^{Mixed Things}

^Industry

^{Mintel's Joel Gregoire on the non-alc sector: "If I was running an alcoholic beverage company... this is not a space that I would ignore.” (bnnbloomberg.ca)} 

^{Alcohol companies are diversifying into non-alc beverages, driven by consumer health concerns. Non-alc beer sales in the U.S. saw a 29.7% compound annual growth rate, reaching $588 million in 2022. (adage.com)}

^{Exploring the rising demand for non-alc beverages, as bars and hospitality establishments worldwide, such as The Bandbox in Orlando and Carnival Cruise Line, introduce premium alc-free cocktails--- 78% of non-alc drink consumers also consume alcohol, particularly driven by younger consumers. (marketwatch.com)}

^{The U.K. government is redefining the legal definition of wine to accommodate growing demand for low-alcohol beverages, lowering the minimum ABV to 0% to align with the demand for low-alcohol alternatives, but some express caution over potential consumer confusion. (wineenthusiast.com)}

^{Non-alc beer, wine, and spirits sales have increased by 32% so far this year, especially during the holiday season, with many consumers looking for moderation in their drinking habits, according to data firm NIQ. (usatoday.com)}

^{Caleño Drinks discusses non-alc pricing, challenges, and international growth plans. (just-drinks.com)}

^{Brand spotlight: TÖST, a non-alc beverage brand established in 2017 and counts Constellation Brands as a minority owner.(mensjournal.com)}

^{De Soi Sparkling Non-Alc Aperitif now available at Lazy Acres Natural Market. (linkedin.com)}

^{The Drinkable Company offers cannabis-infused beverages with 5mg THC per 12oz can, targeting those seeking alternatives to alcohol. (beveragedaily.com)}

^{Captain Morgan's Spiced Gold 0.0% enters the growing UK no/low alcohol market with a projected 4.5% compound annual growth rate from 2023 to 2028, aligning with health-conscious Gen Z and Millennials. (globaldata.com)}

^{Surely, a non-alc wine company, has released a new Red Blend created by combining de-alcoholized wine with organic teas, botanicals, and other natural ingredients to mimic the traditional wine drinking experience. (retailwire.com)}

^{HOP WTR launches Double Hopped. (linkedin.com)}

^{Diageo has invested over $300 million in startup drinks brands since 2013 (via Distill Ventures)---now also focusing on digital startups through Fusion by Diageo to future-proof its business. (adweek.com)}

^{Distill Ventures' Non-Alc Summit Series. (linkedin.com)}

^Health

^{The link between alcohol, sex, and orgasm explored--- excessive alcohol consumption can hinder arousal, delay orgasms, and impact sexual performance. (nytimes.com)}

^{New research contradicts prior claims of health benefits from moderate alcohol consumption, indicating that even small amounts of alcohol do not lengthen life and carry various health risks, including increasing the risk of cancer, heart disease, and possibly dementia. (consumerreports.org)}

^{Non-alc beer is more susceptible to bacterial growth compared to low-alcoholic beer, with factors such as alcohol content and storage temperature playing significant roles, as found in a study published in the Journal of Food Protection. (thedrinksbusiness.com | sciencedirect.com)}

^{Experts note that even a month of sobriety can have positive effects on the body. (nationalgeographic.com)}

^{Understanding why Gen Z is drinking less. (health.clevelandclinic.org)}

^Culture

^{The decline in alcohol consumption is reflected in music charts as a new analysis shows a 40% decrease in songs referencing being 'drunk' in 2022 compared to the previous year, highlighting a significant cultural shift in attitudes toward alcohol. (foodnavigator.com)}

^{The term "mocktail" can make non-alc drinks seem inferior, alternative terms like "zero-proof" and "spirit-free" are preferred. (restaurantbusinessonline.com)}

^{Holiday mocktail guide for festive non-alc drink options. (thezoereport.com)}

^{Zayn Malik discusses new music and his venture with Mixoloshe to end the stigma around non-alc beverages. (billboard.com)}

^{Alcohol-free doesn't always equate to healthy choices. (jessafrances.substack.com)}

^{Latinos are creating alcohol-free spaces, providing healthier alternatives, and challenging the cultural pressure to drink alcohol. (latimes.com)}

^{Non-Non-Alc Splashes}

^{How to reach young wine drinkers in the Millennial and Gen Z generations. (wineenthusiast.com)}

^{Breweries adapt to shifting dynamics— focus on taprooms, self-distribution, and local sales. (goodbeerhunting.com)}

^{Bud Light sales decline as Anheuser-Busch reports earnings. (cnn.com)}

^{A guide on how to stock & sell tequila, mezcal, and other Mexican spirits. (specialityfoodmagazine.com)}

^{Data Shot} 🥃

^{From the Top-shelf}

^{Is it all over after Sober October?}

^{The momentum behind the non-alc beverage trend shows no signs of fading away. The data paints a compelling picture of a movement that has taken root and is here to stay. Sales of non-alc beers, wines, spirits, and cocktails have surged, with a remarkable 32% increase over the past year. These figures reveal that consumers are not just embracing alcohol alternative options as a short-term trend during Sober October; they are integrating them into their year-round drinking habits. The growth in demand is not limited to a single season; holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, Fourth of July and even Dry January see spikes in weekly sales.}

^{Over the past five years, non-alc sales have consistently climbed, indicating a sustained shift in consumer preferences. This shift is evident by the fact that 94% of consumers who purchase non-alc products continue to buy traditional alcoholic beverages. Non-alc beer sales continue to chip away, accounting for 2% of all beer sold in grocery stores. So, while Sober October may be wrapped up, the data strongly suggest that the popularity of non-alc beverages is far from over; it's a lasting trend that has become a permanent fixture in the world of beverages.}

^{_{Looking for a role in non-alc?}}

^{Key/ National Account Manager, East | Athletic Brewing}

^{Senior Director, Retail | Boisson}

^{Digital Marketing Co-op | Partake Brewing}

^{2024 Summer Winery/Non-Alcoholic Brand Development Internship | Marzae Wines}

^{Production Designer | Ritual Zero Proof}

^{Marketing Manager - Non-Alcoholic Spirits | Wilderton Non-Alcoholic Botanical Spirits}

^{Sales Manager - Southern California & Regional Chains | Wilderton Non-Alcoholic Botanical Spirits}

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