Sightlines

Who's afraid of little old me? There's so far no evidence that legal weed has dealt a significant blow to alcohol consumption. Between 2014-2021, a total of 17 states legalized recreational cannabis. The growth of per capita ethanol consumption (measured in gallons) across these 17 states was an average of +1.8% when comparing the first year of cannabis legalization to 2022, the most recent year of data. For more data on the interaction between cannabis sales and alcohol, dive into the archives at sightlines.news

The second installment of our series on hemp beverages focuses on a massive factor in the category: geography. Drinkers say they just want THC—regardless of its source. So where cannabis isn't yet legal, they'll scratch that itch with hemp beverages. All states are not created equal when it comes to the hemp beverage opportunity, and our series takes a closer look at how this is playing out for brands, retailers, distributors , and consumers. Subscribe and get access to all our reporting at sightlines.news

What explains vodka's dominance in RTDs? It's not that drinkers love vodka, it's that the relatively tasteless, cost-effective spirit is a perfect flavor-delivery vehicle. That matches what shoppers are looking for in canned cocktails, and what producers need to make their margins work. Subscribers have access to a wealth of reporting on RTDs, flavor, and spirits—join them at sightlines.news

Our 12 Days of Insights series keeps rolling with a big focus of our reporting this year: changes in how and when Americans visit the on-premise. From golf bars to full-service restaurants, the daytime and early evening segments are hot. People's preferences for earlier outings—launched by the pandemic—haven't gone away. This offers huge opportunities for brands and retailers alike to target the daytime party crowd. Staying up until midnight to ring in the new year? That's so 2016. Subscribers can dive into our coverage of changing on-premise habits here: https://buff.ly/4gjNYfH

This month, our subscribers are receiving a multipart report on the hemp-derived beverage opportunity. We've combined data with insights from brands, retailers, distributors, and real consumers to give a comprehensive picture of where hemp beverages are today—and what's ahead. The series examines hemp beverages through four core lenses: + geography + pricing + format + and brand positioning It's a dynamic category, and our series gives subscribers everything they need to make smarter decisions about this fast-moving space. Join them, and stay ahead of the curve: https://buff.ly/41Gktk4

For day 2 of our 12 Days of Insights, we're looking to one of the most important channels for beverage: convenience stores. Data shows that c-stores increasingly influence Americans' shopping habits *everywhere*—the quick-trip behaviors we've learned from c-stores lead us to make shorter, more frequent shopping trips generally. And what do shoppers at c-stores want? To feel something, instantly. Brands of all types need to make a clear pitch to those consumers: Here's how you're going to feel, and you're going to feel it fast. Subscribers can read more on how convenience behavior motivates purchases in all channels: https://buff.ly/4gCESKY

First up in our 12 Days of Insights: some harsh truths about the commoditization of the RTD cocktail market. This was the year that saw shelves explode with often indistinguishable canned versions of every popular cocktail—merely being there isn't enough anymore. The challenge for brands today is to stand for something beyond convenience. Read more about what this means for canned cocktails launching today, and those already on shelves: https://buff.ly/4fl3xm8

We're kicking off our 12 Days of Insights! Join us in counting down to the end of the year with some of our biggest takeaways from 2024 across alcohol, cannabis, and functional beverage. Stay ahead of the curve by subscribing at sightlines.news.

Today at Sightlines, Bryan Roth and I publish the first in our extensive, multipart series on the hemp beverage opportunity. This research has been months in the making and includes data; conversations with real consumers; insights from brands, wholesalers, and retailers; and more. Upcoming newsletters will focus on hemp beverages through the lens of: + sales trends by geography and region + interaction with legal cannabis + pricing structures—today and in the future + consumer perceptions + brand position and more. Part one of our reporting is in subscribers' today, but if you'd like to see a sample of our findings, comment below. https://lnkd.in/gxHfjAzA

Today’s teens are more educated about supplements in ways other generations could never articulate—and that influences how they pursue energy. It’s no wonder that in recent years use of energy drinks or shots has hit new highs for students in 10th and 12th grades. Young people are more aware of their need states throughout the day and how they can find products to deliver what they’re looking for in a given moment. This kind of consumer engagement is valuable to understand because it shapes how they’ll consider brands (including alcohol) later on. Subscribers are getting even more data and insights from conversations with teens delivered to their inboxes right now. Join them and stay ahead of the curve: sightlines.news