For the first time in history, regular cannabis use among Americans is more common than regular alcohol consumption.
– DINA OPICI, PRESIDENT OF OPICI FAMILY DISTRIBUTING
revenue,” said Stratton.“ In 2025, we should expect to see less impact from inventory management at the retail level— what destocking can happen already has. Retailers can only destock so far before failing to meet their consumers’ needs.”
Even though spirits sales still aren’ t what they used to be, brands that are entering the alcohol-free category are finding success. Big market players such as Guinness, Budweiser and Heineken have released their own zero-proof brews and consumers are increasingly choosing these alcohol-free options.
“ The flavors are getting more sophisticated. The category is really taking off,” said Stephanie Honig, YOLO Brand Group, during the session, More than a Trend: How Non-Alcoholic Wine & Spirits are Reshaping the Market.“ Last year alone, the non-alcoholic market grew from $ 380 million to $ 440 million. That’ s a 30 % increase.”
And brands aren’ t the only ones catching on to this trend. Honig explained during the session that she is also seeing a lot of distributors get involved in the category.
“ We’ re seeing a lot of growth and demand on all sides,” she said.“ We’ re also seeing a lot of involvement with distributors who want to get in the game.”
HEMP BEVERAGES STILL TAKING UP SHELF SPACE
As Opici mentioned in her opening address,“ regular cannabis use among Americans is more common than regular alcohol consumption.” And that includes cannabis-infused beverages.
The global cannabis beverages market size is projected to grow from $ 3.09 billion in 2024 to $ 117.05 billion by 2032, according to Fortune Business Insights. The U. S. market in particular is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of $ 81.44 billion by 2032, driven by increasing legalization of cannabis and cannabis-based products across several states.
As the category continues to skyrocket in popularity, many are wondering if beverage alcohol policies should also apply to infused drinks.
“ I think a lot of federal alcohol pol-
Azulejos Tequila’ s booth setup on the show floor displays the brand’ s premium tequila lineup showcased in hand-painted bottles.
Ana Rosenstein( middle), founder and CEO of Amanta 1530, accepting WSWA’ s 2025 Brand Battle win. www. beveragedynamics. com Summer 2025 • Beverage Dynamics 35