Mixed Things

Industry

2024 Bacardi Trend Report: The popularity of no/low alc drinks, or the Sipping Spectrum, is driving innovation in the sector, with an emphasis on flavor and social connections; global no/low market is projected to expand by 67%, reaching $359 million by 2026, outperforming the growth of traditional alcohol in volume​. (bacardilimited.com)

Target partners with Sèchey to bring a range of non-alc beverages, including celebrity-backed brands, to 450 stores. (cnn.com)

Diageo plans to sell its non-Guinness beer portfolio, including Smithwick's and Harp Lager, due to margin concerns, as beer sales comprise only 14% of their total revenue. (reuters.com) 

Blind Tiger Spirit-Free Cocktails expands to 99 Wegmans stores across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Virginia. (linkedin.com)

Athletic Brewing was named Large Brewery of the Year at the Brewbound 2023 Awards. (brewbound.com)

Hemp-derived THC drinks are thriving in the U.S., especially in states where marijuana is illegal, following the 2018 Farm Bill's legalization of hemp. (forbes.com)

Diageo's global campaign, featuring Guinness, Johnnie Walker, Seedlip, and Tanqueray, aims to make moderate drinking aspirational and challenge outdated views on responsible drinking. (drinks-intel.com)

Making a splash with no and low-alc menus: diversify bar menus with options, educate staff, & serve drinks attractively to cater to a changing consumer base. (thecaterer.com)

Curated Beverages has raised capital from a beverage consortium and PSG Group to support expansion and marketing of Abstinence, their non-alc spirit & aperitif brand, aiming for growth in global markets. (linkedin.com)

Ben Branson's SEASN is disrupting the market dominated by traditional brands like Angostura and catering to both bartenders & consumers. (mistercocktail.nl)

Synergy Flavours targets the growing RTD low-/no alc beverage market w/ a new range of natural whiskey and cocktail-inspired flavors. (foodingredientsfirst.com)

The non-alc wine, beer, and spirits category is booming, with a 62% increase in 2023 on Drizly, reaching $510 million in sales, driven by health-conscious Gen Z & millennials, and featuring top brands like Heineken, Seedlip, and Wölffer Estate. (bevalcinsights.com)

Video: The Road to Victory for the NA Category w/ investor and brand advisor, Dan Gasper. (bevnet.com)

Launches

Melo launches a non-alc, kava-infused beverage for relaxation without alcohol's negatives. (bevnet.com)

Maya’s debuts its line of non-alc RTD beverages. (thespiritsbusiness.com)

White Claw expands its product line with non-alc flavored seltzer. (fastcompany.com)

Lucky Saint launches new non-alc Hazy IPA. (thegrocer.co.uk)

Brooklyn Brewery expands its non-alc portfolio with Special Effects Grapefruit IPA, joining its Variety Pack. (finance.yahoo.com)

Cheeky Cocktails introduces "The Bon Vivant's Kit," a holiday collaboration with Your Pasta and Hither Lane, featuring 16 oz Espresso Syrup and artisanal semolina pasta, plus a choice of two sustainable glassware options. (linkedin.com)

Health

Study finds half of pre-mixed alcohol in Australia features nutritional claims, targeting young consumers. (theguardian.com)

Excessive alcohol consumption can harm gut health, leading to imbalances in gut bacteria, reduced immunity, and potential inflammation. (news.yahoo.com)

Japan makes a significant policy reversal on its alcohol consumption guidelines. (thedrinksbusiness.com)

The belief that "two drinks and drive" is safe is a dangerous myth, as the legal alcohol limit can be reached even with minimal alcohol consumption due to higher alcohol content in modern drinks. (telegraph.co.uk)

The World Health Organization (WHO) calls for higher taxes on alcohol and sugary beverages to combat 2.6 million annual alcohol-related deaths and promote healthier populations. (reuters.com)

Even a single daily alcoholic drink can raise blood pressure, according to a study examining data from seven international studies involving over 19,000 people. (msn.com)

Dr. Kenneth Mukamal and Dr. Eric Rimm of Harvard were dropped from a committee reviewing alcohol and health for potential conflicts of interest and industry ties. (nytimes.com)

Culture

The rising popularity of non-alc alternatives, particularly cocktails, has led to higher prices, leaving consumers questioning why they are so costly when they lack alcoholic ingredients and associated taxes. (independent.co.uk)

Men's Journal's 2023 holiday gifting guide features the best non-alc gift sets. (mensjournal.com)

New sober bars, Bevees in Port Coquitlam and Sobar in Kelowna, have emerged in British Columbia, offering alc-free options. (cbc.ca) 

Sonoma County offers vibrant, alc-free drink experiences, aligning with the sober-curious movement, inviting visitors to savor its beauty without alcohol's pressure. (forbes.com)

'Soberish Mom' Katie Nessel promotes low-alcohol living, with 35,800 Instagram and 18,200 TikTok followers, offering realistic alcohol alternatives and reviewing new products in the non-alc market. (fox13seattle.com)

Grace Dent on the joys of a booze-free life during Christmas. (theguardian.com)

Kate Forrester, recovering from alcohol addiction, creates Etota, a non-alc, all-natural aperitivo. (7news.com.au)

The Art of the Healthy Cocktail: Some Untoxicated Tips For Keeping Your Cocktail Healthy, Low Calorie & Low Sugar. (jessafrances.substack.com) 

Non-Non-Alc Splashes

A Bro-tastic Instagram Empire’s Savvy Bid for Gen Z’s Beer Money. (vinepair.com)

The growth in European beer sales amidst challenges related to supply chains and escalating energy expenses. (beveragedaily.com)

How much caffeine is too much? (scientificamerican.com)

^{Data Shot} 🥃

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

^Subscribe

^{Come across a great cocktail recipe online? Mock It!}

^{Find alternatives to cocktail recipe ingredients with easy substitutions or non-alcoholic brands with the free Mock It Chrome extension.}

^{Install Mock It}

.