#Non-Alcoholic Beverage Report

[mohitbisresearch]

The global non-alcoholic beverage market is projected to reach $3,805.4 billion by 2034 from $1,698.0 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 7.75% during the forecast period 2024-2034.

[ashimbisresearch]

Global Non-Alcoholic Beverage Market | BIS Research

The global non-alcoholic beverage market is projected to reach $3,805.4 billion by 2034 from $1,698.0 billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 7.75% during the forecast period of 2024-2034, according to BIS Research.

[eempyreall]

♪ 𝑆uper Soaker 𝑏𝑦 Ashnikko ♪

༺ Experimental Doll ༻

Oneshot ~ Female Bonten Trio x Female Reader

Summary ~ When you joined Bonten, you had no clue that you’d end up being forced to play as their doll.

Featuring ~ Sanzu Haruchiyo and the Haitani Sisters

This story should only be posted under eempyreall on my tumblr and ao3. Report if you see it posted under anyone else but me.

l apologize if I get any Japanese etiquette or culture wrong, I literally have to research the culture for some of my fandom stories so if anything is wrong, please excuse my ignorance.

Warning ~

You and the characters are 21+. Although I picture the reader as a black cis-gendered female, physical appearance will not be described at all.

Content within this story may not be realistic or factual.

I do not condone any of the behavior displayed within the story.

There may be dark content such as: gore, violence, triggering topics, graphic scenes, vulgar language, explicit content, sexual content, non consensual and/or dubious consensual content, etc.

That being said, this story is for 18+ only.

It is hard being the type of woman you are in this society.

It doesn’t help being surrounded by other women who fit into the various feminine archetypes—something you’ve always wanted to be included in.

You couldn’t help your background, raised by guardians who taught you to be overly independent without realizing the harm it may cause to the future you who wanted nothing else but to become a completely different person.

You tried following the beauty gurus, the social media trends, the videos that give numerous tips, but it never felt like who you truly are. You want to feel the freedom of living as a bimbo or a seductress. Femme fatale? You didn’t really fit into any of those archetypes.

When you joined the criminal organization full of strong, mentally unwell women, you hadn’t expected anything to change. In fact, you felt slightly better being surrounded by other dominant figures. You felt like you finally belonged somewhere. That was—until you met Sanzu and the Haitani sisters.

“You’re always so uptight, Y/n. Do you ever loosen up?” the younger Haitani says as she takes a sip of her alcoholic beverage, the black ink on her neck prominent. The front strands of her purple hair fall over her face, while the rest of her mullet is pulled back into a loose bun.

The pencil skirt she wears exposes her thigh as she crosses one leg over the other. Her back is leaned against the chair, sitting in the club she and her sister own. Her heels are set to the side of the chair, and her painted toenails are visible through her skin-colored tights.

You are sitting on the sofa in front of her, arms crossed, your suit tight against your figure. You frown at the younger sister before pulling out your phone and shifting your attention to the screen.

You are the designated driver, taking over Kakucho’s usual placement when the Haitani Sisters and Sanzu go out. Considering she’s assigned to a mission, she asked you politely to take over, something you have never done.

You’ve seen the way the sadistic pink and purple haired women act. They like to play with their prey purely out of boredom. They find amusement with others suffering. Although you’re in Bonten and have murdered people before, you kill swiftly.

They like to get ridiculously inebriated, ironically entrapping various men by stealing from them for fun or killing them after their hookups. They brag about the stories to Kakucho, Kokonoi, and Takeomi. You just so happen to overhear the conversations considering it was usually at the meeting table before Mikey would walk in.

You were envious of how masculine the women are and yet they could always switch. The men around you all flocked shamelessly to them, no matter how badly they were treated. They have the ability to use their physical features to their advantage, something you’ve never had the option to experience.

Ran sits next to you, her head leaning on your shoulder as her lilac hair falls gracefully down her back. You see the reflection of her purple eyes from the black screen of your phone when you press the power button.

“What the hell are you doing?” You question as her acrylics are set right above your breast, making herself comfortable in the seat.

“Awe, why’d you turn it off? Whatever,” she says as she sits back up, turning her attention to some random guy she brought into the vip section.

“Watch this,” she lazily smirks, mischief prominent in her gaze as she calls the guy over. When he arrives, she points down to the floor.

“Down boy,” she commands, taking the blunt from his hand before she brings it to her lips. The man complies like a robot and kneels in front of her, becoming her footrest as she puts her feet on top of his back, heels still on. She crosses a bare, slender leg over the other as she takes another long hit from the flower.

“Men are so pathetic,” Rin says, rolling her eyes as she takes another sip from her glass.

You look up to the right side of Ran as you watch the pink haired woman make her way over, laughing at the display in front of her, the scars on her lips curving with her stretched lips. Her bright eyelashes flutter as she flips her long pink hair from her shoulder. Her blue irises glare down at the man with amusement as she lifts her leg, the end of her heel pressing onto the back of the man beside Ran’s legs. Her hands meet her hips as she continues to push pressure against the grunting man.

Your eyebrows furrow at the weird behavior while you watch the man tremble. You don’t understand why he’s taking their shit, but you’re nobody’s savior. If he doesn’t want to save himself then nobody can save him.

“I bet he has a boner too!” Sanzu laughs as she repeatedly stomps the male’s back before Ran pushes him from the side with her heels, causing him to lose his balance and fall over, the top of his head hitting against the leg of the table in the middle of the seating area.

“Oh gross! He actually does!” Rin laughs as she slightly leans over to get a look at the man’s bulge.

“Of course he does. This is probably the closest he’s ever been to beautiful women,” Ran shrugs as she takes another hit before offering it to you.

The women’s eyes slightly widen as they watch you take the blunt and lift it to your lips, sucking a huge pull in before breathing in and blowing out a wad of smoke.

You give them a confused look at their stares before asking, “Why are you staring at me like that?”

“I’m just surprised that you smoke weed,” Rin says truthfully. Sanzu and Ran nod in response.

You shrug, “Then you don’t know me,” which is obvious since you kept it that way on purpose. All of the women in Bonten are too dangerous to be friendly with.

“Then let’s get to know you,” Ran says as she twists her body, shoo—ing the male away in the process as she lies her head on your lap. You miss Sanzu walking to the left side of you until you feel the dip in the couch.

“I have a proposition for ya. The best way to really get to know someone is if they are high,” the pink haired demon smiles. You give her a pointed look before shaking your head.

“Hell no. You are not about to have me fucked up. I’m driving all of us home anyway,” you respond, keeping your eyes on Sanzu to avoid eye contact with the woman staring up at you from below.

“I can drive,” Rin jokingly raises her hand. You roll your eyes.

“You’ve literally been drinking,” you respond.

“Hey, I’m a good driver. I’m used to being drunk behind the wheel anyway,” she shrugged.

“I can vouch for her, I’m always a passenger princess anyway,” Ran says as she plays with the tie of your blouse.

“Whatever. I’m not doing drugs,” you say before turning your attention back to Sanzu. “Especially whatever the hell you have.”

Her eyes widened with a blush glowing on her face.

“Hey! I have good shit, you know,” she crossed her arms.

“No I wouldn’t know and I’m not gonna know, addict,” you respond, causing the Haitani sisters to laugh.

Sanzu frowns at you before you turn your attention back to the blunt in your hand, leaning over and passing it to Rin.

Before you could lean back, your jaw is snatched from your left as your lips are forced to connect with softer, glossed lips. The bitter taste of lip gloss and another substance mix together on your tongue as you feel her tongue exploring the inside of your mouth.

