Mixed Things

Industry

The alc-free drinks sector is experiencing significant growth and investment, attracting both new entrepreneurs and major drinks companies, with brands like Boisson and French Bloom rapidly expanding. It’s a non-alc gold rush. (just-drinks.com)

Tilden, a non-alc cocktail brand founded by Harvard grads Vanessa Royle and Mariah Hilton Wood, launches smaller bottle formats to boost trials and premium occasions. (bevnet.com)

The Institute of Brewing & Distilling (IBD) launches a technical training course for brewers on producing no/low alcohol beer. (newfoodmagazine.com)

Laura Taylor's Mingle Mocktails, born from her desire for inclusivity in social settings without alcohol, has become the fastest-growing non-alc spirits brand, now distributed in major retailers like Costco, Walmart, and Amazon. (forbes.com)

Brewers advocate for a standardized definition of 'alcohol-free' as 0.5% ABV. (thedrinksbusiness.com)

Beth Ann Shaeffer's NOPE Beverages, offering non-alc canned cocktails, expands distribution to 1,700 Target stores nationwide, with a focus on lower sugar and calorie options. (forbes.com)

The GWI report highlights key 2024 alcohol consumption trends: declining weekly alcohol use, rising interest in low/no alcohol options especially among Gen Z, increased home drinking, global influence on drink choices, popularity of small breweries, and demand for low-calorie alcoholic beverages. (blog.gwi.com)

In 2023, HOP WTR experienced a 383% year-to-date increase in scans, becoming the 4th largest craft non-alc brand in scans and the top "hoppy water" in beer channels. (craftbusinessdaily.com)

Kin Euphorics announces expansion to distribute across the Vitamin Shoppe nationwide. (linkedin.com)

Kit NA Brewing partners with Sound Mind Live to address mental health awareness, donating sales proceeds and implementing programs across various platforms to engage consumers and support mental health initiatives. (brewbound.com)

Pentire Drinks successfully secured £1m from an investor network as part of their over-funded £2.5m funding round. (linkedin.com)

Alistair Frost, Co-Founder of Pentire Drinks, discusses the inspiration for creating the non-alc spirits brand, emphasizing active, healthy lifestyles and sustainable sourcing from the UK coast. (thecapturist.com)

Podcast: Managing Director of Convivialité Ventures, Pernod Ricard's VC unit, discusses the shift in socializing post-pandemic, investment opportunities in decentralized social spaces, and adapting to increasing consumer demands for health and sustainability. Group has previously invested in non-alc brands like AF Drinks, Ghia, and Boisson. (globalventuringreview.com)

Launches

Ghia introduces new apéritif: Berry. (linkedin.com)

Broadhead Brewery in Ottawa has released its first non-alcoholic beer, the Non-Alcoholic Blueberry Blonde. (canadianbeernews.com)

Better Booch introduces N/ATIVE, its first sparkling non-alc wine. (linkedin.com)

Boston Beer introduces 'General Admission,' a new non-alc brand to be added in 2024. (brewbound.com)

Health

Exploring the concept of alcohol intolerance and related allergies. (discovermagazine.com)

A Japanese health ministry expert panel has proposed guidelines indicating that consuming 40 grams or more of pure alcohol daily for men and 20 grams or more for women increases the risk of lifestyle-related diseases. (mainichi.jp)

All six patients using Semaglutide for weight loss experienced notable improvements in alcohol addiction symptoms. (psychiatrist.com)

A study shows that 26% of British women participate in binge drinking, significantly surpassing the global average of 12%. (womenshealthmag.com)

New research suggests fathers' alcohol consumption can significantly impact fetal alcohol syndrome, shifting scrutiny from only mothers. (theconversation.com)

Culture

HolidaySnax offers a unique and festive online shopping experience featuring non-alc favorites like Etota, Good Time Brewing, and Bière Sans Alcool. (holidaysnax.shop) 

Boston welcomes a new non-alc bottle shop, Dray Drinks. (bostonglobe.com)

Sober vacations or 'dry tripping' emerge as a new travel trend, offering alc-free experiences. (travelnoire.com)

The U.S. non-alc beverage market is set to grow 25%, driven by dry bars meeting the needs of the sober curious, offering inclusive social spaces, and an opportunity for traditional alcohol producers to expand their zero-proof offerings. Establishments like Ocean Beach Cafe, Sèchey, and Sipple are leading the charge. (patch.com)

A call for common language in the non-alc beverage industry, suggesting avoiding terms like "mocktail" and "virgin" and proposing clearer menu categorizations like "non-alcoholic cocktails" to eliminate confusion as the category grows. (worldafawards.com)

Non-Non-Alc Splashes

Exploring the evolving landscape of cocktail culture and its impact. (worksinprogress.co) 

Mintel reveals top trends for 2024, focusing on processed foods, climate change, and healthy aging. (beveragedaily.com)

Pernod Ricard prepares for a CEO change in North America, signaling a strategic shift. (drinks-intel.com)

Advancements in beer packaging, making it smarter and more sustainable. (thedrinksbusiness.com)

The enduring allure of Martinelli's. (salon.com)

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