How Athletic Brewing Made Non-Alcoholic Beer Mainstream
- May 21, 2026
- 29:25
- Full Episode
ABOUT THE EPISODE Rosalie Kennedy, Senior Director of Marketing at Athletic Brewing, discusses the explosive rise of non-alcoholic beer and how Athletic Brewing became one of the defining brands behind the category’s growth. Rosalie explains how the company repositioned non-alcoholic beer around taste, wellness, and social connection, while competing against both traditional beer brands and emerging functional beverages. The conversation also explores changing consumer behavior, younger drinking audiences, retail strategy, and the future of beer culture.
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Brief Summary
Rosalie Kennedy discusses Athletic Brewing's rise in the non-alcoholic beer market and changing consumer perceptions.
Key points
- The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beer. 49% of Americans are trying to drink less alcohol, leading to a surge in non-alcoholic options.
- Athletic Brewing's Unique Positioning. Athletic Brewing aims to redefine non-alcoholic beer as a choice, not just an alternative.
- Innovative Flavor Profiles. Athletic Brewing introduces cocktail-inspired beers, merging traditional beer with unique flavors.
- Diverse Beer Offerings. Athletic Brewing offers over 20 types of beer, including seasonal and limited releases. 'We release pilot batches online at a clip of like two or three a month.'
- The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beer. Non-alcoholic beer is set to grow as more people embrace it. 'They were just easy wins.'
Episode highlights
- The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beer49% of Americans are trying to drink less alcohol, leading to a surge in non-alcoholic options.“Non-alcoholic beer is one of those alternatives.”18:21May 21, 2026
- Athletic Brewing's Unique PositioningAthletic Brewing aims to redefine non-alcoholic beer as a choice, not just an alternative.“I think we’re a choice, not just an alternative.”18:33May 21, 2026
- Innovative Flavor ProfilesAthletic Brewing introduces cocktail-inspired beers, merging traditional beer with unique flavors.“We also launched cocktail inspired beers like Paloma and Moscow Mule.”19:53May 21, 2026
- Diverse Beer OfferingsAthletic Brewing offers over 20 types of beer, including seasonal and limited releases. 'We release pilot batches online at a clip of like two or three a month.'“Yeah, I honestly like over 20.”24:12May 21, 2026
- The Rise of Non-Alcoholic BeerNon-alcoholic beer is set to grow as more people embrace it. 'They were just easy wins.'“Non-alcoholic beer is only going to continue to grow.”25:50May 21, 2026