“Oh wow!” You hear Rin say as Ran smiles in amusement before sitting up.

You feel Sanzu’s acrylics piercing your skin as you attempt to pull back, your eyebrows raised as blue irises stare into your own. When you try to pull yourself out of her grip, Ran snatched your shoulders, forcing you to fall back as Sanzu climbs on top of you, your head falling onto Ran’s lap.

Her knee is in between your legs as you taste a bitter substance dissolving on your tongue, grunting as you grab her shoulders to push the maniac off of you.

When she releases you, a string of saliva connects both of your lips as she moves back. You eye her with shock and anger as you sit up quickly.

“What the fuck did you just make me take you fucking bitch?!” You snatch her hair as your hand wrapped around her neck, pulling her closer to you.

Sanzu’s face heats up as she gazes at you with wide eyes, caught off guard by your approach. Soon after, a mischievous grin grows on her expression.

“I guess you’ll find out, huh?” She teased you before grabbing your neck, squeezing harshly as her nails prick your skin. Your grip only tightens back, both of you almost nose—to—nose as you glare at her. She only beams a crazed smirk in return.

The Haitani sisters glance at each other with knowing looks of amusement before Ran slides her hands over your arms until she reaches for your hands.

“Let’s relax a bit, yeah?”

Your eyes widen as you release your grip from Sanzu’s hair and neck. You gaze at the hands on your arms, a weird feeling bubbling in your stomach as your senses heighten. The colors of the room begin to slightly blur, the light rays beaming against the skin of Ran’s arm.

“W—what the hell?” You breathe out, jumping up from your seat as the effects of the drug take over your vision. Your heart rate accelerates as you stumble in your stance.

You fall back on the sofa as Ran guides your head back to her lap.

“How are you feeling?” She questions with curiosity, her voice sounding distorted.

You continue to stare at the ceiling, the different colored lights prominent in your vision as you feel warmth forming in your stomach.

“I—I don’t know.”

Rin stands from her seat to hover over you as well as Sanzu mimicking her from the side.

You get caught in a daze by their prominent colored eyes and hair, the pigments swirling together in a slow circle as your pupils enlarge.

A grin forms on Sanzu’s expression.

“It’s working,” she sings.

“Let’s really get to know her,” Rin smiles as she grabs your phone. She uses your face id to unlock the device before taking a shot of you and walking back to her seat to snoop on your phone, blunt still in between her index and middle finger.

The music in the background seems to heighten as you could hear even the smallest note along with the hypnotizing melody.

Ran cradles your head as she gestures for Sanzu to hand her a bottle of the alcohol that’s set on the table.

“Here, have a sip of water,” she offered you. You gulp a sip down after she set the tip to your lip, only to push it away as you begin to cough, the strong liquid burning your throat and chest as some of the alcohol spills on your top.

“She has a journal on her phone!” Rin gasped with excitement as she stretched her arm out for Sanzu and Ran to see the phone’s screen.

“Find something good,” Her sister responds as she loosens your tie, pulling it off of you and tossing the fabric to the side.

“Ooo, this sounds interesting,” Rin says after scrolling for a few seconds.

“W—wait!” You exclaim, coming back to a distorted reality as your gaze shifts to Rin.

“What is it?” Sanzu questions as she walks behind Rin’s chair, snatching the blunt from her hand and bringing it to her lips.

This situation would be more torturous for you if the drug in your system wasn’t so distracting. Not only is your vision playing tricks on your mind, but Ran’s fingers on your head have you stuck in place. The pleasure is overwhelming and hard to ignore, the touches on your skin causing a heightened response. It was hard to focus on one thing at a time. It’s hard to think straight.

After Rin reads the passage, Sanzu tsked as Ran cooed.

“So many insecurities, Y/n. Who would’ve thought you were so sensitive?” She teased as your face and body heat up.

“W—wait, where’s my phone? I need my phone,” you inquire as your hand meets your forehead.

Rin continues to read aloud the passages that she thinks are interesting or even scandalous such as: revealing your deepest insecurities, thoughts on them, and the people around you.

“I can’t tell if she’s jealous or admires us,” Rin chuckled after swiping the window away to snoop through your photos.

“You really think my scars are pretty?” Sanzu hovers over you, the ends of her hair prickling your face while she hands Ran the roach.

“Probably both. Either way, I like it,” Ran responds, taking a large hit of what’s left before pressing the burning end against your skin, causing you to scream in pain as you attempt to sit up. Sanzu blocks you from succeeding.

“I want you to remember this night everytime you look in the mirror, Y/n,” she says, her sultry tone raised slightly so you could hear her voice through your screams. She pressed different spots on your exposed chest before finally leaning over to toss the bent stick into the ashtray.

You couldn’t stop the tears from pouring down, the embarrassment of your exposed journal entries—the pain of the burn marks on your chest. The sensations were heightened from the drug.

Rin stood from her seat before walking to the opposite side of where Sanzu was standing.

“How about you become our personal little doll, hm? We can dress you up—play with you. Anything we want, whenever we want,” she says.

This was only the start.

As weeks went on, the women would dress you, do your makeup, force you to try on different items that they had bought just for you.

You didn't want to admit that to a certain extent, you enjoyed the attention. You’ve never experienced having attentive friendships with other women so it’s not like you had many encounters to compare.

Not to mention the attention you’ve gained from the men around you. Especially in the clubs. There’s been a couple of moments when either Sanzu or the Haitani sisters had to beat someone’s ass or shoot them for being perverted towards you.

However, there were moments that made you uncomfortable with their overbearing behavior. One memory in particular…

“This is fucking insane!” You struggle against Sanzu’s hold on your wrists, the fabric of the towel under you scrunching up as you squirm, bare legs shut tightly.

“Hey! Stop whining and spread your legs,” Rin commanded, her fingers digging into the skin of your thighs before using her strength to force your legs open.

Ran sat comfortable on the bed, leaning her back against the headboard as she swiped through your phone, something that you’ve screamed at them to stop, though they never listen.

You stopped writing in your phone’s journal and bought a real notebook because of this issue so there haven't been any new entries. You don’t understand why they continue to check your phone.

“Do you need a sleeping pill or something?” Sanzu questioned with irritation, pink hair draping over her shoulders.

Ran loosened her own tie, tossing the fabric to Sanzu who quickly tied your wrists together before pushing her head through the open space of your arms. She grabs under your legs before pulling them up and spreading them, causing her to lean back against the headboard with both of her legs on either side of you.

You almost cry in embarrassment as you watch Rin snatch the razor from the bed and the coconut oil. You shut your eyes tightly as you avoid eye contact while you feel her hand lather the substance on your bare pussy.

“Finally! You know, I wouldn’t have to do this if you would have done it yourself, Y/n,” Rin states.

“It’s none of your fucking business what my vagina looks like,” you hissed, your arms stretched uncomfortably as you basically hang from Sanzu’s neck.

“Have you forgotten your place? What’s yours is ours so if you don’t take care of it, then we will,” Ran states as Rin uses the razor in one hand, while holding a wet cloth in her other hand.

You’re exhausted from the constant use of drugs that they force into you whether with your knowledge or not. There’s been a couple of times when you have woken up in questionable positions.

In fact, there have been moments where you have woken up in one of their bedrooms—naked and confused with a raging headache and soreness from your vagina. Dreams that may have been memories playing through your brain.

“W—wait,” you groan, your hands grabbing the shoulders above you as your head falls to the side, eyeing the display on the chair.

