UK: Record 18.2 million litres of low and non-alcoholic beer consumed in the UK over the past year
Brits consumed a record 18.2 million litres of low and non-alcoholic beer this year, while sales of super-strength brews fell into a major decline, The Grocer reported on August 23.
Value sales of low and non-alcoholic brews grew by £5.9 mln (20.5%) to £34.7 mln over the past 12 months, with volumes up 16.8% the highest growth in five years, latest figures reveal [Nielsen 52 w/e 15 July 2017].
Meanwhile, sales of super-strength beer (above 7.5% abv) were down £8.9 mln (11.6%) to £68 mln, on volumes down 12% a signal that, despite low and non-alcoholic beers accounting for just 0.9% of total beer sales, the balance had tipped in favour of moderation products, said Nielsen analyst Richard Harrison.
It was a positive step for the brewing industry and the government and councils who have sought to discourage the sale of high-strength lagers, he added.
The news comes as around one in five adults now claim to be teetotal [Nielsen]. Mainstream and craft beer brands have launched a raft of zero-alcohol lines since the start of 2017.
Heineken launched 0.0, a booze-free variant of its eponymous lager in March. It has racked up £1.1 mln in sales, picking up listings in Tesco, Sainsburys and Morrisons [Nielsen 52 w/e 29 July 2017].
Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn moved to cash in on a growing number of shoppers partaking in Dry January, rolling out 0.0% Innis & None days after Christmas.
Becks Blue-owner AB InBev has hinted at a further move into non-alcoholic beers, citing the UK market as an exciting space, last year.
Carlsberg, too, has highlighted non-alcoholic beer as a key focus, and aims to double the distribution of booze-free brews by 2022 as part of its Together Towards Zero programme.
Sales of BrewDogs Nanny State non-alcoholic ale rose £1.3 mln to £2 mln over the past year [Nielsen 52 w/e 15 July 2017].
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