The RTD Boom Is Here. But Are You Selling Where It Counts?
Total RTD* = Seltzers / FMBs / Spirits RTDs / Wine RTDs
Source: NielsenIQ Retail Measurement | Discover | US ALC – Integrated | Total US xAOC + Liquor Open State + Conv
The ready-to-drink (RTD) revolution is rewriting the rules of beverage alcohol. Spirits-based cocktails in cans, wine spritzers, and low-proof innovations are flooding shelves—and consumer demand is surging. But here’s the catch: not every store can legally sell them.
As alcohol laws evolve, so do the risks and opportunities for manufacturers. A product that flies off shelves in Florida might be banned in a neighboring state. A convenience store in Pennsylvania may allow wine-based RTDs, while a grocery chain across the border restricts anything above 8% alcohol-by-volume (ABV). These aren’t just regulatory details—they’re strategic unlocks that can make or break your go-to-market strategy.
Until now, navigating this fragmented landscape has been a challenge.
A First in the Industry: The ABV Table with Low Proof Feature
NIQ’s TDLinx is introducing the ABV Table with Low Proof Feature—a first-of-its-kind capability that delivers store-level visibility into alcohol-by-volume (ABV) restrictions across Beer, Wine, and Spirits.
This isn’t just a compliance tracker, it’s a strategic unlock. With granular coverage across 15 key states—including Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, and Florida—brands can:
- Pinpoint where low-proof and RTD products can be legally sold
- Align launches with local laws
- Avoid costly missteps and accelerate time-to-market
- Confidently expand into new markets
Unlike broad state-level guidance, the ABV Table delivers actionable, store-specific insights. Whether you’re a global supplier or a regional disruptor, this feature empowers smarter execution, faster scaling, and more strategic growth.
Legislation Meets Opportunity: The Pennsylvania Act 86 Shift
When Pennsylvania passed Act 86, allowing spirits-based RTDs up to 12.5% ABV in select retail channels, it sent a ripple through the beverage alcohol industry. Brands scrambled to interpret the law, assess risk, and figure out where they could legally sell.
TDLinx is built for moments like this.
With the upcoming launch of the ABV Table and Low Proof Feature, manufacturers will soon be able to pinpoint compliant stores, align product launches with local regulations, and activate promotions with confidence—all at the store level.
This is what modern alcohol strategy looks like: fast, informed, and ready to turn policy into growth.
Amplify Your Alcohol Strategy with Connected NIQ Data
The ABV Table doesn’t operate in isolation. It’s designed to connect with other NIQ investments—giving you a full-stack view of the market.
- Link to TDLinx’s Market Table to find DMAs and MSAs with high concentrations of compliant stores.
- Overlay Spectra buyer insights to understand who’s shopping for RTDs and where.
- Integrate with POS data to track performance and optimize assortment.
More than data. This is decision-making fuel.
Seamless Access with Snowflake Integration
Speed matters. That’s why TDLinx data is now available via Snowflake, enabling secure, scalable access for cross-functional teams. Whether you’re in sales, analytics, or compliance, you can ingest ABV data effortlessly and act on it in real time.
Prefer Managed File Transfer (MFT)? That’s available too.
Why Alcohol Compliance Data Is a Game-Changer for Manufacturers
- Unique in the marketplace: No other solution offers store-level ABV intelligence across channels and states.
- High value to all manufacturers: From global beverage giants to emerging RTD brands, this data drives smarter execution.
- Connected to NIQ’s ecosystem: Unlock deeper insights by linking to Spectra, POS, and market-level data.
What’s Next for TDLinx?
NIQ continues to invest in expanding TDLinx capabilities—from enhanced alcohol compliance mapping to illuminating multi-format store relationships to new channels, such as airport to deeper integration with cloud platforms. Stay tuned for more innovations that simplify retail complexity and unlock new growth opportunities.
Ready to Lead in RTD and Low-Proof Strategy?
Don’t let compliance complexity slow your momentum. With TDLinx’s alcohol compliance data, manufacturers gain the clarity and confidence to expand into new formats, enter new markets, and stay ahead of evolving ABV regulations. Whether you’re launching a new RTD line or scaling distribution across states, the ABV Table and Low Proof Feature give you the precision to act fast—and the insight to act smart.
See the ABV Table in action and discover how Spectra buyer insights can amplify your strategy.
TDLinx: Store Performance Insights at the Local Level
A dynamic catalog of retail and on-premise location data that delivers a current view of the retail landscape – helping elevate store performance and market execution.