Sanzu’s hair flips as she grinds her hips against the red, rubber cock inside of her. One of her hands grabs onto Rin’s shoulder as her head falls back. Your drug induced vision caused Rin’s smirk to appear more prominent, her teeth meeting her bottom lip as her hands grabbed onto Sanzu’s hips, guiding her.

You cried out, a rubbery shaft stretching you from below had your body tensing. Your mouth hangs open with your nose scrunched as your attention shifts to the lilac haired woman above you.

The devious smile stretches across her face with her heavy—lidded eyes, irises glowing through the pretty colors of the vip room. She has your legs pinned in place, scissoring her own as she grinds her hips against your lower region, the cock sinking deeper with each thrust as the head of it presses against your g-spot. Her pink nipples are hardened as her plump breasts bounce to the rhythm, your eyes blurring from the tears.

When you first woke up in Sanzu’s bedroom and saw that you and all three of the other girls were naked, you knew that something happened while you were high the night before. In those moments, you would begin to feel sick and dirty.

The more they dressed you with what they deemed as fit, made decisions for you—filling you up with pills, alcohol, and rubber cocks—the more confused you began to feel about your identity.

Who the hell are you?

There was even a time when you had a breakdown when you were alone in your bathroom at the penthouse you were given when you joined Bonten.

“Why does it even matter?” Rin questioned as her arms circled behind your waist while you stared at your reflection in the mirror, the warmth of her breath heavy on your neck.

“Dolls don’t need to think.”

“Y/n, I’ve noticed that you’ve been distracted from work,” Mikey states, half of her platinum hair pulled into a loose tuft while the rest falls just above her shoulders.

She sits with a leg crossed over in the chair of the empty meeting room as you stand to the side. Your arms are behind your back, fingers around your wrist tightening with anxiety.

“I apologize for my inadequacy, Boss. It won’t happen again,” you bow with respect.

“Some of the executives advised me that you haven’t completed most of your recent missions,” she states. Your eyes widen as you stand upright.

“Dolls don’t get dirty, Y/n. They do nothing but sit pretty,” Ran states while eyeing you, baton slung over her shoulder.

You are sitting on the ground of the warehouse with your wrists cuffed behind your back. Your ankles are cuffed together as well.

“I have to complete my mission! Are you trying to get me killed by Mikey?” You’re beyond frustrated with this whole “doll,” shit.

You hear a blood curdling scream following after a loud crack from the traitor who’s sprawled out on the ground. Rin’s shoe crushes the man’s leg into a disfigured position. Sanzu places the barrel of the gun inside the man’s mouth to shut him up.

“No need to worry your pretty little head over things that we will take care of,” she teased while patting your head.

“I’ve decided to demote your position as an executive. The Haitani sisters have offered to become your advisors for missions so you will be working under their command.”

You could only stare at your boss with wide eyes. You didn’t want to accept the conditions, but you couldn’t deny Mikey.

“What the fuck is your problem?!” You exclaim after slamming the door to the vip section of the club open.

You walk right up to the trio who stood with bored expressions on their faces.

“You lied to Mikey and now I’ve been demoted!”

“And you’re blaming us for what?” Rin crossed her arms.

“Don’t pretend you had nothing to do with this. I know it was you three!” You exclaim slamming a finger against her chest.

“You need to relax. The yelling shit is getting old quickly,” Sanzu scolded you, snatching your wrist from Rin’s chest.

“I’m tired of this weird bullshit. You don’t own me. I’m nobody’s fucking toy,” you crossed your own arms as you eyed all of them. “I don’t want to hang out anymore. You’re nothing but fucking weirdos who have control issues.”

Your head is forced to the side as you feel a stinging sensation on your cheek, blood dripping from your nose.

Your eyes are wide before you pull your arm back and backhand Sanzu, a grunt leaving her lips.

She quickly recovers with a reddened hue on her angry facial expression, blood dripping from her nose as both of her hands wrap around your neck. She squeezed your air way shut which causes you to claw at her hands.

Rin rolled her eyes as Ran watched the display with an unamused gaze.

Sanzu forced you to land on the couch, back against the seat as she climbed on top of you. You continue to struggle by attempting to peel her fingers off of you—failing in the process. You reach for her neck but your arms grow weak as the corner of your vision becomes engulfed by black dots.

The Haitani sisters hover over you. Everything felt suffocating—the glares, the hands around your throat, and the circumstances that led to this point.

You began to cough and suck in harsh breaths once Sanzu released you, your own hands grazing against the bruised skin of your neck.

“Why do you have so much fight in you? We could’ve gotten you fired and killed. Why not accept your position?” Rin questioned.

“Because it isn’t fair! You’re taking everything from me! My job, my identity, and my dignity! What more do you fucking want?” Your hands meet your head as your nails prick your scalp.

This isn’t exactly what you had in mind when you wanted to learn to release control and lean into your feminine side. This also isn’t what you expected for close friendship to be like. This entire situation has confused you and the drugs are taking a toll on your mental health.

You admired the women in front of you at first, but now you see who they truly are. It has been a truly confusing journey and you’ve realized that maybe you should have been grateful for who you were before.

Maybe you should’ve been more grateful for your freedom of identity instead of allowing others to dictate everything about you in desperation of yearning to be someone else.

Maybe if you had accepted yourself from the beginning, it wouldn’t have been so easy for someone to swoop in and manipulate you into becoming who they want you to be. You may not know who you are, but you know that this isn’t the ideal life for you.

“What have I told you about thinking so hard, Y/n? Dolls don’t need to think,” Ran reminded you.

“I’m not a fucking doll! I’m a human being! Are you mentally unwell?”

A hand snatches your jaw as piercing blue eyes embed themselves with your own irises.

“You’re whatever the fuck we tell you to be. You can either get that through your skull, or leave Bonten by dying from Mikey’s hand,” Sanzu hissed.

“I guess I’ll just have to die then! I’d rather have freedom than to keep living for other people!” You exclaim.

“You’re not gonna die until we want you to,” Rin says in response.

“Pretty girl, you’re mine forever,” Rin says as her face dips between your bare legs.

Ran rummages through Sanzu’s purse, the bag placed on the table. When she finds the tabs, she peels one out and drops it into Rin’s unfinished glass of alcohol.

“Maybe we should keep you drugged more often. I like it better when you’re begging for me to make you cum,” Sanzu chuckled, blood soaking her teeth as she smiled.

You were bent over on all fours, your face lying on the bed as you begged Sanzu to stop her thrusts. You had already orgasmed three times, the overstimulation becoming painful as she continued to use the strap-on against you from behind.

“You’re gonna cum again because I want you to,” she hissed, her fingers tightening against your ass.

“I think that’s a great idea,” Ran says as she squeezed your cheeks, forcing your mouth open as Sanzu held your wrists down.

Rin switches positions and uses one hand to press your forehead down to keep you pinned in place while using her other fingers to squeeze your nose shut.

You are forced to gulp down the roofied beverage as you shut your eyes tightly from the burning sensation of the alcohol.

“You’re so perfect like this, my pretty doll,” Ran whispered in your ear before her teeth met with your neck.

Your life is no longer your own…

But was it ever truly yours?

