In this episode of Shopify Happy Hour, Dan sits down with David Fudge, co-founder and CEO of Aplós, a brand redefining non-alcoholic spirits and cocktails. David shares the journey behind Aplós, from the art of mixology to crafting functional beverages that don’t compromise on flavor or experience. He dives into the growing demand for premium non-alcoholic options, why consumers are shifting habits, and how Aplos is positioning itself in this evolving market. We also explore the challenges of building a beverage brand, including: ✅ Balancing D2C and retail—how Aplos approaches distribution. ✅ Marketing in a competitive space—strategies that work (and don’t). ✅ Post-purchase experience—why customer connection is key. ✅ Authenticity in branding—what makes a brand truly stand out. If you're in DTC, retail, or just love learning from brand builders, this episode is packed with valuable insights on creating a premium product and scaling a brand the right way. Brands mentioned: Aplós Lesse Adgile Media Group Mixology Masterclass Lynnette Marrero The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks Barney’s Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Aplos and Non-Alcoholic Spirits 01:15 Exploring Aplos Cocktails and Their Unique Ingredients 09:05 The Role of a Master Mixologist in Non-Alcoholic Beverages 14:29 Balancing Flavor and Functionality in Non-Alcoholic Spirits 18:34 Consumer Demand for Non-Alcoholic Options 24:44 The Distinction Between Canned Cocktails and Bottled Spirits 28:35 The Effects of Non-Alcoholic Spirits 30:03 The Inspiration Behind Aplos 34:43 Building a Brand: Early Strategies 39:13 Influencer Marketing and Authenticity 42:39 Marketing Strategies: Hits and Misses 47:30 D2C vs Retail: Growth Strategies 52:03 Connecting with Customers: The Personal Touch 56:08 Rapid Fire Insights
