This article is for readers interested in modifying their habits, anyone who feels they may suffer from substance dependence should seek help from a professional and your loved ones.

Moderation movement. Mindful drinking. Sober curious. Dry January. Alcoholiday. However you spin it, whatever you may call it these buzzwords have been circulating over the past decade, and even more so in recent years. The term “Sober Curious” was coined by New York writer, Ruby Warrington, and since then it’s taken on a life and persona of its own. It’s no secret that society saw an increase in alcohol consumption throughout 2020 and the pandemic. A study by the Rand Corporation last year found that alcohol consumption in the U.S. increased by 14% during the pandemic. Women increased their heavy drinking days by 41%, according to the study (Business Insider). 

As we started to reflect on the past year, many people decided to make a conscious shift in their habits for 2021. By 2027, the non-alcoholic beverage market is expected to peak at a value of nearly 1.2 trillion dollars, from alternative beverages to “better-for-you” drinks (Statista). Which means even more options for those who choose to drink and those who opt-out. 

So why is a company like ours leaning into a trend that could change half the beverage space we proudly work in? Well, we can’t control trends and it’s our responsibility to monitor trends and share them with you. The Sober Curious movement will continue to grow and become more popular in the next decade. But that doesn’t mean everyone is completely cutting out alcohol from their lives – they are simply changing their mindset around that habit. 

So how do alcohol brands embrace the trend? Consumers who are becoming more mindful are doing so for a variety of health reasons, from mental to lifestyle. When consumers choose to drink, they aren’t looking to binge or get the cheapest bottle off the shelf – they’re looking for high-quality products in moderation. They are reading the ingredients, where it’s made, how it’s distilled, and what the brand stands for. All these things YOU can control and highlight on your packaging and online. Be transparent with your product, embrace all lifestyles, and prioritize how you source and how you make your product.