How Athletic Brewing became the #1 NA beer in the US
Sep 22, 2024
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Bill Shufelt, founder of Athletic Brewing, discusses the rise of non-alcoholic beer, highlighting a shift in consumer preferences towards healthier options. He shares the brand's rapid growth since 2017, emphasizing innovation, quality, and community engagement. The conversation explores the realities of entrepreneurship, including investment challenges and balancing passion with business needs. Shufelt also touches on the brand's unique brewing processes and how feedback drives loyalty in the booming non-alcoholic market.
Athletic Brewing has successfully captured the non-alcoholic beer market by aligning with the rising health-conscious and sober curious trends among consumers.
The brand's journey involved overcoming investor skepticism through persistence, ultimately leading to significant growth and a broadening acceptance of non-alcoholic options in the beverage landscape.
Deep dives
The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beer
The non-alcoholic beer market is experiencing significant growth, fueled by a cultural shift towards healthier lifestyles and the 'sober curious' movement among younger consumers. This trend is evidenced by a Gallup survey indicating that 45% of Americans now view moderate drinking as detrimental to health. Athletic Brewing has capitalized on this shift, emerging as a leader in the non-alcoholic beer category since its inception in 2017, achieving a valuation of $800 million. The brand's strategy focuses on providing delicious alternatives that fit modern social lifestyles, aiming to create a product that not only tastes good but also resonates with health-conscious consumers.
Innovative Business Strategy
Athletic Brewing has distinguished itself by identifying and filling a glaring gap in the beverage market that had been largely overlooked. The brand emphasizes a simple yet powerful mission centered around producing high-quality, tasty non-alcoholic beer that meets the needs of health-conscious adults seeking social options. By investing in both product quality and innovative marketing strategies, the company effectively engages its community while fostering a culture of pride among employees and consumers alike. The personal passion of the co-founders, alongside the commitment of their dedicated team, plays a crucial role in driving the brand's ongoing success.
Overcoming Initial Challenges
The journey to securing investment and establishing Athletic Brewing was fraught with challenges, with the co-founders facing skepticism from potential investors about the viability of a non-alcoholic beer venture. Initially, they encountered numerous rejections, requiring 120 meetings before successfully raising capital. However, their perseverance paid off as the brand gained traction, leading to increased interest and investment from notable figures in the sports and entertainment industries, such as JJ Watt and David Chang. This evolution reflects not just a growing acceptance of non-alcoholic options but also the brand's ability to cultivate a dedicated following through authentic engagement and product quality.
The Future of Non-Alcoholic Beverages
As the beverage landscape continues to evolve, Athletic Brewing aims to expand its presence within the non-alcoholic category while also promoting collaboration among brands. The market for non-alcoholic beverages is projected to grow substantially, with Athletic's leadership paving the way for innovation within the space. They foresee a bright future characterized by a rich diversity of options, moving beyond just beer to include spirits and wines, thus welcoming a broader demographic of consumers. This vision aligns with the changing attitudes toward alcohol consumption, setting Athletic Brewing up as a frontrunner in what they anticipate to be a transformative trend in consumer packaged goods.
Young consumers are slowly turning down alcohol. With the booze industry scrambling to figure out how to sustain its dominance, there are other companies that are in a peak period. Athletic Brewing is now the top selling non-alcoholic beer in the US. So how did they grow so rapidly and where did founder Bill Shufelt even start?
Join our host Jon Weigell, for an in-depth conversation with Bill Shufelt.
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