Send us a textThis week 📢I talk🎙️with Kate Jerkens at Uncle Nearest and Caitlyn LuBell at BoozeBiz and we discuss the beverage industry in 2025 and 2026. 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂 😁👀📹 Watch here: 👉👉 [PASTE HERE]🚀✨🍹2025 was a reset year for beverage 🍷🍺🍹 RTDs surged, NA grew, costs spiked & hiring shifted. We break down data, trends, distributor chaos & what’s coming in 2026. 👀  👉 @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST2025 shook the beverage industry to its core 🍸📉. From RTD dominance and NA growth, to California distributor chaos, premium pricing pressure, and talent market stress, this episode breaks it all down—no fluff, just real talk.Key Takeaways 🔑📉 Growth slowed—but didn’t stop🍹 RTDs are winning on convenience & price🚫 NA still struggles with sugar + shelf life🏬 Distribution strategy > national expansion🧠 Storytelling + velocity matter more than ever💼 Hiring is tighter, salaries pressured🔄 2025 = reset | 2026 = change + growth🎯 Why this matters: If you’re building, selling, hiring, or distributing in beverage—this episode helps you see the chessboard, not just the pieces.Describe 2025 and 2026 in One WordJessie Ott2025:“My word was to level up on the "experience” of enjoying a cocktail.2026:"My word is "hopeful". I’m hoping that this is the new foundation of what’s to come.”Caitlyn LuBell2025:“My word for 2025 was "evolution.”2026:“My word for 2026 is "growth"… we can only go up from here.”Kate Jerkens2025:“I think "reset" was a great word. I still think reset is applicable.”2026:“Mine is "change"… something’s got to change and I believe it will.”⏱️ Chapter Descriptions0:00 Welcome + Why 2025 Was a Reset1:02 Meet the Guests (BoozeBiz & Uncle Nearest)2:30 Who Really Holds the Money? Generational Wealth5:22 Economic Signals: Growth, Inflation & LEIs7:18 Premiumization & Consumer Behavior9:40 Inventory Digestion & Distributor Reality11:30 California Distribution Chaos Explained15:42 Smaller Distributors vs Big Houses18:00 Pricing Wars & National Market Impact21:44 Military, Multi-Outlet & Channel Performance22:26 RTDs, NA Mixers & Brand Winners25:30 The Real Cost of $30 Cocktails29:00 Why RTDs Win on Convenience & Cost33:55 Hiring Challenges & Salary Compression41:10 Tastings, Education & Velocity45:15 Why 2025 Was a Reset Year50:07 Unemployment & Workforce Mismatch56:NOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Host Jessie Ott's Profile on LinkedIn