🇺🇸 North Carolina Opens Up RTD Access

North Carolina notched a spirited win right in time for one of America’s booziest holidays.

The state’s Senate passed a new bill (SB 527) late last week that carried out a number of bev-alc related measures including lowering the tax rate for spirits-based RTD cocktails, allowing delivery and cocktails to-go and permitting sales on major holidays. That means for the first time ever, North Carolinians can get drinks dropped off directly at the dock before motoring off to properly celebrate American Independence this Fourth of July.

BevNET Insiders can read the full story for all the details and more about how spirit-based RTD regulations are taking shape across the lower 48.

Suzy Richard, chief sales officer at SPINS, said consumers are increasingly incorporating a wide array of beverages into their daily routine, from gym fuel to afternoon energy to ready-to-drink craft cocktails and everything in between.

During her presentation at BevNET Live Summer 2024 earlier this month, Richard walked attendees through data that highlighted which beverages are on the rise, what consumers are searching for and how brands can meet these ever-evolving dayparts or “micro-moments.”

BevNET Insiders can access the full session on demand. Join us for all the access.

The way in which consumers incorporate their favorite beverages into their day-to-day lives is ever-changing, especially in the coffee and tea space. Our capabilities in coffee and tea can offer you the flavors and ingredients that can shape your products into what consumers desire. Learn more

The U.S. bev-alc market will slowly build back from a "reset year,” according to the IWSR with inventories possibly not evening out until 2026. There aren't too many surprises, but here's the rundown:

🥃 Agave spirits, RTDs and whiskey will lead growth in spirits over the next five years according to the data company, while Cognac and Scotch will continue to face challenges. 

📈 Tequila will be the main generator of value gains between 2023 and 2028, building off the +4% volume increase of agave spirits in 2023. Hard tea, cocktails and long drinks will also continue an upwards trajectory. 

🍺 Meanwhile, no-alcohol spirits volume surged by +38% off a smaller base in 2023. NA beer and spirits are expected to hold that double-digit growth until 2028.

Why are some concepts that were once derided as too esoteric for mainstream consumers now viewed as cutting edge and trendy? The hosts discuss the topic during their recap of the 2024 Summer Fancy Food Show and also highlight rooibos-based drinks, a “breakfast martini” and THC powders.

Listen to the full episode now.

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