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Articles
Explore insights that move the beverage industry forward. From market entry strategies and distribution tactics to consumer trends and zero-proof innovation, our articles equip founders, marketers, and operators with the knowledge to scale smarter. Curated by Beverage Business Academy’s experts, each post delivers practical guidance for today’s evolving beverage landscape.
Recent Articles
August 23, 2025
Convenience Just Crushed the Cocktail Shaker
RTD cocktails are no longer a novelty—they’re a movement. Fueled by young consumers and premiumization, these grab-and-go drinks are reshaping the alcohol landscape with double-digit growth, gourmet ingredients, and strategic shelf takeover.
August 22, 2025
“The Next Big Drink Trend? No Proof Required.”
The no- and low-alcohol beverage category is moving from fringe trend to major disruptor — driven by Millennial and Gen Z consumers focused on wellness, productivity, and “conscious indulgence.” Growth estimates hover around 4% CAGR through 2028, putting billions of dollars in play across retail, restaurants, and CPG brands positioning themselves to ride this sober-curious wave. Mocktail bars are popping up in nightlife capitals, celebrity-backed NA spirits are hitting the shelves, and the functional beverage boom (featuring ingredients like kava, L-theanine, and ashwagandha) is merging “health” with “happy hour.” What used to be a compromise is now becoming the premium choice — meaning the future of drinking might be a lot less boozy… but a whole lot more interesting.
August 21, 2025
The Future is Dry: Why the “Sober-Curious” Shift Is More Than Just a Trend
Alcohol consumption has dropped to its lowest point in nearly 90 years, with younger generations opting for sobriety-friendly lifestyles that prioritize health and mindfulness over hangovers. This “sober-curious” movement is transforming nightlife, ushering in non-alcoholic bars, complex zero-proof offerings, and a new consumer mindset. Rather than rejecting the social ritual of drinking, today’s drinkers are redefining it—choosing flavor, clarity, and wellness without the booze.
August 21, 2025
Another Kentucky whiskey brand reports a big drop in bourbon sales, August 7, 2025
Another major Kentucky distiller has reported a big drop in bourbon sales. This time, it’s Bulleit, owned by global spirits giant Diageo. Diageo reported full-year sales Aug.
August 21, 2025
Bourbon’s Boom Turns to Bust?
Bourbon’s downturn is real—but so is its resilience. This is a spirit that survived Prohibition, countless economic cycles, and changing tastes. The next chapter will likely be defined not by chasing the last boom, but by innovating for the next one. If history is any guide, bourbon may well find itself back in the spotlight—just perhaps in a more refined glass.
August 18, 2025
The Most Overrated Red Wines — and Why You Might Be Paying for the Label, Not the Liquid (2025 Sommelier Deep Dive)
Overrated doesn’t mean undrinkable. It means your money might go further elsewhere. The best wine isn’t the one with the highest price or the flashiest label — it’s the one that excites your palate, fits your moment, and tells a story worth savoring.If you want to explore wines that deliver real value, skip the hype and talk to a trusted sommelier or wine merchant. We can lead you to bottles that overdeliver — the kind you’ll remember long after the glass is empty.
August 21, 2025
Manpreet Dhaliwal Makes History: Canada’s First South Asian Female Head Winemaker Wins Double Gold & Platinum
With her second consecutive Double Gold for the Phulkari Rosé and a Platinum for her Cabernet Franc, Manpreet Dhaliwal cements her place as one of Canada’s most inspiring winemakers. At Kismet Estate Winery, every bottle blends heritage, heart, and world-class craftsmanship—raising the bar for Canadian wine.
August 21, 2025
From Mad Men to Market Slump: Is Bourbon’s Golden Age Over?
Bourbon’s Boom to Bust? The Classic American Spirit Faces Its Toughest Test Since ProhibitionAs American as apple pie and baseball, Kentucky bourbon has long held a proud place on the national stage. Its roots trace back to the 18th century, but it wasn’t until 1964 that Congress sealed its legacy, declaring bourbon a “distinctive product of the United States. ” A spirit born from corn, matured in charred oak, and steeped in history, bourbon has been more than just a drink—it’s a symbol of American craftsmanship.
August 21, 2025
The Rise of the Spaghett: Muskegon’s Blue-Collar Summer Cocktail of Choice
The Spaghett is having a moment in Muskegon, embraced by locals as the no-fuss, high-flavor cocktail of summer. Made by adding Aperol and lemon juice to a bottle of Miller High Life, it’s a refreshing, low-cost alternative to trendy spritzes. This blog explores the drink’s roots, why it resonates with West Michigan’s blue-collar crowd, and how it’s quietly becoming the lakeshore’s go-to warm-weather sipper. No shaker required—just pop the cap and pour.
