The figures from trade group, the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), revealed this is an increase of over eight million pints of no and low beer from last year.
According to the BBPA, this “staggering growth” is testament to the point that no and low is not just a fad, but a defining part of the UK beer and pub sector.
Last year, approximately 200 million no and low beers were drunk, which the BBPA said was the category’s most successful year on record, boosted by the sector adapting to trends and producing more options.
The growth of no and low is not just UK phenomenon.
The non-alcoholic beverage market alone is worth $1.4tn and is growing at a strong 7.34% CAGR (Market analysts Precedence Research). The Low alcoholic beverage category, while smaller is still proving popular and is worth $21.4bn a year (Modor Intelligence)
Despite the strong growth in the UK the BBPA has warned progress is being held back by the restrictive definition of “alcohol free”.
Currently, an “alcohol free” beer must be below 0.05% ABV, while the threshold contrasts with many other countries, who define alcohol free as 0.5% ABV.
Emma McClarkin, CEO of the BBPA, said: “No and low popularity is booming and the category’s year-on-year success shows that it’s a category that’s here to stay.
“Brewers and pubs across the country are already responding to this by serving up great new options which help people choose moderation, if they wish.”
She said that the industry needs the government to change the alcohol-free definition to 0.5% ABV.
“This will open the door to greater investment, keep us on par with international markets, and deliver even more options for people who choose to moderate - everyone wins,” McClarkin added.
James Rabagliati, Head Brewer at Nirvana Brewery, said: “Like any brewery, summer is peak-time for sales and the heatwave has had a very positive impact on ours, especially as some people are moderating their alcohol intake in higher temperatures.”
He added: “We’ve seen people either exclusively drinking alcohol-free beer such as our pils and fruit lagers, or ‘Zebra-striping’ where they’re alternating between us and alcoholic beers.”
Luke Boase, founder of Lucky Saint, who supports the call for ABV regulations to be changed, said: “When the sun is out and the football is on, people want to make the most of it and alcohol-free beer matches the occasion. We’ve seen a spike in sales of Lucky Saint, and it’s a reflection of how alcohol-free beer has become part of the way people drink today.”
According to BBPA in June and July 2024, the equivalent of 27 million pints of No and Low beer were sold, up from 23 million in the same period in 2023, and 20 million in 2022.
