In this episode, ECRM’s Joseph Tarnowski sits down with NIQ’s Beverage Alcohol expert Kaleigh Theriault to dissect the economic headwinds, channel shifts, and evolving consumer habits shaping the beer, wine, spirits, and RTD segments, both on-premise and off.
**Episode Highlights**
- **On-Premise vs. Off-Premise Disconnect**: Discover why bar and restaurant visitation remains steady due to celebratory occasions and sporting events, while off-premise retail channels face plateauing declines.
- **RTDs as a Mega Category**: Learn how breaking out malt, wine, and spirits-based RTDs as a fourth mega-category reveals steep underlying declines in core spirits.
- **Flavor Evolution & Gen Z Nostalgia**: The rise of "sweet heat" flavor combinations, hydration-inspired branding, and analog trends among younger consumers looking to disconnect from screen time.
- **Re-Defining Moderation**: Wellness priorities and economic pressures are intersecting, driving behaviors like pre-drinking for 1 in 4 consumers and boosting sales in dollar and club channels.
- **N/A and THC Category Realities**: Learn about how the non-alcoholic beer is reaching category maturity, the expansion of canned mocktails, and the regulatory landscape for hemp-derived THC beverages.
- **Strategic Playbooks for Brands**: Review key recommendations on winning specific consumer occasions, executing intentional innovation, and using creative on-premise experiences to build off-premise loyalty.
Learn more about ECRM’s On & Off Premise Adult Beverage Session!
Kaleigh TheriaultGuestJoseph TarnowskiHost
