IWSR reports that the market value of no/low alcohol products surpassed $11 billion last yea, up from $8 billion in 2018. Its findings are drawn from ten focus markets including, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, South Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States where no- and low-alcohol beer/cider, wine, spirits, and ready-to-drink (RTD) products grew by more than 7 per cent in volume for the year.

Growth is expected to gain pace with forecast volume CAGR of 7 per cent (2022-26), spearheaded particularly by growth in non-alc which IWSR says will account for more than  90 per cent of total volume growth.

Susie Goldspink, Head of No- and Low-Alcohol, IWSR Drinks Market Analysis said: “The dynamic no/low-alcohol category presents opportunities for incremental sales growth as consumers are recruited from drinks categories such as soft drinks and water.

“Brand owners have an opportunity to recruit non-drinkers of alcohol. As more people opt to avoid alcohol on certain occasions – or abstain from it altogether – no-alcohol is steadily increasing its share of the no/low category.”

Market research analysts, Future Market Insights, says that as the market grows, non-alc products are becoming increasingly sophisticated thanks to ongoing investment and innovation by manufacturers.

“Low-alcohol beverage manufacturers have been investing more in enhancing the taste, variety, and quality of their products, which has contributed to the market's growth. Over the past few years, manufacturers have introduced a wide range of low-calorie, fruit-flavored low-alcohol beverages that have attracted consumers," it says.

Future Market lists Accolade Wines, Asahi Beverages, Beam Suntory, Diageo, Heineken, Kirin and Molson Coors among the businesses dominating the global non and low-alc market and the UK's Independent has included three Australian wines in its top ten Best Alcohol-Free Wines list of 2023:

  • Accolade’s Hardys Zero Chardonnay
  • Lyre’s Classico Grande as Best Prosecco
  • AVL’s  McGuigan Zero Sauvignon Blanc

So, while Dry January has all but passed us by, for those of us looking forward to drying out in February, here are some home grown alternatives to stock up on.

Wine: NON - a premium wine alternative 

NON focuses on creating new and interesting flavours, balancing fruit, tannins, salinity, and acidity to produce the seven NON products now sitting in the range. These don't pretend to replace Champagne nor Sauvignon Blanc. They are altogether something new with flavours including, Salted Raspberry & Chamomile, Caramelised Pear & Kombu and Lemon Maramalade & Hibiscus.

NON's team of three Melbourne-based production experts are regularly roasting tonnes of fresh pears and beetroots, creating their own olive brine solution, dehydrating oranges in-house and steeping over 90kg freeze-dried raspberries. 

Founder, Aaron Trotman, says: “The ingredients are the unsung hero of NON, but overall we’ve created a look and feel you’d regularly associate with fine-dining menus. NON is indifferent to the rules and irreverent in attitude, resulting in a depth of flavour that’ll fancy any palate”, says Aaron Trotman, Founder of NON. 

Available here. Individual bottles priced at $30 RRP, a 6-pack $120 RRP, or a dozen for $300. 

Spirit: Four Pillars' Bandwagon - Bloody or Dry

Inspired by Four Pillar’s original gin, Bandwagon Dry boasts aromas of orange and lemon myrtle, with notes of spice and some warmth. This is a botanical-based, alcohol-free spirit destined for a booze-free G&T.

For a more citrusy drop, Bloody Bandwagon is developed from an alcohol-free base of highly concentrated Shiraz, with a range of botanicals such as the Tasmanian pepper berry leaf are incorporated, adding depth and complexity. Perfect with an orange tonic.

Beer: Vale Brewing's Super Session low-alc beer

South Australia's Vale Taphouse has released its first Super Session beer, the Sunset Ale with an ABV of just 1.75 per cent which it says "is bursting with Mosaic flavour with a Munich and Gladfield Aurora malt base, giving it a richness and complexity you don’t usually associate with a session ale".

Unfortunately- or fortunately - you need to travel to the new Vale Taphouse to sample the special release.

Bickford's acquired Vale Brewing in 2017 and Group MD Angelo Kotses says, “Our venues are focused on delivering the best of South Australia, whether that’s through our award-winning beers, wines and spirits, or through celebrating local produce across our menus,” said Bickford’s Group MD Angelo Kotses. 

“We are a proud South Australian, family owned business committed to investing significantly in the future of South Australian brands like Vale Brewing and cannot wait to see them continue to grow and flourish. ”

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