Mock the Toast | 11.16.2023

Seasn season + numerous launches this week | Beware the Kratom | AB InBev's CMO out

Mock the Toast | everything zero to low-alcohol.

Mixed Things

Industry

Ben Branson, founder of Seedlip, has launched Pollen Projects, a venture studio dedicated to non-alc drinks and moderation, with its first product being Seasn, a range of non-alc cocktail bitters, aiming to impact the premium low/non-alc category which exceeded $11 billion in value in 2022. (thespiritsbusiness.com | linkedin.com

The Institute of Brewing & Distilling has launched a new technical course aimed at teaching brewers to produce high-quality no and low alcohol beers, covering microbiological safety, cost efficiency, regulatory compliance, and de-alcoholization techniques. (thedrinksbusiness.com)

OJOY introduces new non-alc wine, Sparkling Blanc. (prnewswire.com)

Good Time Brewing Company debuts non-alc IPA in NYC. (brewbound.com)

Chr Hansen, a Danish ingredients supplier, is expanding its offerings in the rapidly growing non-alc beer market, with a forecasted 7% growth over the next five years and over half the UK adult population having purchased no- or low-alcohol products last year. (beveragedaily.com)

Best Day Brewing's beers reviewed--- Electro-Lime Mexican lager offers full-bodied taste and added electrolytes, making it a perfect post-workout bev. (mensjournal.com)

UK's potential redefinition of 'alcohol-free' could impact the market. (foodnavigator.com)

Partake Brewing launches a new German-style non-alc beer, Dunkel. (brewbound.com)

Seedlip, a pioneer in the non-alc spirits category, has launched its first marketing campaign in over three years, "Choose Different," featuring actor Regé-Jean Page, to highlight its unique, herbal-forward approach and distinct flavors. (mediapost.com)

Libra Beverage Co. launches non-alc craft beer across Sobeys and Safeway chains in Canada. (brewbound.com)

Mindful drinking app Sunnyside secures $11.5M for AI-powered coaching. (techcrunch.com)

‘If you want to get validation quickly of whether your product has product market fit in the market, we have the most engaged and dynamic consumer base in the non-alc category.’- Boisson Founder (retailbrew.com)

The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) partners with Partake Brewing as its official non-alc beer.(theapp.global)

Athletic Brewing collaborates with singer-songwriter Trevor Hall for a limited-edition, lime-infused IPA, "The Fruitful Path," with all profits supporting The Levitate Brand Foundation. (linkedin.com)

Data shows non-alc beverage sales remain healthy and stable despite volume fluctuations. (bevnet.com)

AB InBev's US CMO Benoit Garbe resigns. (adage.com)

Health

A study of over 2,000 U.S. children aged 9-10 suggests that daily consumption of caffeinated soda may increase the risk of alcohol consumption in the future, with these children showing higher impulsivity and poorer working memory. (news-medical.net)

Kratom, a Southeast Asian plant-based drink, is gaining popularity in the U.S. as a non-alc alternative but poses risks due to its addictive, opioid-like properties, leading to increased regulatory scrutiny and public health concerns. (bloomberg.com)

Safety of non-alc drinks during pregnancy and breastfeeding. (bodyandsoul.com.au)

Culture

British women reportedly binge drink more than any other nationality, with a quarter binge drinking monthly-- the culture is deeply ingrained, spanning from birth to death, but there is a growing trend of mindfulness and sobriety, leading to healthier lifestyles and reduced alcohol consumption. (cosmopolitan.com)

The rising importance of low and no-alcohol drinks in Christmas celebrations. (thegrocer.co.uk)

F1 champion Lewis Hamilton has launched his non-alc spirit brand, Almave, coinciding with his personal decision to quit alcohol, citing improvements in his well-being and racing performance, and tapping into the growing sober-curious market trend. (si.com)

Seattle's Phinney Ridge opens a non-alc bottle shop, Cheeky and Dry. (eater.com)

Jeremy Clarkson discusses the potential decline of alcohol consumption. (thetimes.co.uk)

Food and Wine's picks for the best non-alc wines from brands like Grüvi, Proxies, Noughty, and many more. (foodandwine.com)

Non-Non-Alc Splashes

Wine Enthusiast lists the best hotel bars in the US. (wineenthusiast.com)

Blended scotch makes a comeback in the market. (marketwatchmag.com)

Remembering beer balls: The spherical keg of the 80's and 90's. (vinepair.com)

Data Shot 🥃

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