UK: Demand for non-alcoholic beer continues to rise

Demand for non-alcoholic beer continues to rise in the UK, with growth at 25% for the year to date for AB InBev, BeverageDaily.com reported on July 26.

Its beers in the alcohol-free category include Budweiser Prohibition and Beck’s Blue.

“We have seen demand for no alcohol beer continue to rise, with growth at 25% year to date and Beck’s Blue the number one beer in this category,” said Paula Lindenberg, president, Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I (which changed its name from AB InBev UK earlier this year).

“In the low-alcohol segment, Camden Town Brewery launched its new 3% ABV beer Week Nite and Bud Light is growing by double digits in both the on-trade (pubs and bars) and off-trade (retail).

"The growth of no-and-low alcohol beers highlights that consumers are looking for moderation without compromising their social lives.”

The world’s largest brewer is working towards a goal of having 20% of its global beer volumes in no and low alcohol beer by 2025.

AB InBev is not alone in reporting growth of no and low alcohol beer sales. Last week brewer and pub owner Robinsons Brewery said it has seen a 'dramatic increase' in sales of no and low alcoholic beers and ciders, with 2019 sales up 59% on the previous years. It says the success is due to the promotion of well-known brands alongside newer, lesser known brands such as Lucky Saint.

“Our managed pubs are up 209% with every one, bar two, in treble digit growth, and 75% of our tenanted businesses are in category growth”, according to Marketing Director David Bremner.

He attributes this to the introduction of low alcohol beer Heineken 0.0% on draught, using the new blade system.

“We need to keep this in context, but 3 of our top 10 packages beers are now free or low alcohol and they represent over 16% of packaged beer sales, which is way above the industry average.

"This is obviously influenced by the more health conscious millennials, but we are finding that groups of core customers are also switching on certain occasions, particularly for draught,” he added.

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