Award recognizes emerging brand in growing category Mark's Mocktails, a Frederick, Maryland-based alcohol-free ready-to-drink cocktail brand, has won the 2026 Beverage Incubator Competition at the Beverage Alcohol Retailers Conference (BARC), held in Minneapolis. The award is determined by a combination of judges' scores and votes from independent off-premise retailers. Hosted by EPG Brand Acceleration, the annual competition invites emerging beverage brands to pitch before industry experts and retailer audiences. Winning placement provides access to the EPG Beverage Incubator, which offers retail insights and national growth opportunities. "This award is incredibly meaningful because it comes directly from the people shaping the future of beverage retail," said Mark Mozier, founder of Mark's Mocktails. "Our mission has always been to create premium alcohol-free cocktails that everyone can enjoy without sacrificing flavor or experience. We're honored that retailers and industry leaders recognize the opportunity in the growing non-alcoholic beverage category."

Multiple medals underscore product recognition The BARC win caps a competitive year for the brand.

At the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) Access LIVE Tasting Competition, Mark's Mocktails' Mojito earned Best in Show in the Non-Alcoholic Ready-to-Drink category alongside a Double Gold Medal and a 98-point score. Spicy Pineapple Margarita, Paloma, and Cranberry Mule each took Silver Medals. At the Tasting Alliance San Francisco Ready-to-Drink Competition—described as the world's largest blind spirits competition—all four Mark's Mocktails flavors placed. Cranberry Mule earned Double Gold; Mojito and Spicy Pineapple Margarita each received Gold; Paloma captured Silver. The brand currently offers four flavors: Cranberry Mule, Mojito, Paloma, and Spicy Pineapple Margarita.

Why It Matters

As non-alcoholic beverages gain shelf space and consumer interest, retailer validation—the core component of the BARC award—signals market demand beyond traditional spirits competitions. For operators considering mocktail assortments, the consistent medal performance across blind tastings suggests broad appeal and quality standards that justify inventory decisions.

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Written by FBM Publications Editors