Best Day NAs Expect Over 15K Bbls in 2023; Eying Natl Buildout, “Leader” Status; Electro-Lime Core in ’24 & More

Summary from a recent Beer Marketer's Insights article

In the ever-evolving landscape of craft non-alcoholic beer, Best Day Brewing has quietly emerged as a growth engine, backed by a team of experienced veterans from the world of big-company beer and beverages. Founded by CPG veteran Tate Huffard and financially fortified through strategic capital raises, the brand has experienced remarkable growth, anticipating a surge from under 3,000 barrels in 2022 to over 15,000 barrels of non-alcoholic (NA) beer in 2023.

In a recent interview with Craft Beer News, Best Day Brewing founders Tate Huffard, Ron Lindenbusch (Chief Innovation Officer), and Mike Sheehan (Co-founder/Chief Revenue Officer) shared their journey and vision for the future. The brand's success has been particularly pronounced in Whole Foods, where it swiftly climbed to become the 41st largest craft beer brand by revenue, exhibiting the fastest growth rate among the top 50 brands.

Expanding its distribution from 9 to 28 states since April, Best Day Brewing has strategically partnered with major retailers such as Whole Foods, Kroger, Publix, Wegmans, and HEB, among others. Nationally, the brand's sales have surged by 341% to nearly $2 million, solidifying its position as the 8th largest NA craft beer brand in NielsenIQ off-premise data through September 30.

With ambitions beyond regional recognition, the next significant step for Best Day Brewing is to establish itself as a national player in the non-alcoholic craft beer market. The goal is not just to be a category builder but to evolve into a category leader, aiming to secure the position of the "clear number two player" in the non-alcoholic craft beer segment.

Best Day Brewing boasts an impressive team with a collective experience of approximately 300 years in the beverage industry. The intentional build-out of the team reflects the brand's commitment to realizing its full potential on a national scale. The team includes industry veterans from renowned companies such as Lagunitas, Red Bull, Molson Coors, and more, bringing diverse expertise to the table.

Founder Tate Huffard emphasizes the importance of deep customer connections, evident in partnerships with organizations like the Pro Pickleball Association and Lifetime Fitness. Best Day Brewing's engagement extends beyond traditional avenues, with initiatives like distributing tens of thousands of beers monthly at events ranging from music venues to 10K races, mountain biking, pickleball, beach cleanups, and more.

Looking ahead, Best Day Brewing's vision involves becoming a leader in the future of drinking, blending traditional beer styles with innovation. The core portfolio, led by its Kolsch, hazy IPA, and West Coast IPA, will see additions such as the non-alcoholic Electro-Lime cerveza lager and a Belgian white in 2024. Direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales, comprising 10-20% of total sales, remain a vital avenue for discovery and experimentation.

Recent developments include Best Day Brewing's transition to the AB network in its home market of NorCal, aligning with Morris Distributing while maintaining its first appointed distributor. The strategic move has resulted in significant early sales success, positioning the brand for further growth.

In conclusion, Best Day Brewing's journey signifies a commitment to excellence, innovation, and a bold vision for the future of non-alcoholic craft beer. As the brand navigates the dynamic beverage landscape, it remains dedicated to being the brand distributors are excited to see, echoing the sentiments of industry veteran Ron Lindenbusch from his Lagunitas days. With substantial investments in distribution and a robust product lineup, Best Day Brewing is poised for continued success and a prominent role in shaping the future of the non-alcoholic craft beer segment.

To read the full article and learn more about daily industry happens subscribe to Beer Marketer's Insights. https://beerinsights.com/