The state of the (NA category) is strong, and getting stronger. Today's episode has a bit of a "state of the industry" feel to it, as I'm joined by Laura Silverman, founder of Zero Proof Nation, one of the most authentic voices in the non-alcoholic beverage movement.

In our conversation we first talk about her advocacy in the space, and how much has changed in the time she's been involved. She made a decision to go alcohol-free in 2007, well before the modern movement even existed. We then talk about the growth that's happening right now, and how that's both exciting and maybe a bit concerning with so many new brands competing in the same space, as well as the hemp-derived market that has really come on strong these past couple of years. We end by talking about some of Laura's favorites, and we ask her to weigh in on some of the language the media uses to describe the category.

Mentioned in this episode:

Bright Barrel
Go Brewing
The Open Road
Spirited Away
Sans Bar
Seedlip
CaliSoberMom
Dry Atlas
All The Bitter
Zeronimo
Partake Brewing
Uncool
Lyre's

"The good news for beer is beer is a non-partisan issue." So proclaims this week's podcast guest, Brian Crawford, President and CEO of The Beer Institute, a Washington DC based trade association representing the interests of the industry primarily at the federal level. In our conversation we talk about the growth of non-alcoholic beer, including how BI views the category as a nascent one within the overall industry, with health habits and drinking preferences quickly evolving. We then dive into the hemp-derived beverage market, which has really taken off since the 2018 Farm Bill, with Brian giving his thoughts on it from the POV of the beer industry at large. Lastly, we talk about some of the Beer Institute's legislative priorities, which include a new program aimed at making draft beer more accessible by providing tax credits to all those who serve it. We close out our discussion with Brian sharing some great info on how people can get involved in advocating for beer in all its forms with their local representatives.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Beer Institute

The phrase, "slow and steady wins the race" could easily apply to Portland, Maine's Kit NA Brewing. In a category largely defined by rapid growth and headlines around the ramifications of younger consumers not drinking like their older counterparts, this New England brewery has set out to build a brand that's built to last, with a focus on the product above all else. In this episode we'll hear about how Kit's co-founders started the business, their philosophy around growing comfortably but responsibly, how they view collaboration in a category not exactly known for that yet, and lastly, why mental health emerged as a cause they wanted to be a part of as a company.

Mentioned in this episode:

Kit NA Brewing
Austin Street Brewery