August 21, 2025
Craft Beers Gone Wild - Great Lakes Brewing Beers
9 years ago, when Rod Jay and I first started our craft beer video, we were doing it from two separate locations. I was living in Chicago, Illinois, and Rod Jay was from Cincinnati, Ohio. We met online in different social groups and quickly became friends and started a nice little venture together.
August 6, 2025
https://distributorwineguide.wordpress.com/2025/08/04/downeast-extra-hard-blue-slushie-cider-review-8-abv/
August 21, 2025
Breaking In: Crafting a Winning Beverage Market Entry Strategy
Breaking In: Winning Beverage Market Entry with Proven Brand, Distribution, and Retail Strategies [2025 Guide]Breaking into the beverage market takes more than a great product. Many founders find themselves stuck—local wins aren't translating into broader retail placement, and distributor doors stay closed without the right connections. The truth is, market entry isn't just about industry knowledge or a well-designed label.
August 21, 2025
Behind the Bottle: The Making of Blush & Bloom Rosé
Nestled in the rolling hills of Sonoma Valley, our family-owned vineyard produces exceptional wines with a deep respect for tradition.
August 21, 2025
Why Bars & Restaurants Can’t Ignore the Non-Alcoholic Movement Anymore
Bars and restaurants that embrace premium non-alcoholic options aren’t just following a trend—they’re boosting sales, enhancing guest experiences, and staying ahead of the competition.
August 21, 2025
Visit us and discover the beauty of Wine House
Nestled in the rolling hills of Sonoma Valley, our family-owned vineyard produces exceptional wines with a deep respect for tradition.
August 21, 2025
Five Tips for Storing and Serving Purchased Wines
Nestled in the rolling hills of Sonoma Valley, our family-owned vineyard produces exceptional wines with a deep respect for tradition.
August 21, 2025
How to Choose the Perfect Wine for Any Celebration
Nestled in the rolling hills of Sonoma Valley, our family-owned vineyard produces exceptional wines with a deep respect for tradition.
August 21, 2025
The History and Heritage of Sonoma Valley Wines
Nestled in the rolling hills of Sonoma Valley, our family-owned vineyard produces exceptional wines with a deep respect for tradition.
August 21, 2025
Perfect Pairings: Tasty Wine and Holiday Feasts
Nestled in the rolling hills of Sonoma Valley, our family-owned vineyard produces exceptional wines with a deep respect for tradition.
August 21, 2025
A Beginner’s Guide to Tasting Wine Like a Pro
Nestled in the rolling hills of Sonoma Valley, our family-owned vineyard produces exceptional wines with a deep respect for tradition.
Beyond Proof
A Taste-First Platform for
Non-Alcohol Brands
Be Seen
Beyond Proof is where zero-proof and low-ABV brands break through the noise. Tailored for today’s mindful drinker, our platform elevates non-alcohol innovation through rich content, thought leadership, and immersive experiences that captivate.
Be Sold
We help you earn shelf space — and consumer trust — by spotlighting taste, quality, and craftsmanship. From food pairings to flavor reviews, we position non-alc beverages with the same credibility and sensory appeal as traditional spirits.
Be Sipped
We help you earn shelf space — and consumer trust — by spotlighting taste, quality, and craftsmanship. From food pairings to flavor reviews, we position non-alc beverages with the same credibility and sensory appeal as traditional spirits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes your insights better than generic research firms?
Our intelligence comes from real-world retail relationships and execution—not just data modeling.
Are your webinars and podcasts accessible on-demand?
Yes, we maintain an archive of all our media content for registered users.
How often are your playbooks and guides updated?
We release updates quarterly to reflect shifts in consumer trends and retail dynamics.
Do you offer competitive brand analysis?
Yes, we benchmark your brand against market leaders to identify white space and opportunities.
How do you gather industry insights?
We monitor buyer behavior, emerging trends, and consumer research across all beverage categories.
Do you assist with retail compliance and logistics?
Yes, we guide you through shelf-ready packaging, case configuration, and distributor prep.
What’s the difference between on-premise and retail strategy?
On-premise focuses on bar/restaurant experiences; retail emphasizes packaging and shelf impact.
Is DTC viable for beverage brands in 2025?
Yes, especially for niche or premium brands—though logistics and retention are key.
How do I get meetings with retail buyers?
Through our network and pitch refinement process, we help you secure and win key buyer meetings.
What are the top retail channels for new beverage brands?
Grocery, natural/specialty, and DTC are top starting points—channel mix depends on your product and strategy.
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