This Round’s On Us
In this edition:
INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTS
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
Alcohol Consumption by State
VinePair recently released a visualization of NIAAA data capturing drinking habits from around the country. According to a Gallup survey, over 165 million Americans regularly consume alcohol, amounting to 7.9 billion gallons of volume in 2022, of which 6.3 billion gallons is beer. However, when it comes to ethanol consumption, spirits lead the pack with 1.06 gallons per capita per year.
Leading the way is New Hampshire (4.48 gallons of ethanol per capita each year), Washington DC (4.11), and Delaware (4.07). Right in the middle of the pack at #24 ranks Illinois with 2.42 gallons. Finally, Oklahoma (1.88), West Virginia (1.77), and Utah (1.23) finish at the bottom of the pack. How much does your state drink?
PORTFOLIO HIGHLIGHTS
Why We’re Backing Renais
We are excited to introduce the latest addition to the InvestBev portfolio. Inspired by French winemaking traditions, Renais - “Ruh-nay”, the French word for “rebirth” - embodies the spirit of an iconic wine region, Chablis. This leading ultra-premium sustainable gin brand, founded by siblings/actors Alex and Emma Watson, combines the finest natural botanicals to craft a bold, vibrant standout gin.
We believe that our partnership with Renais will strengthen its US go to market plans through distribution strategy, sales and marketing program refinement. This investment underscores InvestBev’s commitment to backing category creators, expanders, and disruptors while diversifying our portfolio across the adult beverage spectrum. We believe that Renais is poised to become a standout name in the ultra-premium gin market, unlocking even greater opportunities in the premium segment.
Dry January Spotlight: Cann
Dry January? More like “Cannuary” for InvestBev portfolio company, Cann. On the Modern Retail Podcast, co-founder and CEO Jake Bullock shared that the cannabis-infused social tonics company’s sales are up 75% from the first week of January last year. While changing attitudes and legislation about cannabis certainly help, the company has invested in “Cannuary” content to make dry January more fun, inclusive, and accessible.
INVESTBEV IN THE NEWS
Brian Rosen on Surgeon General’s Advisory
InvestBev Founder and CEO Brian Rosen sat down with Cheddar, a financial news network, to discuss the Surgeon General’s advisory on alcohol consumption and its implications for the industry. Despite the warning, we expect consumption habits to remain strong given alcohol’s global significance and its entrenched role in social events and celebrations.
The biggest risks are to large players who create generic products. This advisory is likely to accelerate trends in premiumization and better-for-you drinks. Brands need to produce better and more differentiated products to capture changing tastes, such as rising demand of mood alternatives such as hemp derived THC/CBD and functional beverages as well as moderation trends towards low/no-alcoholic beverages.
领英推荐
Saga Spirits Group Credit Agreement Complete
We are excited to announce that we have completed a financing agreement with Saga Spirits Group. Saga Spirits, a US producer of Kentucky whiskey, has invested in the development of a distillery and consumer experience destination in Central Kentucky. This agreement led by the InvestBev credit team enables Saga Spirits to acquire whiskey barrels to support its new True Story brand. For InvestBev, this deal marks over $30m in lending in 2024 and we look forward to achieving our goal of $100m in 2025!
Awards & Recognition
Pilot Project Founder Dan Abel (portfolio company) and Wheyward Spirits Founder Emily Darchuk (accelerator past cohort) were named to Beverage Dynamics 40 under 40 while portfolio company Sèchey was named one of Foremost’s 50 breakout challenger brands of 2025 and founder Emily Heintz was mentioned in the New York Times!
UPDATES FROM THE TEAM
Recent and Upcoming Team Events
Recent Events
January 10 2025: Senior Associate Alli Li was a judge at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business Venture Capital Investment Competition, where she assessed venture capital team diligence processes, term sheets, and provided feedback to student teams.
January 13 2025: Managing Partner, CIO, Giuseppe Infusino attended Pronghorn’s (Diageo’s economic impact initiative) Cocktails and Conversation event in New York City.
Upcoming Events
February 3-5 2025: Meet the InvestBev team at Wine and Spirits Wholesalers (WSWA) Access LIVE event in Denver, Colorado!
We’re Hiring!
We are looking for a credit officer to join the team. If you know someone who may be a good fit, please send a resume and a few sentences about the referral directly to [email protected]
WHAT’S ON THE BACK BAR
Blackberry Lime Mule Mocktail
With wind chills below zero in Chicago this week, we are pretending like it is summer with a no-alcohol blackberry lime mule in honor of Dry January. With blackberries, lime, ginger beer, and ice, you too can imagine you’re near the beach!