New research has found the hospitality sector is “behind the curve” when it comes to delivering on the growing demand for alcohol-free options, according to Everleaf Drinks and KAM.
Data showed while alcohol-free options are now widely available in the on-trade with 98% of outlets represented in the survey having at least one alcohol-free drink available, their visibility on both menus and at the bar is not so strong.
Statistics from YouGov showed while 16% of Brits identify as non-drinkers, only 6% to 7% of the population follow a vegetarian diet. Meanwhile, the menus in the on-trade offer a different viewpoint.
Not ‘clearly visible’
Each venue audited in the survey offered vegetarian options on their menu, with 37% of dishes on average being meat-free. However, only 70% of venues listed alcohol-free options on their drinks menu with just 18% of cocktails being alcohol-free.
Non-alcoholic beer was the most widely distributed (96% have bottles and 18% have draught) while other categories, such as alcohol-free spirits, were available in less than half of the venues audited.
Even when alcohol-free options are available, they are not ‘clearly visible’ in two thirds of venues surveyed, forcing customers to search for them actively and one in three of these venues do not include non-alcoholic cocktails in their menu.
Paul Mathew, founder of Everleaf, which produces non-alcoholic aperitifs, said: “Drinking habits have changed dramatically.
Showcased with pride
“People want to feel included and have access to high-quality, uncompromisingly tasty non-alcoholic options in bars and restaurants.
“It’s not enough just to stock them – they need to be clearly listed and showcased with as much pride as anything else on the list.
“Venues that embrace this will improve the customer experience and unlock a valuable and loyal customer base that’s only going to grow in the coming years.”
The report, which is titled ‘Raising the Bar: How the UK On-Trade is failing to meet the demand for alcohol-free’, used data from 131 outlets in London and Manchester, representing 3,832 UK pubs, bars and restaurants in November 2024.
