The beverage industry is still dominated by major corporations, with a few key players controlling a significant portion of the market. Anheuser-Busch, the largest player worldwide, owns 45% of the US beer industry and is now investing in non-alcoholic options as well. Nestlé, another global giant, has long shaped our drinking culture alongside companies like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, prioritizing convenience and tradition over health and inclusion. In the US, the top three soft drink corporations alone control 93% of the market. 

Despite their influence, none of these corporations are currently led by women CEOs, highlighting the broader challenges in achieving gender diversity at the highest levels of corporate leadership. Now, women-owned brands like Sarilla are breaking into the market with products that prioritize wellness and inclusivity, meeting people where they are with their health goals. This movement is not just about filling a gap — it’s about redefining how consumers think about socializing and health, especially in social settings.

While food menus have started to reflect the demand for cleaner ingredients, most drink menus still lag behind. According to a July 2023 Gallup survey, 62% of US adults say they drink alcohol but are trying to reduce their sugar and alcohol consumption, while 38% abstain completely. Finding a healthy, non-alcoholic beverage in many social venues is still rare — especially outside health-conscious bubbles like Asheville. This isn’t just a trend; it’s a necessary evolution.

Walking into a venue and finding a drink that’s low in sugar and free from alcohol used to feel impossible. Thanks to the efforts of many women entrepreneurs who now represent a significant force in the non-alcoholic beverage sector, this is starting to change. Brands like Sarilla, along with locally-based Buchi and other women-founded brands like Dry, Ghia, Blind Tiger, Spiritless, Parch, Agua Bonita, and Three Spirits, are evidence that the industry is shifting. Women are leading the way not just as creators but also as consumers. Nearly 60% of non-alcoholic drink purchases in the US are made by women. This underscores the significant role women play in driving demand for healthier, more inclusive beverage options.

The desire to feel safer in social settings is also driving this shift. Studies have shown a strong link between alcohol use and sexual violence, emphasizing the need for more inclusive and safer drinking options. Research indicates that approximately 62% of sexual assaults are linked to alcohol consumption, and according to conservative estimates, at least 25% of American women have experienced rape — a statistic that is even higher on college campuses. It’s essential  to create social spaces where safety and inclusion are the norms, not the exceptions. These spaces should cater to everyone, regardless of gender identity, ensuring that all individuals feel welcomed and valued in environments where they can socialize without fear.

Looking to the future, it’s clear that women will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the beverage industry. Whether it’s through the creation of new products, the development of zero-proof menus at local businesses, or the ongoing effort to make social settings more inclusive, the impact of women in this space is undeniable. However, this is not just a movement for women; it’s about creating options that everyone can enjoy, regardless of gender. Men, too, are increasingly seeking healthier, non-alcoholic alternatives, and this inclusive approach ensures that no one feels left out.

The journey is far from over, but every step forward brings us closer to a world where everyone feels welcome, valued, and safe. That is something worth raising a glass to, whether it’s filled with a sparkling tea, craft soda, or something entirely new.