ANA Insider

Insights, news, events, and jobs for the adult non-alcoholic beverage industry

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The Two Decisions Behind a High-Quality NA Wine

What does it actually take to make an NA wine good enough to sit on a serious wine list? For Lawrence Bremer, Founder of St. Buena Vida, it took two separate decisions, not one, and getting only one of them right wouldn't have been enough.

Before he ever launched his brand, Bremer flew to ProWein, the world's largest wine fair, and tasted his way through more than 100 wines before narrowing to six finalists. Then he ran all six through dealcoholization to see how each one actually held up. "You really don't know how it works," he told me. "You really don't know until you actually dealcoholize it." Only one wine survived the process the way he needed it to.

The job wasn't finished.

The technology that would let that wine keep its aroma after the alcohol came out wasn't yet available where the wine was made, so Bremer shipped it to Germany to get it done.

I asked Lawrence to walk me through both decisions: the six finalists he tested before finding the one that worked, and the flight his wine took before it ever reached a US table. Read how that search played out, and how the finished bottle ended up on Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning menus.

​Marcos Salazar​
CEO, Adult Non-Alcoholic Beverage Association (ANBA)

Member News:

• Just Enough Wines earned multiple top honors at the 2026 International Non-Alcoholic Competition, including Double Gold for its Alcohol-Removed Pinot Noir and recognition as Pinot Noir Producer of the Year. (LinkedIn)​
• Samuel Adams is bringing the flavors of fall to the non-alcoholic category with the launch of NA OctoberFest and NA Apple Spice Ale, both earning high praise for capturing classic seasonal taste. (Tasting Table)​
• Abstinence Spirits has joined UNFI's UpNext program through the Lancaster Distribution Center, expanding retail access to its premium non-alcoholic spirits and aperitifs across the U.S. (LinkedIn)
• Athletic Brewing Co. released its 2025 Impact Report, highlighting more than $10 million in community investments and continued support for environmental conservation through its Two For The Trails and Impact Fund programs. (Athletic Brewing Co.)​
• Mash Gang has expanded its on-premise presence with Journey Juice now available at Turtle Bay restaurants across the UK, making its flagship alcohol-free IPA more accessible to consumers. (LinkedIn)​
• Free AF has launched The Free Project in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, a 50-week series featuring inspiring conversations about freedom from influential voices around the world. (YouTube)​
• Pollen Projects celebrated Great Taste Awards recognition for both Sylva Orchard and SEASN DARK, highlighting the quality and innovation behind its non-alcoholic beverage brands. (LinkedIn)​

ANA Industry News:

• "Zebra striping" is gaining popularity as consumers alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to reduce spending and moderate alcohol consumption during social occasions. (Index-Journal)
• Sales of non-alcoholic drinks at music festivals have more than doubled, reflecting growing consumer demand for alcohol-free options at live events. (Relevant Magazine)​
• Low- and no-alcohol beer has overtaken tap water in UK pubs as alcohol-free drinking occasions reach a record high, highlighting the category's growing acceptance in on-premise settings. (Morning Advertiser)
• An industry analysis argues that declining alcohol consumption is being driven by long-term shifts in consumer behavior rather than a temporary downturn, underscoring the need for the beverage industry to adapt. (LinkedIn)
• More Canadians are embracing "zebra striping," alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks during a night out to moderate their alcohol intake without sacrificing the social experience. (National Post)​
• As consumer expectations evolve, industry experts say non-alcoholic drinks need to move beyond traditional soft drink options and offer more sophisticated, adult-focused choices. (The Press)​
• New Hampshire liquor stores and bars are expanding their non-alcoholic selections to meet growing demand from consumers seeking alcohol-free alternatives. (New Hampshire Union Leader)
• Alcohol-free cocktails continue to gain momentum as more bars and restaurants expand their mocktail menus to serve a growing sober-curious audience. (The Burn)​
• Restaurants and bars across Akron are responding to rising consumer interest by introducing handcrafted mocktails as a permanent part of their beverage menus. (Akron Beacon Journal)
• Doylestown is set to welcome its first alcohol-free bar, reflecting the continued growth of dedicated social spaces centered around non-alcoholic beverages. (Bucks County Herald)
• A trendy Los Angeles bar is drawing crowds with a menu of alcohol-free cocktails, highlighting the growing appeal of dedicated non-alcoholic nightlife experiences. (New York Post)
• The World Brewing Alliance says non-alcoholic beer is expanding the overall beer category by attracting new drinking occasions rather than replacing traditional beer consumption. (The Drinks Business)
• As sobriety and moderation become more common, experts are examining the social challenges that can accompany drinking less and how communities can create more inclusive experiences. (Axios)​
• Industry leaders say the next generation of non-alcoholic beverages will succeed by delivering functional benefits and memorable drinking experiences that go beyond simple refreshment. (BevNET)​

ANBA Member Jobs:

Featured: National Account Director ​(Remote, USA)

Mingle Beverage Company is looking for a Director of National Account Sales to lead its most strategic retail partnerships across the U.S., driving revenue growth, distribution expansion, and in-store execution as the adult non-alcoholic beverage category continues to evolve. This high-impact remote role will work closely with major national retailers and cross-functional teams to strengthen Mingle's market presence and shape the brand's future growth.

• ​​Athletic Brewing Co. - Benefits Manager (On-site, San Diego, CA)
• ​​Athletic Brewing Co. - Regional Sales Manager (On-site, Denver, CO)
• ​​Athletic Brewing Co. - Content Creator Intern (On-site, San Diego, CA)
• ​​Athletic Brewing Co. - Compliance Manager (On-site, Milford, CT)
• ​​Athletic Brewing Co. - Associate Counsel (On-site, Milford, CT)
• ​​Athletic Brewing Co. - Financial Analyst (On-site, Milford, CT)

The Adult Non-Alcoholic Beverage Association (ANBA) is a global trade organization dedicated to promoting, protecting, and accelerating the growth of the adult non-alcoholic beverage industry. We connect producers and industry partners with the insights, resources, and community they need to thrive in this rapidly expanding category.