The AFicioNAdo™ Certification Program is proud to announce the appointment of Ashley Worden as Chief Operations Officer. This strategic leadership move positions the company to capitalize on rapid growth in the non-alcoholic beer/wine/spirits and cannabis beverage markets, as these segments continue to gain traction as leading alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages.
Ashley Worden joins AFicioNAdo™ after a successful tenure as Director of Finance and Operations in the cannabis industry, where she collaborated with AFicioNAdo™ Founder Meagen Coester to develop a robust beverage platform for a manufacturer. With her extensive regulatory expertise, Ashley will support the company’s mission to expand certification offerings among suppliers, distributors, retailers, and regulatory agencies, enhancing knowledge and compliance in these fast-evolving markets.
“We are thrilled to have Ashley lead AFicioNAdo™ into the next phase of our growth,” said Meagen Coester, Founder of the AFicioNAdo™ Certification Program. “Ashley brings unmatched experience in navigating operational challenges and regulatory landscapes, which is exactly what we need as we scale our certifications to meet the demands of this rapidly expanding sector. Her leadership will be instrumental in supporting industry adoption as non-alcoholic and cannabis beverages redefine the consumer landscape.”
Booming Growth in Non-Alcoholic and Cannabis Beverages
The global non-alcoholic beverage market, including non-alcoholic beer, wine, and spirits, is experiencing unprecedented growth as consumer preferences shift toward healthier options. The non-alcoholic beer segment alone is projected to grow from $22 billion in 2022 to $40 billion by 2032, driven by an increasing preference for alcohol alternatives that deliver on quality and flavors that match their alcoholic counterparts—without the intoxicating effects or unwanted side effects associated with overconsumption or chronic alcohol use, according to GMI Insights (https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/non-alcoholic-beer-market)..
In parallel, the cannabis beverages market- -which encompasses both non-alcoholic and alcoholic cannabis-infused beverages derived from hemp and marijuana—is expected to expand at a CAGR of 19.2%, growing from $1.34 billion in 2024 to $3.86 billion by 2030. North America leads this segment due to ongoing legalization and consumer acceptance of cannabis products, particularly as young adults seek out functional, low-dose options to replace traditional alcohol-based beverages, verified in Grand View Research industry report, (https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/cannabis-beverages-market).
AFicioNAdo™: Driving Standards Across Categories
Since launching in 2022, the AFicioNAdo™ Certification Program has established itself as a leader in alcohol-free education, serving some of the most influential organizations and individuals in the industry. BrewDog was the first international brewery to adopt the AFNA Beer Certified™ program, setting the stage for dozens of key industry distributors, retailers, and suppliers to follow suit.
With contributions from an elite group of industry experts—including Aaron Golston, Spencer Ploessl, Leigh Gall, Yael Weisberg, Antonia Fattizzi, Mirella Amato (Master Cicerone®), Dr. Bill Simpson, and Dr. Keith Villa—the company is expanding its portfolio to include the AFNA Wine Certified™ offering, launching in 2025, and the AFNA Spirits Certified™ exam, currently in development. These new certifications will continue to set the industry benchmark for education and standardization across multiple verticals, including cannabis beverages, which AFicioNAdo™ has delineated as a distinct segment.
“Having a leadership team with such a diverse and deep understanding of these evolving markets gives us a unique vantage point,” Coester continued. “Ashley’s addition signals a new era of innovation and excellence as we position AFicioNAdo™ to become the go-to certification body not just for non-alcoholic beverages but also for cannabis-infused drinks. Our goal is to provide the expertise and frameworks that help industry professionals navigate these burgeoning categories with confidence.”
Kurt Kaufmann of Seed Talent, the technology platform that exclusively handles the AFicioNAdo™ training verticals, adds, “Ashley’s leadership will be pivotal in scaling the certification program. With her focus on compliance, operations, and strategy, AFicioNAdo™ is set to elevate industry standards and become the go-to certification for professionals in the non-alcoholic and cannabis beverage sectors.”
Industry Recognition and Educational Resources
The AFicioNAdo™ Certification Program is also celebrating the success of its 2022 release of the world’s first manual on AFNA Beer—a comprehensive guide that sets the standard for training in this category. The manual is available on Amazon, reinforcing the company’s role in educating professionals as the non-alcoholic and cannabis beverage markets continue to mature and evolve.
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