Sightlines

Single cans inch closer to parity with 4-packs in terms of their share of craft beer sales volume. It's not just a convenience play, either: While overall Brewers Association-defined craft was flat in the food channel 2023-2024, singles were up +6% YoY. (Note that this data is BA-defined craft so it doesn't even include New Belgium Brewing's Voodoo Ranger.) The strength of craft singles is another example of a consumer behavior shift we've reported on at Sightlines: Everything is a c-store now. Shopping trip frequency is up and item count is down, meaning customers are looking to meet in-the-moment needs at affordable prices rather than stocking up. https://lnkd.in/gTqFWMVM

As we've talked with consumers about what they’re looking for in THC beverages, core themes have emerged around flavor, potency, and availability. Addressing these questions head on will give certain products an advantage as shoppers become more savvy about brands, pricing, and physical effects. Sightlines subscribers can read what THC drinkers have to say in their own words. They share how these beverages' prices stack up compared to alcohol, what aspects of THC drinks they're most intrigued by, where they consume them, and more. To get consumer insights like this delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe at sightlines.news

Any CPG brand that can match the single-serve occasion has a chance to win with these evolving shopping habits - even at a premium.

A future where THC beverages are ubiquitous is not far off. Brands *right now* need a targeted communication and sales strategy that's sharp and tailored. Regional demographics are one key to unlocking this. We've combined data with qualitative conversations to show why regional specificity matters, and how brands can harness it. For more analysis and insights on THC, bev-alc, and beyond, subscribe at sightlines.news

With grocery prices increasingly on Americans' minds (again), consider how that's caused drastic changes in our shopping habits. Americans are making more shopping trips than before the pandemic, but aren’t buying more items. This is the kind of shopping that meets immediate needs and not much more. It's hard to stock up when you're not sure how you're going to feel—or how much money you'll still have in your bank account—three days from now. The upshot for brands and retailers: C-store behavior is the rule now, even in grocery. Beverage brands in particular can meet immediate wants through single-serve packages that feel like affordable indulgences. When the future is uncertain, shoppers want to treat themselves in the moment. For more on how Americans are shopping today and what that means for your company, join us as a Sightlines subscriber: https://buff.ly/Mi89nk3

If you're confused about the beverage market right now, congratulations! According to Bryan Roth, you're bang on trend. He came on the Drinks Insider podcast earlier this year to talk about what's happening on the beverage shelf and his top trend was 'confusion'. Given that looming tariffs and trade wars are scrambling everything, it seemed like the perfect time to revisit Bryan's insights. Here are his 7 top trends: ?? Confusion ?? Little treat culture ??Falling brand loyalty ?? Too much choice ?? Carbonation (really) ?? Changing sleep patterns ???????? Multi-generational households To find out what this all means, check out the Drinks Insider newsletter, which is free to read. You'll find the link in the comments.

Alcohol audiences are shifting - and a diverse range of women are gaining serious momentum. Informed brands are taking notice and adjusting. For the first time, Sightlines is making this popular white paper available as a standalone download - or free with subscription. https://lnkd.in/ggvCAddN

Tariffs will raise beer prices, and not only on imports. On a recent episode of our news podcast The Gist, hosts Bryan Roth and Kate Bernot discuss the ripple effects of tariffs on various segments of the alcohol market. Wine and spirits are more heavily import-dependent than beer, yet the most popular beers in America are brewed in Mexico. (Today, Mexican imports make up roughly 20% of all beer volume in the U.S.) For more context and data on tariffs' implications for bev-alc pricing, tune in to The Gist on YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts: https://buff.ly/RNnN5Yr

Sightlines has been knocking it out of the park with their coverage of drinker demographics. Don’t miss this important white paper!

Drinkers are more multi-modal than ever before. But not all drinks are competing for the same moments.