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On the nation’s hellish version of Christmas eve, what beverages did Americans turn to in hopes of soothing their nerves? While some of our staff hit the Malort, your spirits editor went off-brand and wandered over to the dispensary. Voters in Los Angeles had other ideas. 

While the bev-alc industry has been put on notice by moderating Gen Z and Millenials, rest assured that despite our differences, Americans are still enjoying the traditional pastime of drinking their feelings. Last midterm election in 2022, blue and swing states saw the biggest uptick in orders, with notable sales increases coming from Ohio, Florida, Arizona, California and New York compared to the previous four Tuesdays.

In L.A., where we did some field research at a few liquor stores on Tuesday afternoon, retailers said it was still early and they expected that as the election results clarified they would see more traffic. But as for the preliminary results? 

Champagne if it’s good, whiskey if it’s bad, said one customer to the folks at HI-LO Liquor Market in Culver City as she checked out. Customers were indeed double stocking on whiskey or something “heavier” and bubbles. At Stanley’s Wet Goods, that meant red wine for the “bad” and again, sparkling wine as the alternative. Same thing at Bar & Garden, lots of bubbles for the optimistic drinkers. 

BevNET Insiders can access the full report for all of the insights from election eve.

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Celsius suffered a 33% year-over-year drop (or a decline of $123.9 million) in North America revenue during Q3, thanks in part to previously announced inventory cuts by distribution partner PepsiCo, putting it just slightly above estimates from analysts at Jefferies.

📣 In a statement, Celsius CEO and chairman John Fieldly acknowledged the move had an “outsized and adverse impact on our operating results” while voicing confidence that conditions have “largely stabilized.”

💬 “We remain focused on our long-term growth strategy of expanding our consumer base, broadening our availability, and being the preferred beverage for more occasions,” he said.

📉 Total revenue declined 31% from the same period last year, falling to $265.7 million. The company reported retail sales rose 7% in U.S. MULO Plus with Convenience, citing data from Circana. International sales increased 37% year-over-year, and Amazon sales jumped 21% with Celsius holding a 20% share on the site. 

Read the full recap on BevNET.

• Distribution news from around the industry
• How SunOpta is strategizing continued momentum across all segments
• Details on bankruptcy news for a major specialty retail chain
• Inside Zevia's aims to revive sales growth 

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