'What we’re seeing in hard seltzer now is less like a slowdown and more like the next phase' - Mark Anthony Brands president David Barnett speaks to Global Drinks Intel - Part II

‘What we’re seeing in hard seltzer now is less like a slowdown and more like the next phase’ – Mark Anthony Brands president David Barnett speaks to Global Drinks Intel – Part II

Last updated: 29/06/2026 at 10:29 AM

By Intel Reporter

17 June 2026

12 Min Read

‘In many ways, spirits‑based RTDs are expanding the overall space by bringing in new consumers and use cases, rather than taking away from hard seltzer. From our perspective, it’s less about a zero‑sum game and more about how the category continues to evolve.’

In the second part of Global Drinks Intel's exclusive interview with Mark Anthony Brands' president, David Barnett (below) sheds some light on the brand owner's approach to younger LDA consumers, its competition and the consumer trends that are coming to the fore in 2026. Head here for the first part of this interview Which lesser-known brands in your line-up do you have high hopes for?There are a couple that are building real momentum: MXD is resonating with a younger, more expressive consumer with higher ABV and bolder flavours, and Dillon’s is growing quickly with an emp