[alocon]

A Soulmate Who Wasn't Meant To Be [3] - Max Verstappen

written by alocon

Max Verstappen x Mercedes Driver ex! Reader

Note: Name and Part One based on the song A Soulmate Who Wasn't Meant To Be by Jess Benko

Chapter Summary: The new season has finally arrived and you already have some more celebrating to do

Warning: Fluff (calm before the storm perhaps?),

[The Masterlist] [Part One Here] [Part Two Here]

64.media.tumblr.com

A Soulmate Who Wasn't Meant To Be [Part Three] - MV¹

Getting drenched in champagne had never felt so good. As you stood on the podium, your teammate spraying you down in alcohol on one side and your ex-teammate on the other, you realised just how much you had missed winning without the anxiety of the consequences. You turned your champagne from the two drivers to Toto, who you got on with like a house on fire. You were determined to ensure that your new team principal would leave the podium absolutely soaked with champagne. George had clearly got the memo, as he turned his attention to Toto too, Max soon following suit. After your very alcoholic shower, you took the photo, before feeling a tap on your shoulder. You spun around to see Max smiling sheepishly.

Over the winter break, Max and you had spent some time talking, even going as far as to hang out on a couple of occasions, once to go to the gym together and once to eat dinner at yours together. Safe to say, the pair of you had gone from civil to friends. It made you happy. Max really seemed to be trying to repair your friendship and to make up for his radio silence after your break up all those years ago. 

“Sorry, what did you say?” You asked, realising you’d just been looking at him, instead of listening. 

“I said congratulations but don’t get your ego too high because I’ll be back to winning soon enough. Also, do you want to grab dinner at this restaurant nearby tonight, before we all get drunk? We all know we’re both lightweights if we haven’t eaten first.” You happily agreed. 

You laughed at the cockiness coming from his mouth, causing his face to twist into a grin too. You watched as he held his hands out for a friendly hug, which you gladly accepted, taking the opportunity to lift the champagne bottle from behind his back, dousing him in some of the drink that was left. He gasped dramatically, leaning down to get his, but you were gone the second his arms released you, sprinting away, champagne and trophy in hand. You passed the trophy to your press officer so that it would be safe before you bolted towards the Mercedes garage as quickly as possible. “I’m so getting you back for that,” he declared as you stood just out of reach in the Mercedes garage. And that he did. He waited until you were in the media pen, speaking to the sky news reporter when you felt a cold trickle of the familiar alcoholic beverage pour down your back. You didn’t even need to look to know that it was Max, having heard his soft giggle as he passed you, whispering a soft ‘see you later’ on the way. That made you roll your eyes before going back to your interview.

—-

“Really? I thought they weren’t together anymore. What happened?” Max asked, suddenly a lot more intrigued in the gossip you were telling him than he was only a few moments prior. You were both using the pre-party dinner to catch up on everything that had happened in both of your lives and friend groups since the split almost 7 years earlier. 

“Oh they did, and then they got back together, and then they split up ‘for good’ in their words because he was travelling in Indycar for work and she is in F1 so it was like barely seeing each other most of the time. And then they got back together and got drunk at a party and slept together without protection, and boom. Parents.”

He gasped, taking a bite of his food. “Got any photos of their baby?”

You nodded, getting your phone out to show him the photos of your goddaughter / non-biological niece. You had a lot of photos and videos because you babysat a lot when you were home in Monaco and spent a lot of time with them. “Oh, and Jamie moved to being an engineer in F1 now. Apparently, his contract with his Arrow in Indy was over at the end of the season so in a couple of races time, he came over to McLaren here to work. He said he wants to be with the two most important people in his life a lot more often”

“Awwe, bless her, she’s adorable. And that’s great! I haven’t seen Jamie in a while, it’ll be nice to see him again.”

“Pre warning,” you said, causing Max to look back at you. “He may not be super friendly straight away because he did sit in on a few girls' nights over the years so he did hear quite a bit of, I guess, shit-talking.”

Max swallowed the bite of food he had taken before shrugging. “Honestly, I completely get it.” He paused, looking up at you. “So, girls’ night, huh? What does that entail?”

Some would consider Jamie Bell to be “overprotective” just from hearing the fact that he went to girls' nights sometimes, assuming that he was being controlling of who his girlfriend could see. However, that was not at all the case. Jamie Bell and Rachael Hall met in school, becoming friends quite quickly and then entering a relationship. To say the pair were childhood sweethearts would be an understatement. You had met the pair on holiday in Monaco the year after they got together, becoming close friends almost instantly. They split up due to work being difficult however, luckily, they managed to get back together. When Rachael got pregnant a few months later, they moved in together. Pregnancy took quite the toll on her in 2024 and, as a result, she couldn’t attend some girls' nights. So Jamie tucked her into bed and when she drifted off, came along to girls’ night for the evening without telling her, catching up on all of the gossip and having a drink with us and then, the next morning, made a PowerPoint presentation to show her to catch her up on all the gossip that she had missed from over the previous month. And that's exactly why you adored their relationship so much. Jamie was never previously interested in the girls’ night gossip until Rachael was upset about missing out on the gossip, which meant he was there in a heartbeat.

The dinner was good. You went out to a little restaurant in Australia that you used to go to together pre-break up. You hadn't been there since because it was yours and Max's place. He felt the same, opting to never go there unless it was with you.

After eating, and Max insisting on paying, you both went straight to the club, having got ready before you went to dinner.

It turns out that you and Max had the same general idea. The club you were going to had a Red theme, including red lights, so what better to do than wear red, match the lighting.

You wore a red slim fitting, thin strapped mini dress, a leather jacket and black knee high boots. You had a dark red glittery smoky eye and red stained lips with some red lip gloss on. Similarly, Max was wearing a dark red dress shirt and black dress pants.

Upon turning up to the party, it didn't take long for you to be dragged away, Lando claiming you weren't drunk enough for his liking so opting to change that. You waved goodbye to Max as he was similarly dragged away by Charles. So that's how you ended up absolutely pissed a few hours later, having spent an unhealthy amount of time doing shots with the younger British McLaren driver, your teammate, and your wife's boyfriend (also known as Alex). 

You were dragged away from the group for the 6th time tonight to be pulled away to dance with someone. Turning around, you saw Lewis grinning at you. “I haven't seen you in ages, congratulations on your win,” he said to you as you danced together in the corner of the room. 

“Thank you, Lew. I'm sorry your race didn't go as planned today.”

Lewis shrugged. It was something that had been completely out of his control. When he was lapping Nico Hulkenberg earlier, Lewis being up in 3rd place at the time, Nico’s breaks had failed and the pair had collided, taking them both out of the race. “There's always the next race, aye?” You nodded in response to him as he spoke. It was a shame, really. However, seeing as Charles came 4th, Ferrari were seeming really strong this year. He had only been behind George by a few tenths, basically having had a drag race to the finish line, George luckily coming third place. You finished up your conversation with Lewis when you spotted your team principal across the room, causing you to head over to see him and his beautiful, kind wife Susie. 

You joined them in the booth they sat in, George soon following suit, along with a few mechanics and members of the team. You were happy. For the first time since you had joined Red Bull all those years back, you had a team who unconditionally supported you. Your race engineer, who had been one of your main supporters in Red Bull, was one of the only 3 members of the Red Bull team that you told about your move before Abu Dhabi.

You told him because, with Lewis and Bono's move to Ferrari, you couldn't imagine anyone more fitting to do the move with you. And, of course, he had happily complied. 

[February 2024]

“BG!” You said happily, seeing him walk into the quiet, small café in Monaco that you had invited him to. Benjamin Green. Nicknamed BG/BeeGee in your debut season of F1 when he became your race engineer because his favourite song is More Than A Woman by the Bee Gees. 

