Building a Premium Non-Alcoholic Spirits Brand with David Fudge, Co-Founder & CEO of Aplós

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:AplósLesseAdgile Media GroupMixology MasterclassLynnette MarreroThe Big Leap by Gay HendricksBarney’sChapters00:00 Introduction to Aplos and Non-Alcoholic Spirits01:15 Exploring Aplos Cocktails and Their Unique Ingredients09:05 The Role of a Master Mixologist in Non-Alcoholic Beverages14:29 Balancing Flavor and Functionality in Non-Alcoholic Spirits18:34 Consumer Demand for Non-Alcoholic Options24:44 The Distinction Between Canned Cocktails and Bottled Spirits28:35 The Effects of Non-Alcoholic Spirits30:03 The Inspiration Behind Aplos34:43 Building a Brand: Early Strategies39:13 Influencer Marketing and Authenticity42:39 Marketing Strategies: Hits and Misses47:30 D2C vs Retail: Growth Strategies52:03 Connecting with Customers: The Personal Touch56:08 Rapid Fire Insights