What is it like hustling adult non-alc (ANA) products outside of major hubs? Casey Dolan of Charlotte Beverage Distribution will tell you that it ain’t easy, but she’s learned some major lessons. 

The entrepreneur, based in Charlotte, N.C., founded the ANA distribution company in January after attempting to open up her own adult zero-proof dessert cafe. Finding a lack of product available in her market, she decided to become the source, slowly curating a selection. After Boisson paused operations in April, her portfolio grew to nearly 20 offerings as brands scrambled to supply their accounts in the area. 

BevNET Insiders can access the full story for Dolan's view on products, pricing and other parameters that have become key to growing in the ANA space.

U.K. advertising regulators have banned yet another Huel ad for “misleading” claims – the second time in two months – alleging the meal replacement brand wrongfully drew comparisons between its Daily Greens products and green vegetables in an Instagram ad.

🥬 The ad featured Huel founder Julian Hearn claiming that the brand’s Daily Greens products were “substantially cheaper” and “equally good” compared to traditional veggies.

🥗 The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) took issue with both of those claims, suggesting that has “not seen evidence that the Daily Greens product was cheaper than a portion of greens” and that the statements were “misleading and could not be substantiated.”

🐲 The ASA banned another Huel ad last month for failing to disclose a business relationship with Dragons’ Den star Steven Bartlett, who appeared in the ad. Before that, the ASA ordered another Huel ad be pulled in February 2023 in which it made similar claims about pricing as the Daily Greens ads, suggesting consumers could save on their food bills with cheaper meal replacement shakes.

🇺🇲 Huel is based in the U.K. and also sells online and in retail in the U.S., and thus far its ads have not appeared to be formally challenged stateside.

Thanks to innovative technology from industry leader Alland & Robert, Farbest Brands now offers Beyond Acacia®! This exclusive, easy-to-use gum acacia has high-density granules that help optimize beverage production – with benefits like improved solubility and high dispersion. Learn more

BevNET’s annual "Best Of" Awards commend companies, brands, individuals, products, ideas and trends from across the ever-changing beverage industry landscape. Submit nominations for yourself or others through November 1st.

Serial entrepreneur Jeff Church talks about how he navigated Suja’s early development and rapid growth and what he believes was the most impactful decision in determining the brand’s success. He also discussed the failure of Rowdy Energy, which launched in 2020 and shut down less than four years later.

Listen to the episode now.

• News of another massive spirits brand moving into the ANA space
  
• A new era for one of the most innovative whiskey companies
• Details on the changing consumer base among a leading mass channel retailer

Become a BevNET & Nosh Insider to gain access to exclusive Insider-only newsletter content, as well as all digital content on BevNET.com and NOSH.com. Tap into our video archives, including Community Call and educational series, unlock event and job listing discounts, and engage with our community of  food and beverage professionals.