“Hey, kiddo, what's up?” It was kind of amusing that he called you kiddo, considering that he was only 3 years older than you. Becoming your race engineer when you were 17 and he was 21, fresh out of university (his birthday was before the start of the season). He was your first and only race engineer and you, honestly, couldn't imagine having another one. He saw how Red Bull treated you and so he made it his goal to make you feel a lot less lonely in that team along with your press officer and your trainer. 

“We're just waiting for Gem and Kai now,” you said, and it didn’t take long for them to turn up.

Malachi Alexander was the first to walk in. He had been your trainer since 2021, after your old trainer left for another championship, due to it meaning that he would be away from his family for less time. Soon after that, Gem arrived. Jemimah Akhurst had been your Press Officer since 2017 and was also your friend since you were 16. They both sat at the table. No-one said anything until after they had got their drinks. “What’s going on? Why have we been called here?”

“I’m leaving Red Bull at the end of the season and I’m going to Mercedes.”

Kai looked at you, shock on his face as he hadn’t expected that. Despite everything, he hadn’t expected you to leave Red Bull because he knew how loyal you were to your teams. You had even found it difficult to leave Sauber for Red Bull… well, until Charles threatened to “make you regret being born” if you didn’t take this once in a lifetime opportunity. “So… I won’t be your Race Engineer anymore?” BG asked. He sounded kind of sad when he said it. You looked at him, noticing the kind of sad look on his face.

You placed your hand on his comfortingly before removing it to speak again. You took a sip of your drink. “A few of Lewis’ lot are going with him, including one of the press officers, Angela and Bono. That means that there are 3 openings at Mercedes which, coincidentally, are all three of your job roles and, after talking to Toto, they are more than willing to hire all three of you with better pay and benefits than you get at Red Bull.” It didn’t take much for them to agree.

—-

“You know,” you said to Max as you both sat in silence outside of the club, both completely drunk out of your minds. He turned to look at you. “I always used to question why you never stood up for me when Helmut and Christian were berating me for not giving you a place.” You paused, looking at him and then looking back at your hands when you saw his eyes already on you. “I know that you had absolutely no obligation to but, seeing as I stood up for you, and you stood up for others, I wondered if maybe one day you would stand up for me too. It kind of hurt in a way when you didn’t. I know it shouldn’t have but… I don’t know.” You chuckled softly, running your hand through your hair. You didn’t really have a filter when you were drunk. “I’m not mad about it anymore. I think, at least. I’m trying not to be. My therapist is still yet to open that bucket of worms.”

“You know, I always regretted not treating you better. We would’ve been together 14 years if I hadn’t been an idiot.” Max leant his head on your shoulder as you began to talk quietly, not saying much but, when you did, it was heartfelt, emotional, meaningful. “When did you start doing therapy? If it’s okay to ask.”

“The start of 2019.”

“Was it… because of the breakup?” His voice was quieter now, his tone indicating that it was okay not to answer if you didn’t want to.

“No. It was because of something else.”

“Is it okay to ask what?”

You shrugged, leaning your head on top of his. “That’s a conversation I’m only willing to have when I’m sober.”

-The End-

[Word Count - 2,361]

Hi All, It's official!! This story will now be becoming a story/series!! That means that I am planning on uploading more parts. I am unsure how long this story will be but I know for a fact that there will be a couple more chapters coming up in the near future. If you wish to be on the taglist, please do let me know. Have a good day x Alocon

[contentloadingandstuff]

Dance To Forget - Nilou x Male!Reader

CW: Male!Reader, Modern AU.

You stretch out your hand, and Nilou grabs it firmly. Your bicep tenses as she lifts herself up on the roof with your help. She dusts off her pants and straightens out her hoodie. She pushes her hands into her pockets. You walk towards the edge, and hop onto the sheet metal. Nilou soon follows. You take the backpack off your shoulders and place it next to you. You unzip it and take out two glass bottles. Nilou stretches her arm, and you hand her one of the beers. After two moves with the opener, both of you take your first sips. While your face remains unphased, Nilou’s twists.

You chuckle. “Bitter?”

“Yeah.” She nods. 

“The only other non-alcohol option was the fruit one, but it had a lot of sugar.” You gently pinch her stomach, making her giggle. “And I don’t think I could put up with your moaning, princess!”

You share a laugh, followed by another gulp of the beverage.

“The moon looks so beautiful today…” Nilou smiles, looking up at the silver shield of the full moon.

“Mhm.”

A moment of silence. Nilou starts swinging her legs back and forth.

“Why do you dance, Y/N?” 

You look at her with a hint of surprise. “Why?”

She shakes her head. “Just curious. I dance because I see beauty in it, I see art. The dance of Sabzeruz is hard, but it’s mesmerizing when done correctly. It’s my goal, and I know it will be worth it in the end.”

“That’s a beautiful motivation, my love.” You look down at your hands. “I dance to… forget.”

“Forget?”

“It’s a long story.”

Nilou falls silent and looks down at the empty street as well. 

“I don’t want to spoil the mood, you know? We’ve had fun today, and I would really like to end it on a positive note as well. And… This would look like I’m whining about how awful my life is.”

She places her small hand on your thigh. “I’m here for you if you need to talk, Y/N. Please remember that.”

“I lied to you Nilou. My parents didn’t leave for Fontaine. They are dead.”

“I… I’m sorry to hear that.” She averts her eyes again, unsure of how to react.

“They died when I was 15 in a car accident. They were visiting friends in Liyue when the car skidded on the wet asphalt. My dad tried to take back control, but it was too late. They changed lanes and collided with another car head on. Nobody survived. Nobody came to the hospital to ask for them. Nobody notified me of what happened. I saw it in the news. Two corpses, head on collision. My car’s license plates in full view. The reporter said that the driver of the other car survived, but the man and woman inside mine didn’t. It’s funny… I didn’t think at any point that one day those accident reports of random people would actually feature someone I knew. I didn’t know what to do. My entire world just collapsed. All day the young me was hyped up for their return, eager to tell all about the frankly uneventful day at school, filled with mostly relationship drama. And now I couldn’t, because they were dead. I just stood there for a solid while, my mind still processing what just occurred. Most people would scream, punch things, swear at the gods for the tragedy they allowed to happen. I just… danced, you know? I moved randomly at first, but soon I started repeating every dance move I saw in music videos or television. I danced to not think. And I succeeded. At some point I passed out from crying and exhaustion, only to be soon woken up by knocks on my door. It was my grandma. She lived just down the street, and came in to stay with me. And she did, until she died three years later, leaving me completely alone. Since the first instance I danced daily, and it was her who convinced me to take real classes.”

Nilou is staring down in silence. The darkness prevents you from seeing her reaction.

“So yeah. I dance to forget. Forget about loneliness, about happy memories turned painful, about death and random chance.”

She suddenly throws herself at you, wrapping you in a bone crushing hug. You can feel her shaking and your ears pick up the sound of soft sobbing. 

“I’m sorry Y/N. I’m so, so sorry…”

“Don’t worry, Nilou. It’s over now. I’m no longer alone.’

You tighten the hug.

“Now I have you.”

Thanks for reading!

[head-post]

UK consumer prices rose by 2.6% in November

Consumer prices in the UK in November rose by 2.6% in annual terms, reported the country’s National Statistics Office (ONS).

Inflation thus accelerated from 2.3% in October and became the highest for eight months. Analysts polled by Trading Economics had also forecast an increase of 2.6 per cent on average.

