Five Years In, Little Saints Is Staying True To Its Niche
When Megan Klein founded Little Saints in 2021, the non-alcoholic spirits category was just getting started.
Ferron Salniker
Spirits Editor
Ferron Salniker is the Spirits Editor, guiding our coverage of the spirits and RTD cocktail space. She reports for BevNET.com and Brewbound.com on everything from new subcategories in established liquor types to the growth of the craft spirits business.
Posts by Ferron Salniker
NIQ: THC Beverages Hit $239M in Mainstream Retail
THC beverages reached $239 million in the 52 weeks ending April 4 2026, up 135% versus the prior year, reflecting a scaling category despite headwinds, according to NIQ data released in April.
Uncle Nearest Stays in Receivership; Founder’s Holding Company Added
A federal judge has issued a ruling maintaining the court-supervised receivership for Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey and broadening that oversight to encompass founder Fawn Weaver’s personal holding company.
RNDC Layoffs Continue in WA, SD Ahead of Potential Deals
Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) plans to lay off 267 employees in Washington and 53 in South Dakota, as other distributors potentially prepare to take over RNDC’s distribution rights or operations across the country.
NIQ: No/Low Alcohol Hits $6 Billion Globally, But Soda and Water Are Winning
No/low alcohol reached $6 billion in worldwide off-premise sales, growing +11.8% versus a year ago and adding $737 million in incremental sales, according to a new moderation report from NIQ.
RNDC Files OR WARN Notices Ahead Of Potential Columbia Deal
Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) issued WARN Act notices on Monday for nearly 150 layoffs in Oregon, as Columbia Distributing prepares to potentially take over certain wine and spirits distribution rights from RNDC across Oregon and Washington.
Perfect Purée Acquires Strongwater, Expands Premium Bar Ingredients Portfolio
The Perfect Purée of Napa Valley, a leading producer of premium fruit products for culinary and beverage professionals, is expanding into the elevated bar ingredients category with its acquisition of Strongwater, the Colorado-based maker of craft bitters, mixers and functional beverages.
Spritz Society Bets the Brand on The Skinny Spritz
After the diet culture of the 2000s propelled the commercialization of the skinny margarita, can the better-for-you trends of the 2020s do the same for the skinny spritz? One brand is betting on it.
Zero-Proof Playbook: Echelon’s Max Schikora on White Space, Sales Occasions
As part of our ongoing series on the evolution of zero-proof drinking, we talked to the Echelon Kitchen & Bar's Max Schikora on where he sees white space in NA spirits, why sugar plays an important role in how consumers are drinking, and which seasonal moderation trends still matter.
Spirits Distribution: RNDC Exit Shakes Up Partnerships; RTDs Expand
This month’s distribution moves are headlined by RNDC's continued national wind-down, scattering independent and major brands to new partnerships. Meanwhile, a wave of ready-to-drink (RTD) brands are pushing into new markets from Wisconsin to Southern California.
RTD Cocktails Outperform as Total Bev-Alc Declines Moderate Slightly
Total bev-alc dollar sales continued to decline in the latest two weeks, as even the standout growth category ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails saw sales dip, according to the latest analysis of NIQ data from Goldman Sachs Equity Research.
Sazerac Acquires Equity Stake In SIPMARGS
Sazerac has added another ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail to its growing portfolio.
Report: Brown-Forman Turns Down Sazerac’s $15B Bid
Jack Daniel's maker Brown-Forman has rejected a $15 billion bid from Kentucky competitor Sazerac.
Ritual Zero Proof Debuts RTDs
Diageo’s Ritual Zero Proof has entered the ready-to-drink (RTD) category with three canned non-alcoholic (NA) cocktails.