Non-alcoholic brands are thriving—here’s exactly which stores should be selling them

Just because Dry January is over doesn’t mean people are sprinting back to the liquor aisle. In fact, the demand for non-alcoholic beverages is only growing. According to Restaurant Dive, venues that generated about $2 million annually saw an average revenue boost of $95,000 by expanding their nonalcoholic drink menus. The data mirrors the growing trend that spans generations: as more consumers prioritize mindful drinking year-round, the no- and low-alcohol category is expanding beyond seasonal trends and into long-term consumer habits. For retailers, knowing which stores will see the highest demand is key to making informed stocking decisions.

To maximize success, retailers should consider aligning their inventory with consumer affinities. At Qloo, affinity measures the strength of a connection between two entities—such as a brand and a retailer—based on real-world consumer behavior. Our AI analyzes billions of signals, from purchase patterns to lifestyle preferences, to identify where demand for a particular product is strongest.

For this analysis, we selected some of the leading non-alcoholic beverage brands and the largest national retailers to see where these brands resonate most. With Qloo’s proprietary Taste AI™ technology we’ve identified the retailers and specific store locations where non-alcoholic beverage brands have the strongest consumer affinity. With these insights, retailers are empowered to strategically allocate inventory and make data-backed decisions, ensuring that the right products land in the stores where they’re most likely to succeed.

Where non-alcoholic beverage brands should be stocked

With this in mind, we analyzed Qloo’s affinity data to identify the retailers best positioned to carry these brands. Below are the top retailers where each non-alcoholic beverage brand has the strongest consumer connection—giving retailers a data-backed view of where demand is highest and where these products are most likely to succeed

Stocking these beverages in high-affinity locations gives retailers a strategic advantage. When products are placed where demand is strongest, they gain more visibility, move faster, and contribute to a better shopping experience. Consumers are more likely to discover and purchase these brands when they’re available in the right stores, leading to stronger sales and long-term brand loyalty.

Where demand for non-alcoholic beverages is highest

Retailer-level insights provide a strong foundation, but looking at specific store locations takes it a step further. We identified individual stores where non-alcoholic beverage brands have the highest consumer affinity—locations that are ideal for in-store placements, promotions, and localized marketing efforts.

• Athletic Brewing
  
  • Walmart – 863 Harvest Ln, Williston, VT (75.75)
  • Target – 400 Marshall Rd, Superior, CO (73.96)
  • Target – 155 Dorset St, South Burlington, VT (72.37)
• Figlia
  
  • Target – 715 Blue River Pkwy, Silverthorne, CO (74.38)
  • Target – 2800 Pearl St, Boulder, CO (72.38)
  • Target – 7021 Hollywood Blvd #210, Los Angeles, CA (70.79)
• Wilfred’s
  
  • Target – 3245 Sports Arena Blvd, San Diego, CA (71.17)
  • H-E-B – 3663 Washington Ave Suite 100, Houston, TX (68.74)
  • Kroger – 725 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA (68.54)
• Curious Elixirs
  
  • Target – 139 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY (71.74)
  • Target – 445 Albee Square W, Brooklyn, NY (69.50)
  • Kroger – 725 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA (68.37)

What this means for retailers and brands

Retailers and brands who act on this intelligence can position themselves ahead of the curve. High-affinity store placements ensure that products land where demand is strongest, driving sales and improving the customer experience. Brands can also use these insights to refine distribution strategies, ensuring their products are reaching the right audiences in the right locations.

Qloo’s Taste AI provides a powerful lens into consumer behavior, helping businesses make informed, data-driven decisions. Want to see how these insights can transform your strategy? Schedule a demo today to explore Qloo’s capabilities firsthand.

The information in this report is based on the data from Qloo's proprietary Insights by Qloo tool which can be used to summarize general public opinion output. Qloo and the authors of this article disclaim any rights to the third-party trademarks used herein.