Tate Huffard, the CEO of Best Day Brewing in Sausalito, is at the forefront of a growing trend in the beverage industry: the rise of nonalcoholic (N/A) beers. Despite the decline in alcoholic drink sales, the demand for nonalcoholic options is on the upswing. This shift is reflected in the projected growth of the global nonalcoholic beer market, which is expected to double from $20 billion in 2023 to $40 billion by 2033.

Huffard, who moved to California in 2010, became inspired to create Best Day Brewing after realizing the social impact of beer culture and his personal experiences with drinking. His journey began with a challenge among friends to cut back on alcohol, leading him to explore N/A beer alternatives which ultimately motivated him to produce a high-quality product that truly resembled traditional beer.

Starting without a background in brewing, Huffard learned through trial and error and sought inspiration from countries where nonalcoholic beers constituted a significant market share compared to the U.S., where it lingered at 0.3%. His goal was to create a beer that wouldn’t distinguish itself from its alcoholic counterparts, and he turned this vision into reality after years of development.

Best Day Brewing launched in 2022 and has quickly made a name for itself as one of the fastest-growing nonalcoholic craft beer brands in the U.S. Currently, it is available in nearly every state, reflecting a broader trend toward health and wellness, particularly among millennials, many of whom are re-evaluating their drinking habits as they start families.

Looking forward, Huffard is excited about upcoming products, including a Mexican lager with lime and sea salt, and collaborations with environmental organizations like the Surfrider Foundation. He emphasizes that nonalcoholic beer consumers are not necessarily opting for sobriety; instead, they are seeking varied choices in their drinking options to enjoy life fully regardless of the occasion.

For those interested in trying Best Day Brewing, their products can be found at various retailers in the Bay Area, including Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and others.