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At Lenny Boy Brewery in Charlotte, N.C., small batch, non-
alcoholic kombucha on tap is emerging in the social alcohol-free
drinking scene. "Everyday groups of friends come into our taproom
and some order a beer and some order a kombucha," says founder
Townes Mozer. "Our kombucha is served in pints and carries that
social beverage vibe."
Mozer says the huge shift in health consciousness and fitness
is helping kombucha, which is low in sugar and calories, emerge as
a socially accepted beverage that is good for you.
Sparkling Waters, Hoppy Tea
Fancy sparkling mineral waters in eye-catching, sophisticated pack-
aging along with sparkling teas from yerba mate to those flavored
with hops, are piquing interest, especially in social settings.
"Customers—especially millennials—are looking for new
beverages that not only offer health benefits and are low in sugar
but also have eye-catching labels in environmentally friendly
packaging," says Dana Shemirani, vice president of purchasing at
Southern California-based Barons Market.
According to Shemirani, Barons has seen huge growth in
RTD sparkling waters like San Pellegrino Momenti that adds
fresh fruit juice and comes in sophisticated cans, Topo Chico
Grapefruit Sparkling Mineral Water, and Clean Cause Sparkling
HopTea alcohol-free brew
containing organic black tea
FALL 2019 51
