Daily Industry Brief on what is happening in beverages.

In this conversation, Eric Ranks shares his inspiring journey from facing personal health challenges to founding 22 Salute, a social enterprise aimed at supporting veterans and first responders. He discusses the importance of mental health awareness, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the mission behind his products, which include unique spirits and coffee. Eric emphasizes the need for community support and resilience in the face of adversity, encouraging listeners to reach out for help and pursue their dreams.

In this episode, Adam Smith and Samuel Anderson engage with Joey Gamer from Gamer Packaging to discuss the critical role of packaging in the beverage industry. They explore the history of Gamer Packaging, the importance of packaging design, and the challenges new brands face in bringing their products to market. The conversation delves into market trends, consumer feedback, and the financial considerations necessary for launching a beverage brand. Joey shares success stories from the industry, insights on navigating the complexities of packaging, and the impact of tariffs on costs. The episode concludes with key takeaways on resilience, adaptability, and the importance of partnerships in achieving success in the beverage market.

“Welcome to the DrinkUp Podcast – Daily Industry Brief, where we break down what’s happening in the beverage business and what it actually means for brands, distributors, and operators.”

On January 2, 2026, the story isn’t alcohol versus non-alc—it’s who owns the whole drinking repertoire. Big light lagers are still lagging the beer category, bourbon production is getting trimmed, and mainstream media is calling this “a year with fewer hangovers.” At the same time, Dry January is now a real season, with brands like Athletic Brewing driving traffic to NA-friendly bars and restaurants, while brewers push low-ABV, flavored, and even THC options to stay relevant.

If you’re a brand or distributor, the play this year is simple: build a portfolio that keeps people in your ecosystem on every occasion—full-strength, low-ABV, or zero-proof—because share of occasions is the new share of market.

Welcome to the DrinkUp Podcast , Daily Industry Brief, where we break down what’s happening in the beverage business and what it actually means for brands, distributors, and operators.”

The headline today: regulators and consumers are teaming up, intentionally or not, to push the industry toward lower sugar, more moderation, and more direct connections with drinkers. California’s new spirits shipping pilot opens the DtC door for distilleries, while front-of-pack nutrition labels and sugar-driven price hikes make full-calorie soft drinks and heavy RTDs a tougher sell. Meanwhile, Gen Z’s “zebra striping” and Dry January momentum keep fueling non-alcoholic and functional beverage growth well into 2026. The move now is clear: trim the sugar, build a serious NA and functional bench, and treat direct consumer access as a strategic asset, not a side project.

In this episode of the Drink Up Podcast, Sam Anderson and Adam Smith welcome Dana Hork, co-founder of Beers with Friends, a creative marketing agency. Dana shares the inspiration behind the agency's name and its innovative approach to marketing, focusing on agility and creativity within constraints. The conversation delves into the agency's unique five-day sprint model, client engagement strategies, and the importance of feedback and continuous improvement. Dana also discusses her entrepreneurial journey, defining success and failure, and the significance of having a clear strategy for brands. The episode concludes with key takeaways for listeners looking to enhance their marketing efforts and build lasting client relationships.

n this conversation, Sam Anderson and Adam Smith discuss the challenges faced by founders in scaling their businesses, particularly in the beverage industry. They emphasize the importance of understanding cost structures, focusing on specific markets, and building brand awareness. The discussion also touches on strategies for engaging customers and navigating opportunities, as well as the pitfalls of rapid expansion without proper groundwork. The conversation concludes with key takeaways on the necessity of slowing down to ensure sustainable growth and the importance of utilizing available tools for brand management.

In this engaging episode of Drink Up, host Samuel Anderson welcomes Jay Williams, founder of Freebird, to discuss his journey from real estate to the beverage industry. They explore the challenges and triumphs of launching a new brand, the importance of personal branding, and the unique identity of Freebird. Jay shares insights on market strategy, distribution, and the significance of community engagement. The conversation highlights the joy of building a brand with purpose and the excitement of navigating the beverage landscape.