Beer
September 2022
The next big trend in beer is alcohol-free
Could the future of beer be one without booze?
It sounds like an oxymoron, but the rise of low- and no-ABV beer is one of the biggest driving factors behind the growth of the global craft beer market today.
Retail sales of non-alcoholic beer rose to $298 million in 2021, and the global non-alcoholic beers market is predicted to hit $43.6 billion by 2032, according to research by Future Market Insights.
If it’s been a while since your last experience with booze-free beer, you might be wondering what’s behind the pivot. One word: Wellness. Concerns about healthier living have many Americans cutting calories and drinking in moderation. Others, inspired by the “sober curious” movement, have eliminated alcohol completely.
Millennial and Gen Z drinkers, especially, are drinking less overall, with 22 percent of millennials in a recent survey saying they are reducing their alcohol intake. But although they and others want to experience the physical and mental health benefits of consuming less alcohol, they still enjoy the social aspects of opening up a cold one with friends.
To better reach this growing market segment, brands and breweries have been rolling out new and innovative beer alternatives that have the look and taste of traditional brews.
Thankfully, the quality and variety of low- and no-alcohol beers have improved dramatically since the days when O’Doul’s was the only brand in the game. From craft breweries to macro-lagers and within every category, there is a style to satisfy every drinker, many of which taste nearly identical to their alcoholic counterparts.
Smaller microbreweries have experimented with fruits, herbs and spices, creating unique blends that add interest and value to non-alcoholic beers. Major beer brands like Heineken and Corona have followed suit with immune-boosting, alcohol-free beverages packed with vitamins C and D.
Younger generations are especially eager to try these new flavors, so as more drinkers take a mindful approach to consumption, it will be increasingly important for your bar or restaurant to be stocked with low-ABV and non-alcoholic alternatives that are as enjoyable to drink as their boozy counterparts.
Sharing a drink is a tradition older than beer itself – and thanks to low- and no-ABV brews, drinkers and non-drinkers alike can continue the pastime of raising a delicious pint together.
Want to see more? Explore our diverse collection of beer glassware by downloading our beer brochure.
