The Leading the Way in No/Low Spirits report, produced by hospitality research experts CGA by NielsenIQ and non-alcoholic spirits brand CROSSIP, unveiled insights to help bars and suppliers achieve more growth in 2023.
Its survey of bar professional indicated two thirds (67%) had increased their no and low alcohol offering in the past 12 months, Even more (82%) said they will do so over the next 12 months.
CROSSIP founder Carl Anthony Brown said the report made it clear bars were rapidly expanding and improving their no/low alcohol menus.
He continued: “The days of a single alcohol-free beer in the fridge or spirit on the back bar are long gone, and no/low options now stand toe-to-toe with their alcoholic counterparts in the range and variety they offer."
Shifting habits
“Bartenders are the true purveyors of new trends in the industry, and we at CROSSIP are proud to be supporting them with this research." he added.
Nearly nine in 10 (88%) of bars now offer no or low alcohol drinks, the survey showed. A significant proportion (75%) of team members consumed those drinks personally.
What’s more, two in five (41%) of professional thought no/low spirts would see the fastest growth over the next five years, putting it well clear of other categories like beer (24%) and wine (23%).
The report also highlighted the benefits to bars of serving a range of no/low spirits. Four in five (80%) staff agreed their primary target for no/low alcohol were those who were not teetotal, and a similar number (78%), thought the category added new occasions to people’s drinking habits rather than replacing current ones.
Bartenders believes a no/low spirit and mixer should cost around £6.62 versus £7.45 for an alcoholic version.
Looking to the future
Furthermore, nearly a third (30%) of bar professionals thought the no/low alcohol category was the most innovative parts of the current drinks market.
Bar professionals were helping make no/low alcohol one of the most dynamic parts of Britain’s drinking-out market, according to CGA client director Dave Lancaster.
Alongside consumers’ rising awareness of the range of quality drinks available, it puts this category in prime position for more success throughout 2023, said Lancaster.
He added: “Understanding consumers’ needs, optimising range and innovating in flavours and serves will all boost bars in what is set to be another tough and competitive year.”
