STRATFORD, Conn. & SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--TIME has named Athletic Brewing Company, America’s leading brewer of non-alcoholic craft beer, to its 100 Most Influential Companies of 2022 list. TIME’s list of influential companies celebrates organizations that are helping to “chart an essential path forward.” This recognition further validates Athletic’s mission to serve its growing community of modern, active adults. Co-founders Bill Shufelt and John Walker were the first to bring innovation to the non-alcoholic beer category after almost 30 years with little to no innovation in the segment.
This honor from TIME follows a record 2021 for the brewery, as Athletic grew faster than any other U.S. brewer (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) for the second year in a row. They were named to the Fast Company first annual list of “Brands that Matter;” the Inc Magazine “Best in Business” list; and named Craft Brewery of the Year by Brewbound. Shufelt was also named to Wine Enthusiast’s ``40 Under 40 Tastemaker” list. Recently, Athletic’s beers have won awards at the Great American Beer Festival, the World Beer Awards, and US Open Beer Championship - all of which recognized Athletic’s Innovation & Brewing Excellence.
“We are incredibly honored that TIME has recognized Athletic as a game-changing Company. Our story is bigger than simply brewing revolutionary beer,” said Shufelt. “Athletic has led a shift towards mindful drinking without sacrificing quality. Thirty percent of US adults drink no alcohol and of those who do, 30 percent drink less than one alcoholic drink a week. Consumers want great tasting, refreshing craft beer without the alcohol or hangover and Athletic has proven time and time again that we will pave the way in the industry.“
The non-alcoholic segment is the fastest growing within beer. Global non-alcoholic beer sales were $16.65B in 2021, with a 10.3% CAGR, and are forecasted to rise to $23.27B by 2025. Athletic currently holds a 45% share in the craft non-alcoholic beer category and about an 8% share of the overall US non-alcoholic beer category. Athletic will open its third brewery, the world’s largest non-alcoholic brewery, later this year.
“Athletic’s success and this amazing recognition from TIME wouldn’t be possible without the support of our legion of drinkers who refused to compromise. We brew beer that our community loves to drink so that no one who seeks to live well, has to sacrifice great taste and high-quality to skip the downsides of alcohol,” said Walker.
The TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list time.com/100companies highlights businesses making an extraordinary impact around the world. To assemble it, TIME solicited nominations across sectors including health care, entertainment, transportation, technology and more from their global network of editors and correspondents, as well as from industry experts. TIME evaluates candidates based on key factors, including relevance, impact, innovation, leadership, ambition and success. The result is a diverse array of 100 institutions that are helping to chart an essential path forward.
“Anyone familiar with Athletic knows that our mission goes beyond beer. Core to who we are is our Two for the Trails charitable initiative, where we donate 2% of all sales to trail and park maintenance,” continued Shufelt. “Athletic’s Two for the Trails helps transform outdoor spaces, encouraging mindfulness, physical activity and spending time with family and friends. Giving back is core to our DNA and through this signature program we’ve donated $1,370,582 to local trails and parks, positively impacting communities all across the country.”
About Athletic Brewing
Named as TIME’s “100 Most Influential Companies of 2022” as well as Fast Company Magazine’s “Brands That Matter” in 2021, Athletic Brewing Company is reimagining beer for the modern, active adult. Their great-tasting craft brews provide a refreshing taste of craft beer, without the alcohol or the hangover. With custom breweries on the east and west coasts, their lineup has earned accolades throughout the industry, even against full-strength beers, including the 2021 US Open Beer Awards Gold medal for Run Wild. Additionally, Athletic Brewing’s “Two for the Trails” initiative donates 2% of all sales to trail and park cleanups and maintenance. Plus, as a part of their IMPACT Program, 1% of revenue goes to non-profit organizations that support positive impact and opportunity from the ground up in their communities. Athletic Brewing’s full portfolio of flagships, seasonal, and specialty beers is available for purchase on its website, www.athleticbrewing.com, as well as the company’s subscription offering – The Athletic Club.
