• ZOA has agreed to pay $3 million to settle a class action lawsuit over a "0 Preservatives" claim on its drink labels.
• A sampling of the stories we're reading from around the web.

Explore Insider Member Benefits

Insiders also gain access to the Newsletter Archive, including all previous Insider-only editions.

This year’s top spirits headlines captured an industry in transition: major distribution shifts, sudden closures, shocking lawsuits, the race to win an emerging category and, of course, at least one celebrity getting that bag. 

Ready for the top 10 BevNET spirits stories as ranked by popularity? Let’s count down.

#10 Who Will Win The Billion Dollar Adult Non-Alc Market? 

• With the adult non-alc category continuing to expand, we took a look at who’s investing and what products have the biggest chance of winning the category. 

#9 “The Three-Tier System Is Broken.” This Craft Distiller Aims To Fix It.

• Simmering tensions over distribution came to a boil this year, as slower spirit sales piled pressure on all tiers, and half of craft spirit suppliers looking for distribution said they’ve been turned down, according to the American Craft Spirits Association.

#8 Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila Announces New Investment, CEO

• We can’t speak to the tequila itself, but the Kardashians are certainly good at staying in the news. 

Read the rest of the top stories.

The adult non-alcoholic beverage category is undergoing a significant shift as brands navigate evolving investment climates, retail skepticism and rising consumer demand in pursuit of sustainable growth. 

At BevNET Live in Los Angeles, three leaders in the ANA space – Jen Batchelor (CEO, Kin Euphorics), Brandon Yahn (partner, Convivialité Ventures) and Dan Gasper (managing partner, Nex-Drinks Partners) – discussed the importance of building strong direct-to-consumer foundations, fostering loyal communities, educating consumers and exercising smart retail entry.

Insiders can watch the full replay on BevNET.

What you get with Insider: 

• In-depth reporting on BevNET.com and Nosh.com, not just the highlights
• Curated daily newsletters that cut through the noise 
• Data reports that allow you to benchmark, strategize and lead 
• Insider-only discounts on BevNET Live, Nosh Live, and job board postings

You don’t have access to these perks yet, but you could. Become a BevNET & Nosh Insider.

Jesslyn Rollins, CEO of rapid hydration brand Biolyte, went from selling hydration drinks out of the trunk of her car to building a $20M brand, without outside investors, industry experience or playing by the rules. In the latest episode of Taste Radio, Rollins reveals how grassroots hustle and relentless sampling helped her break into one of the most competitive categories in beverage, and why the company is now ready to make its boldest move yet.

Tune into the episode here. Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.