The most significant increases in November were in the cost of recreation and leisure (up 3.6%), housing and utilities (up 3%), and food and non-alcoholic beverages (up 2%). Transport services fell in price by 0.9%.

Consumer prices in Britain increased by 0.1% in November compared to the previous month, while in October they increased by 0.6%.

Prices excluding the cost of food, alcohol, tobacco and energy (core inflation, CPI Core) increased by 3.5% in annual terms and did not change over the month. In October, the increases were 3.3% and 0.4%, respectively.

Retail price increases (RPI) accelerated last month to 3.6% annualised from October’s 3.4%. It is this indicator that is used by British employers when negotiating wages. The difference in the dynamics of the CPI and RPI indices is due to the inclusion of housing costs in the RPI, as well as the different weighting of airfares, insurance and petrol prices.

Read more HERE

[rabbitcruiser]

Dinner in Kelowna

A non-alcoholic mixed drink (also known as virgin cocktail, temperance drink, "zero proof" drink[citation needed] or mocktail) is a cocktail-style beverage made without alcohol.

Non-alcoholic mixed drinks date back to when cocktails emerged, appearing as "temperance drinks" in the first American cocktail books, including Jerry Thomas's Bar-Tenders Guide (1862). Merriam-Webster cites the first mention of "mocktail" as appearing in 1916.

While the name of the non-alcoholic drink, as well as its style, has evolved over time, it is often a reflection of cocktail culture at large. The 1980s saw the resurgence of a mocktail movement with often sugary drinks. Following the sophistication of cocktail culture of the 2000s, the zero proof drink also became more refined.

In the 2000s, non-alcoholic drinks became popular enough to find their place on cocktail menus in many restaurants and bars, especially temperance bars. According to Mintel, alcohol-free mixed drinks grew 35% as a beverage type on the menus of bars and restaurants from 2016 to 2019 in the US. In 2019, "The Providence Journal" reported that there were at least 4 bars in New York City that served mocktails only.

Zero proof drinks can be made in the style of classic cocktails, like a non-alcoholic gimlet, or can represent a new style of drink altogether. The popularity of drinking abstinence programs like Dry January, coinciding with the rise of the health and wellness culture has pushed non-alcoholic drinks to wider acceptance. Like the vegetarian food movement or the popularity of oat milk, zero proof drinks are now seen as valid choices for all types of drinkers.

Source: Wikipedia

[tettaki]

Confidential Employment Agreement.

Position: Bottle Girl (Part time)

Location: Vanilla Unicorn Gentleman's Club

Effective Date: TBD

Employee Name: Daisy Kennedy

Employer: Vanilla Unicorn, Inc.

1. Position and Responsibilities

1.1 Role Description: As a Bottle Girl, you will be responsible for providing exceptional customer service, delivering alcoholic beverages, and enhancing the overall guest experience at Vanilla Unicorn. Your specific duties include:

Delivering bottle service to VIP tables.

Ensuring all drink orders are served promptly and correctly.

Providing a welcoming and engaging atmosphere for customers.

Counting and handling all monetary transactions related to your service.

1.2 Confidentiality and Discretion: During your employment, you may witness activities or conversations of a private or sensitive nature. You are required to maintain absolute confidentiality regarding any and all activities, individuals, or operations within Vanilla Unicorn. This includes, but is not limited to:

Keeping silent about any observed activities that may be deemed unlawful, unethical, or unsavory.

Avoiding discussions with external parties, including but not limited to media, law enforcement, or competitors, regarding any matters witnessed during your employment.

2. Financial Responsibilities

2.1 Handling of Payments: You will be responsible for managing financial transactions, including the counting and reconciliation of cash payments, which may include sums derived from diverse sources. Discrepancies or losses must be reported immediately to management.

2.2 Security and Reporting: Any discrepancies in financial transactions or unusual activities must be reported directly to your immediate supervisor or the designated security personnel. Failure to do so will be considered a breach of contract.

3. Code of Conduct

3.1 Professionalism: You are expected to maintain a professional demeanor at all times. Any conduct that could damage the reputation of Vanilla Unicorn will result in immediate disciplinary action.

3.2 Loyalty: Your loyalty to Vanilla Unicorn is paramount. Any communication, collaboration, or fraternization with competitors or external parties without explicit permission from management is prohibited.

4. Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure

4.1 Non-Disclosure Agreement: By signing this contract, you agree not to disclose any confidential information acquired during your employment to any third party. This obligation extends indefinitely beyond the termination of your employment.

4.2 Penalties for Breach: Violation of this confidentiality agreement will result in severe consequences, which may include, but are not limited to, immediate termination, legal action, and financial penalties.

5. Termination

5.1 At-Will Employment: Employment at Vanilla Unicorn is at-will, meaning either party may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice.

5.2 Cause for Termination: Immediate termination may result from, but is not limited to, the following:

Breach of confidentiality or loyalty.

Mismanagement or theft of financial assets.

Failure to comply with the code of conduct.

Because Kisaki said so.

6. Acknowledgment and Agreement

By signing below, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the terms and conditions of your employment as a Bottle Girl at Vanilla Unicorn. You agree to abide by the responsibilities and confidentiality requirements outlined in this contract.

Employer Signature: 𝒦𝒾𝓈𝒶𝓀𝒾 𝒯𝑒𝓉𝓉𝒶.

Date: 08/26/2024

Note: This contract contains confidential terms and conditions. Any unauthorized disclosure of its contents will result in legal and/or extreme or fatal disciplinary action.

@dreamingofdais.

[maximumwobblerbanditdonut]

Credit Sony Pictures Home Ent FR @SPHEFR Official Twitter Account. VOD publisher. TV series.

A dram with SH: 🥃 The Unfair Commercial Practices

When promoting (tasting), selling or supplying products in any country of the EU you must give enough accurate information to enable you to make an informed buying decision. If you fail to provide this information. You are in the category of unfair commercial practices: Misleading practices.

Misleading practices, either through action (giving false information) or omission (leaving out important information) such as not reporting that his whisky is not registered in the European Union because the trademark was rejected. In fact, there are obstacles that make it difficult to sell advertise or promote his products in the whole EU and actions contrary may be considered Unfair Commercial Practices.

In certain situations, it is acceptable to invite guests on stage to share their stories, and anecdotes, and engage in Q&A sessions. However, it is not fair to conduct tastings exclusively for average consumers under a rejected and non-registered name. This practice is considered unfair and therefore, it is prohibited in the EU.

Alcoholic beverage promotion in France is regulated by the Evin law. It prohibits promos that incite the public to consume them, and the most cherished dream of its fans is a dram with SH, who served as a waiter to a group of women, charging them €350 per person that included a generic Taylor Swift Friendship Bracelet for Fans, ( SH wore that bracelet during the convention) a little spices bag and a Sassenach dram 🥃 violating the European law 🇪🇺 and French law 🇫🇷 That Is Not a Good Idea!

All promoting alcoholic beverages must include a preventive health message, regardless of the use: “L’abus d’alcool est dangereux pour la santé” ("Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health")

@25sandrine25 X

It is worrying what some women may think when they do not drink alcohol or do not know how to drink it properly, with a lack of sense of self. In this specific scenario, a fan who was undergoing cancer treatment was present. It is important to keep in mind that consuming alcohol during cancer treatment can have harmful effects and even reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. Additionally, research suggests that women who are long-term cancer survivors may have a higher risk of their cancer returning if they consume alcohol. Despite these risks, SH still encourages women to drink alcohol.

