AF: The Next 12 Months

The Firebelly Social Show

Mariah Hilton Wood is the Co-founder and COO of Tilden, a brand that makes sophisticated, ready-to-serve nonalcoholic cocktails for the growing wave of consumers looking for choices beyond alcohol. A lifelong teetotaler from Las Vegas, she is passionate about food and beverages and solving complex supply chain issues. Previously, Mariah held various roles at InSITE, PwC, and the BYU Global Supply Chain Association.

Betsy Frost is the CEO of Hoplark, a company that brews teas and waters like craft beer with the sophisticated flavor of hops but without the alcohol or calories. She is a marketing executive who combines CPG experience with an entrepreneurial mindset to build businesses, brands, and big ideas. A creator and innovator who unlocks differential thinking, game-changing innovation, and exceptional growth, Betsy is also passionate about developing people and transforming cultures to create diverse and engaged teams and deliver purposeful experiences.

Laura Silverman is the Founder of Zero Proof Nation, one of the only fully comprehensive global resource hubs devoted to a nonalcoholic beverage culture. She got sober at 24, and today, she's a mental health advocate passionate about nonalcoholic beverages. As a serial entrepreneur, Laura is also the Founder of Booze Free in DC, The Sobriety Collective, and LMS Designs and is a Non-Alcoholic Drinks Industry Advisor at The Spearhead Group, Inc. In addition, she is a Web Manager and Podcast Producer at American Purpose.

Andrea Marley Simpson is the Co-founder and COO of Loren's Alcohol-Free Beverages, a women-owned alcohol-free boutique in Carmel, Indiana, where she sells alcohol-free drinks and mixers. She is a digital designer and an operations enthusiast focusing on leadership and wellness. Previously, Andrea was the Director of Operations at CSA360 and the Executive Director at Hamilton County Leadership Academy.

Kristin Patrick is the Co-founder of Loren's Alcohol-Free Beverages, a women-owned alcohol-free boutique selling alcohol-free drinks and mixers. She is a digital learning consultant who builds outcome-based, culturally responsive interactive training modules that inspire and teach. Kristin is also a Blended Learning Coach at Noblesville Schools and an Instructional Designer at Indiana University.

In this episode…

Zero-proof beverages, also known as nonalcoholic drinks, have become increasingly popular in recent years. This trend shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon as the nonalcoholic beverage category grows and evolves.

As industry leaders in the nonalcoholic beverage category, Mariah Hilton Wood, Betsy Frost, Laura Silverman, Andrea Marley Simpson, and Kristin Patrick say that as people become increasingly health-conscious, there has been a noticeable shift towards zero-proof beverages as a healthier alternative to traditional alcoholic drinks. This trend is not only driven by the desire to lead a healthier lifestyle but also by growing concerns about the adverse effects of alcohol on health. As a result, the nonalcoholic beverage market has experienced a surge in new and exciting options, ranging from artisanal sodas and specialty teas to sophisticated mocktails and alcohol-free spirits. These choices reflect the latest trends in the nonalcoholic beverage industry and provide a welcome solution for those who wish to enjoy social gatherings without feeling the pressure to consume alcohol.

On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney and Arnelle Mitchell talk with Mariah Hilton Wood, Betsy Frost, Laura Silverman, Andrea Marley Simpson, and Kristin Patrick about the zero-proof beverage category. They talk about their journeys in the nonalcoholic drink space, the increased availability of zero-proof drinks and their impact on the industry and social events, and the emerging trends and innovations expected in the zero-proof space over the next 12 months.