Is alcohol consumption really “plummeting”? Maybe not.

Is alcohol consumption really “plummeting”? Maybe not.

At a headline level, alcohol use is falling. In the U.S., the share of adults who say they drink at all has dropped to about 54%, the lowest level Gallup has recorded in nearly 90 years. ³ That’s a meaningful shift, not a blip. “Gen Z isn’t drinking less, they’re...
How Coffee Chains Are Positioning Themselves for 2026

How Coffee Chains Are Positioning Themselves for 2026

Coffee chains are navigating 2026 amid rising commodity costs, on-again, off-again tariffs, volatile supply, and evolving consumer expectations. Recently Starbuck’s CEO, Brian Niccol spoke about his new approach for the brand. Other coffee chains are each adapting in...
Bean-Free Coffee: A Bold Brew for the Future

Bean-Free Coffee: A Bold Brew for the Future

For centuries, coffee has been defined by one thing — the bean. But what happens when the bean becomes the problem? From droughts and disease to climate-fueled price spikes, the world’s favorite stimulant is feeling the heat. Arabica prices hit record highs in late...
Beer Under Pressure: Navigating an Unsteady Landscape

Beer Under Pressure: Navigating an Unsteady Landscape

Beer’s Broader Challenges Volume Decline and Market Saturation After decades of reliable growth, beer consumption in mature markets has contracted. In the U.S., total beer shipments have declined roughly 2–3% annually over the last few years, and 2024 saw one of the...