At Landon, some of his fans breached European law and violated the Evin law in France, where the promotion of alcoholic beverages is strictly regulated. They must be so proud, by €350 they allowed themselves to be used for a particular purpose. 🙄

Posted 17th April 2024

#TheLandCon6

[melbmemories]

1978 Launch of Big M.

Big M flavoured milk was launched in Victoria with overtly sexy imagery of milk running down the cleavage of girls in skimpy bikinis. It competed directly with Coca Cola as a cool teenage drink. The four initial flavours were Chocolate, Banana, Iced Coffee and Strawberry, followed later in the year by Blueberry. The equivalent drink in NSW was Moove, launched the same year.

Big M was introduced in January 1978. It marked the beginning of branded milk products in Victoria after the Victorian Dairy Industry Authority (VDIA)had replaced the Victorian Milk Board. The force behind the innovations was Chairman Des Cooper, along with his marketing manager Peter Granger.

The commercial was created by the George Patterson advertising agency in Melbourne – then the largest agency in town. By March, it was reported that Big M had claimed 13 per cent of the non-alcoholic beverage market and had reached $1.5 million in gross sales. In 1978 the VDIA also announced sponsorship of the VFL Little League and the Big M Melbourne Marathon.

The soft drink companies reacted to the challenge, threatening to pull their fridges out of milk bars if Big M was displayed next to their products. Retailers had long sold products including cream and fruit juices from the fridges they rented from companies such as Cadbury Schweppes, but it seems the popularity of Big M had prompted a re-think. The Dairy Industry Authority promised to replace any confiscated fridges.

The campaign to promote the new product significantly increased overall milk sales, benefiting dairy farmers who had been going through difficult times.

The trademark was sold in 2000 and the brand was marketed by Lion Pty Limited which was, in turn, owned by Kirin Holdings in Japan. Lion controlled the Pura, Dairy Farmers, Dare, Farmers Union, Classic, Big M and Masters brands of flavoured milk in Australia. In January 2021, the Lion Dairy and Drinks business was sold to Bega Cheese, putting the brands back in Australian hands.

by Tony Beyer

[mohitbisresearch]

The Europe non-alcoholic beverage market is projected to reach $519.2 billion by 2034 from $299.2 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 5.67% during the forecast period 2024-2034.

[ashimbisresearch]

Non-Alcoholic Beverage Market to Reach $3,805.4 Billion by 2034: Key Growth Drivers and Future Trends

The non-alcoholic beverage market, includes various products like soft drinks, bottled water, juices, teas, coffees, and functional drinks is valued at $1,698.0 billion in 2023, is projected to reach $3,805.4 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 7.75% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2034.

[beardedmrbean]

Helsingin Sanomat carried an article asking parents how they felt about Finland's drop in Pisa rankings.

Pisa is the OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment, which measures 15-year-olds' ability to use their reading, mathematics and science knowledge and skills to meet real-life challenges.

Not terribly long ago, youths in Finland regularly topped the rankings, but results have worsened in recent years. However, Finland still ranks above the average.

Many parents who responded to the newspaper's call for opinions put the blame squarely on their kids use of smartphones, with some calling for a return to pencil and paper.

One Helsinki parent said that their child's school introduced a smartphone "parking lot" to store kids' devices during classtime.

"Surprisingly, the kids liked it right away. They said the whole school felt improved and that they could concentrate better in class," one Helsinki parent told HS.

The parent added that disputes about their kids' phone use have become the norm at home.

"The phone is like a drug and we regularly argue about how much time we can spend in front of the screen."

Such sentiments were shared by parents and an earlier HS article asking teachers how they felt about Finland's Pisa ranking collapse.

In addition, parents were concerned about their kids' dealing with mental health, larger class sizes, and that they were now carrying a heavier load in their education.

EU packaging bill

Business daily Kauppalehti reported that the Council of the European Union is to decide on disposable packaging regulations on Monday.

The European Commission's regulations plan on limiting the use of single-use plastics, particularly in the food and beverage industry.

This vote is crucial as the regulation will significantly impact the operational environment of the Finnish packaging and food industry, potentially affecting the country's bottle return system.

According to the Commission's proposal, 10 percent of all non-alcoholic beverages should be packed in reusable packaging in 2030, and in 2040 the proportion would rise to 25 percent. This would mean that items like milk and juice could switch from cardboard containers to reusable plastic ones.

The Finnish packaging sector prefers the European Parliament's position on the issue and considers it more flexible than the Commission's proposal.

There are concerns that the Council might diverge from the Parliament's view. Much of this hangs in the air depending on Germany's decision, which carries weight amongst the member states.

Matti Rantanen, the Director General of the European Paper Packaging Alliance, expressed concern that the Council's current draft, prepared by Spain, is more radical than the original Commission proposal.

Rantanen emphasised the potential divergence from the Parliament's scientifically grounded and material-neutral stance.

He noted that the current regulation, if passed as per Spain's proposal, could necessitate member states taking time to find a sensible compromise.

Despite acknowledging the Commission's commendable goal of reducing packaging waste, Rantanen urged for a more balanced approach that provides predictability to industries amidst the EU's extensive Green Deal initiatives.

Hockey safety

Tabloid Ilta-Sanomat highlighted that the unexpected impact a death in ice hockey had in Finland.

Former NHL player Adam Johnson bled to death after another player's ice skate blade cut his neck during a game in the UK. The Guardian described the tragedy as a "freak accident". Johnson's death has sent ripples throughout the world of ice hockey, even reaching a sports equipment manufacturer in Southeastern Finland.

"The whole thing blew up. 700 neck protectors were ordered immediately after the accident," said Iiro Partanen, owner of the Liiga Sport Wear factory in Imatra.

Before the accident, the company only received orders for a few dozen neck protectors per month. In the past six weeks, the factory has now produced a record number of around 1,500 neck protectors.

Article updated at 11:10 to provide more context for Adam Johnson's death including that he was a former NHL player and was playing in the UK at the time of his death.

[weepingbarbariansweets]

North America Non-Alcoholic Beverages Market Size, Share, Trends, Analysis and Regional Forecast to 2028

The non-alcoholic beverages market in North America is expected to grow from US$ 309.80 million in 2022 to US$ 435.88 million by 2028. It is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2022 to 2028.

Increasing Consumption of Bottled Water

 The health priorities of consumers are changing dramatically. They are increasingly replacing sugary drinks with healthy, nutrient-enriched beverages. Bottled water has gained immense traction among consumers in recent years. It is purified drinking water free from calories and artificial ingredients, making it a healthier alternative to other beverages. Bottled water keeps the body well hydrated and boosts the body’s metabolism. It acts as an appetite suppressant, which aids the weight reduction process. Moreover, it helps in cleansing the gut, thereby boosting digestive health. According to the data provided by Beverage Marketing Corporation (BMC), the consumption of bottled water in the US accounted for 15 billion gallons in 2020, up by 4.2% from 2019.

📚 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐃𝐅 𝐂𝐨𝐩𝐲@ https://www.businessmarketinsights.com/sample/BMIRE00027728

According to BMC, bottled water surpassed the sales of other packaged beverages by volume. People are choosing bottled water over other sugar-dense beverages, owing to increased health concerns. These factors are driving the demand for bottled water. According to a survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) in January 2020, 9 out of 10 American consumers wanted bottled water to be available wherever other beverages are sold. Bottled water is also gaining traction, owing to the presence of added minerals and other nutrients. Manufacturers of bottled water are also adding different flavors with fruity and herbal notes that are alluring a large group of consumers. In recent years, sparkling water is becoming increasingly popular among consumers as it is free of sugar, calories, and other artificial additives, unlike other carbonated beverages. Bottled water is one of the important categories in the North America non-alcoholic beverages market, and it drives most non-alcoholic beverage sales. The consumption of bottled water is expected to increase prominently in the coming years, owing to changing lifestyle of consumers and increasing preference for healthy beverages.

