In this episode, Dante McDermott Catena and Laura Catena sit down with drinks industry analyst Erica Duecy, founder of Business of Drinks.
Drawing on years of market analysis, Erica explains the four key factors that determine whether a trend has lasting power: Does it solve a consumer problem? Does it persist beyond the initial excitement? Is it spreading across price points, demographics, and countries? And is an ecosystem forming around it? According to Erica, non-alcoholic beverages and zebra striping meet all four criteria, making them far more than a passing fad.
The conversation also examines how younger consumers discover and choose drinks. While scores and ratings still matter for expensive purchases, millennials and Gen-Z increasingly rely on social proof from friends, family, social media, and platforms such as TikTok. Erica argues that successful beverage brands
must focus on the occasion and experience surrounding consumption.
From Zebra Striping to Domaine EdeM’s botanical verjus non-alcoholic creations to the 7% alcohol EdeM Uco Stones chardonnay, the discussion explores how thoughtful innovation can help family wineries adapt to changing consumer preferences while remaining true to their heritage.

Dante and Laura come away inspired by Erica’s optimism!