (usatoday.com)

From the Top-shelf

‘We’re moving beyond beer.’ - Molson Coors CEO

Molson Coors appears well-positioned to fly high in the non-alcoholic beverage market due to its strategic focus on catering to health-conscious consumers, as articulated by CEO Gavin Hattersley. With plans to launch a non-alcoholic version of Blue Moon and an emphasis on taste, Molson Coors is aligning itself with consumer preferences in this rapidly growing market. The company's expanded partnership with ZOA Energy further strengthens its presence in the non-alcoholic and energy drink segment.

The strategy aligns with current market trends, where the sales of non-alcoholic beverages have surged by 31% in the past year, reaching $510 million. This growth has also caught the attention of major players in the beer industry. Heineken, for instance, is planning to allocate 25% of its brand investment towards the alcohol-free category. Additionally, Diageo looks to significantly increase the production of Guinness 0.0 by nearly 300% after a $30 million investment in a new production facility.

“Smaller” craft brewers, such as Athletic Brewery (holding a 55% market share of craft non-alcoholic beer), Grüvi, Partake, and numerous others, stand to benefit from the increased visibility of non-alcoholic beer driven by these prominent brands.

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