🍸 The Ritual Is Recession-Proof...the Alcohol is Optional
Why Social Beverage Brands are poised to THRIVE
During economic downturns, consumer behavior gets a shakeup - but some habits are surprisingly steady. Socializing with alcohol is one of them!
When life gets stressful, people lean into comfort, routine, and ritual — and for many, that includes a drink.
It’s not the alcohol that’s recession-proof, it’s the RITUAL.
As consumers become more health-conscious, the demand for premium, alcohol-free options has surged. Even in a tighter economy, we aren't giving up our social rituals, we are simply reimagining them. At Sèchey, it doesn’t matter what’s in your glass, it’s about connection, celebration, and choice.
📈 Why this matters:
The no/low alcohol market topped $11B in 2023, with projected 7% CAGR growth through 2027.
Consumers are showing strong loyalty to brands that align with wellness, balance, and flexibility.
The beverage shelf is being rewritten, and it's the early movers - and the brands that feel premium - that are winning.
I founded Sèchey to support this shift in consumption.
In 2021, we started by curating a retail shop of the best alcohol-free and functional beverages, building a trusted brand to help guide consumers through this new landscape.
Then, in 2023, Sèchey launched its own alcohol-free wine collection, giving people something to bring home, pour in a glass at dinner parties, showcase on their bar carts, and request at their favorite local spots.
And the results?
We’re seeing consistent growth — even as broader spending slows.
Whether you're exploring healthier lifestyle choices, following emerging wellness trends, or just curious about the cultural shift in attitudes towards alcohol, this is a moment worth watching.
Let’s build the future of drinking!
Cheers,
Emily Heintz
Founder & CEO, Sèchey
🌐 www.emilyheintz.com | www.sechey.com
P.S. I'm always happy to share insights and data on the category — feel free to reach out!
P.P.S. On April 8th, I’ll be speaking about the Social Beverage category during the So Curious conference. Hope to see you there!