📚𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤 @ https://www.businessmarketinsights.com/reports/north-america-non-alcoholic-beverages-market

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐬

Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd.

Bolthouse Farms, Inc.

Califia Farms, LLC

Danone S.A.

Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc.

Nestlé S.A.

PepsiCo Inc.

Red Bull

SUNTORY HOLDINGS LIMITED.

The Coca-Cola Company

𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐔𝐬: Business Market Insights is a market research platform that provides subscription service for industry and company reports. Our research team has extensive professional expertise in domains such as Electronics & Semiconductor; Aerospace & Defense; Automotive & Transportation; Energy & Power; Healthcare; Manufacturing & Construction; Food & Beverages; Chemicals & Materials; and Technology, Media, & Telecommunications

𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫’𝐬 𝐁𝐢𝐨: 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐣𝐨𝐡𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭

[valiantwitchfestival]

North America Non-Alcoholic Beverages Market Leading Growth Drivers, Emerging Audience, Segments, Sales, Profits and Analysis

The non-alcoholic beverages market in North America is expected to grow from US$ 309.80 million in 2022 to US$ 435.88 million by 2028. It is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2022 to 2028.

Increasing Consumption of Bottled Water

 The health priorities of consumers are changing dramatically. They are increasingly replacing sugary drinks with healthy, nutrient-enriched beverages. Bottled water has gained immense traction among consumers in recent years. It is purified drinking water free from calories and artificial ingredients, making it a healthier alternative to other beverages. Bottled water keeps the body well hydrated and boosts the body’s metabolism. It acts as an appetite suppressant, which aids the weight reduction process. Moreover, it helps in cleansing the gut, thereby boosting digestive health. According to the data provided by Beverage Marketing Corporation (BMC), the consumption of bottled water in the US accounted for 15 billion gallons in 2020, up by 4.2% from 2019.

📚 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐃𝐅 𝐂𝐨𝐩𝐲@ https://www.businessmarketinsights.com/sample/BMIRE00027728

According to BMC, bottled water surpassed the sales of other packaged beverages by volume. People are choosing bottled water over other sugar-dense beverages, owing to increased health concerns. These factors are driving the demand for bottled water. According to a survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) in January 2020, 9 out of 10 American consumers wanted bottled water to be available wherever other beverages are sold. Bottled water is also gaining traction, owing to the presence of added minerals and other nutrients. Manufacturers of bottled water are also adding different flavors with fruity and herbal notes that are alluring a large group of consumers. In recent years, sparkling water is becoming increasingly popular among consumers as it is free of sugar, calories, and other artificial additives, unlike other carbonated beverages. Bottled water is one of the important categories in the North America non-alcoholic beverages market, and it drives most non-alcoholic beverage sales. The consumption of bottled water is expected to increase prominently in the coming years, owing to changing lifestyle of consumers and increasing preference for healthy beverages.

📚𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤 @ https://www.businessmarketinsights.com/reports/north-america-non-alcoholic-beverages-market

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐬

Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd.

Bolthouse Farms, Inc.

Califia Farms, LLC

Danone S.A.

Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc.

Nestlé S.A.

PepsiCo Inc.

Red Bull

SUNTORY HOLDINGS LIMITED.

The Coca-Cola Company

𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐔𝐬: Business Market Insights is a market research platform that provides subscription service for industry and company reports. Our research team has extensive professional expertise in domains such as Electronics & Semiconductor; Aerospace & Defense; Automotive & Transportation; Energy & Power; Healthcare; Manufacturing & Construction; Food & Beverages; Chemicals & Materials; and Technology, Media, & Telecommunications

𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫’𝐬 𝐁𝐢𝐨: 𝐕𝐚𝐢𝐛𝐡𝐚𝐯 𝐆𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭

[devotedlywingedtheorist]

North America Non-Alcoholic Beverages Market Leading Growth Drivers, Emerging Audience, Segments, Sales, Profits and Analysis

The non-alcoholic beverages market in North America is expected to grow from US$ 309.80 million in 2022 to US$ 435.88 million by 2028. It is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2022 to 2028.

Increasing Consumption of Bottled Water

 The health priorities of consumers are changing dramatically. They are increasingly replacing sugary drinks with healthy, nutrient-enriched beverages. Bottled water has gained immense traction among consumers in recent years. It is purified drinking water free from calories and artificial ingredients, making it a healthier alternative to other beverages. Bottled water keeps the body well hydrated and boosts the body’s metabolism. It acts as an appetite suppressant, which aids the weight reduction process. Moreover, it helps in cleansing the gut, thereby boosting digestive health. According to the data provided by Beverage Marketing Corporation (BMC), the consumption of bottled water in the US accounted for 15 billion gallons in 2020, up by 4.2% from 2019.

📚 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐃𝐅 𝐂𝐨𝐩𝐲@ https://www.businessmarketinsights.com/sample/BMIRE00027728

According to BMC, bottled water surpassed the sales of other packaged beverages by volume. People are choosing bottled water over other sugar-dense beverages, owing to increased health concerns. These factors are driving the demand for bottled water. According to a survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) in January 2020, 9 out of 10 American consumers wanted bottled water to be available wherever other beverages are sold. Bottled water is also gaining traction, owing to the presence of added minerals and other nutrients. Manufacturers of bottled water are also adding different flavors with fruity and herbal notes that are alluring a large group of consumers. In recent years, sparkling water is becoming increasingly popular among consumers as it is free of sugar, calories, and other artificial additives, unlike other carbonated beverages. Bottled water is one of the important categories in the North America non-alcoholic beverages market, and it drives most non-alcoholic beverage sales. The consumption of bottled water is expected to increase prominently in the coming years, owing to changing lifestyle of consumers and increasing preference for healthy beverages.

📚𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤 @ https://www.businessmarketinsights.com/reports/north-america-non-alcoholic-beverages-market

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐬

Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd.

Bolthouse Farms, Inc.

Califia Farms, LLC

Danone S.A.

Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc.

Nestlé S.A.

PepsiCo Inc.

Red Bull

SUNTORY HOLDINGS LIMITED.

The Coca-Cola Company

North America Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Regional Insights for Targeted Growth

Understanding the nuances of the North American non-alcoholic beverages market requires a granular approach, dissecting the region into its constituent parts: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Each country presents unique consumer preferences, economic conditions, and regulatory landscapes, demanding tailored strategies for successful market penetration.

United States: A Diverse and Dynamic Market

The US, the largest market in North America, exhibits significant regional variations in consumer preferences.

Health and Wellness Trends: The West Coast and Northeast regions are at the forefront of health and wellness trends, with a high demand for organic, natural, and functional beverages. Plant-based milks, kombucha, and cold-pressed juices are particularly popular in these areas.

𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐔𝐬: Business Market Insights is a market research platform that provides subscription service for industry and company reports. Our research team has extensive professional expertise in domains such as Electronics & Semiconductor; Aerospace & Defense; Automotive & Transportation; Energy & Power; Healthcare; Manufacturing & Construction; Food & Beverages; Chemicals & Materials; and Technology, Media, & Telecommunications

𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫’𝐬 𝐁𝐢𝐨: 𝐒𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐲𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