1 in 5 opting for alc-free beer
The data, which polled more than 2,000 adults, from Budweiser Brewing Group (BBG) also found almost one in 10 (13%) of UK adults said they were more likely to go to a social event while not drinking alcohol if there were non-alcoholic options other than soft drinks.
Moreover, no-ABV beer was the second most popular alcohol-free option behind mocktails when people were choosing what they would drink at a social gathering.
Clear interest
BBG future growth brands director Marie Fukuura said: “There is a clear interest in no and low alternatives and as the category continues to grow, we are seeing more and more beer drinkers look to moderate their alcohol consumption without giving up beer entirely.
“As the world’s leading brewer, we are proud to bring people together over their favourite beers and want them to enjoy non-alcohol versions in a similar way – for a future with more cheers.”
This follows trade body the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) urging customers who are abstaining from alcohol to visit their local in January as 85% of pubs now serve alcohol-free beers.
Ongoing challenges
The BBPA said the figure has risen from 78% three years ago but now 39,000 pubs serve a low or no-alcohol beer, alongside a variety of other non-alcoholic drinks.
With the cost-of-living crisis and headwinds continuing to battle the sector, the trade body is encouraging people not to make the start of the year even more blue by staying home but instead, to come together, stave off loneliness and supports pubs at the heart of their communities.
It came as the on-trade continues to be hit by challenges after the third year in a row of disrupted trading due to Covid previously with the current issues of train strikes and rocketing energy bills and inflation hitting this year.
