THC beverages hit Total Wine & More
Total Wine & More, a US retailer with 260 stores nationwide, has begun selling THC-infused drinks in Minnesota. The drinks, which include brands like Cantrip, contain varying amounts of THC, with some having as much as 50mg per can. While there’s excitement about this new offering, there are also concerns, particularly regarding safety for teenagers. Unlike alcohol, there’s no federal age requirement for purchasing THC-infused drinks, although many states have implemented their own legislation requiring buyers to be over 21.
The market for THC-infused drinks in the US has been growing, attracting non-habitual cannabis users seeking an alternative to alcohol. Total Wine’s move could lead to a nationwide rollout of such products and inspire other retailers to stock them. Cantrip CEO Adam Terry is bullish: “It started with regional chains, like Top Ten Liquors in Minnesota, followed by semi-national player Total Wine, and eventually will work its way into national players like Whole Foods or Target.”
Source: The Drinks Business
Nirvana Brewery raises £750,000
Nirvana Brewery, the UK’s first dedicated no/low-alcohol brewery, has successfully raised over £750,000 ($917,000) in 2023 through investments from a small group of private investors. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the brewery, which is currently debt-free and experiencing its most successful year of trading. The funds will be used to develop key markets, support new product development, and enhance marketing efforts to grow its network of stockists across the UK.
The brewery is optimistic about further growth in the no/low-alcohol category, particularly due to the increasing trend of “mixing”—where beer drinkers alternate between full-strength and no/low beers. Nirvana’s on-trade distribution has been strengthened by partnering with Bright Drinks, a sales and marketing agency. Bright Drinks has a history of successful trade involvement with brands like Lucky Saint and Athletic Brewing Co.
Source: Bar Magazine
Pitú’s 0.0% variant to launch next year
Underberg, the 177-year-old German alcohol company, is set to launch a non-alc variant of its Pitú brand next year. Pitú is one of the most popular cachaça brands, especially known for its role in the traditional Brazilian cocktail, the Caipirinha.
The introduction of a non-alc version of a well-known spirit by a company with such a rich heritage underscores the potential of alcohol alternatives globally. Other storied European alcohol companies have recently entered the non-alc spirits space; see 448-year-old Lucas Bols’s acquisition of Fluère earlier this year.
Source: Just Drinks
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