The rise of zero alcohol
Whether you're participating in Dry July, are a designated driver, or prefer to go alcohol-free, there’s no shortage of delicious non-alcoholic beverages available for your enjoyment at a number of venues in the Sutherland Shire.
According to IWSR, no alcohol is growing faster than alcohol, with low and zero-alcohol drinks forecast to grow by 16% by 2024. In Australia, 31% of Australian consumers now buy zero-alcohol products, and thanks to product innovation, this percentage is only growing.
This growth is predominantly led by zero-alcohol beer and ciders, making up 70% of zero-alcohol drinks consumed. While the growth rate for these drinks is slowing, craft brewers have started to make their mark in the industry, and this is helping to generate increased investment in the category.
Zero-alcohol wine, spirits, and RTDs are also a growing niche in the zero-alcohol industry.
So, what’s driving this trend?
The consumer base driving this trend is predominantly made up of young people, with Millenials born between 1981 and 1996 making up the largest consumer base for zero-alcohol drinks. Younger generations are displaying a greater focus on health and well-being than previous generations, and the rise of zero alcohol is a product of this cultural shift.
Product innovation is also a significant driver for the rise in zero alcohol, with the ability to not only create drinks that taste great but replicate the taste of popular alcoholic beverages, in particular beer, without the need for alcohol. There has been significant investment in the technology and product development in the zero alcohol space that is making this possible.
What are the benefits of non-alcoholic drinks?
There are a variety of health and lifestyle benefits of zero-alcohol drinks that make them an ideal drink option over alcohol in a variety of situations. Some of the key benefits include:
The risks associated with alcohol don’t apply to zero-alcohol drinks, including binge drinking, injury, damage to your brain, heart, and liver, and negative impacts on your mental health.
Enjoy non-alcoholic beverages legally at all places.
If you are unable to drink for any reason, such as religion or sports, you can freely drink zero alcoholic drinks at any time.
They can be used to help cut back on drinking without sacrificing the taste.
Zero-alcohol drinks are becoming increasingly popular in pubs, bars and bottle shops, helping you enjoy a night out with the consequences of a hangover.