The Rise of Non-alcoholic Drinking in the UK
12th June 2023
Industry TrendsIn recent years, a remarkable shift has occurred in the beverage industry, with an increasing number of people opting for non-alcoholic alternatives. Gone are the days when non-drinkers or those looking to moderate their alcohol consumption were limited to boring or childish soft drink options.
Today, a vibrant array of sophisticated and innovative non-alcoholic beverages have taken centre stage, capturing the attention of consumers worldwide. Learn more about the reasons behind this growing trend and how you can accommodate your growing number of non-drinking customers in this article.
In 2022, the non-alcoholic beverage market was valued at $11billion globally and non-alcoholic consumption is set to grow by a third by 2026. This rapid growth is down to a number of different trends;
Health and Wellness
One of the primary drivers behind the rise of non-alcoholic drinking is the growth of the health and wellness movement. The increased interest in 'clean living' is seeing people become more conscious of the impact of excessive alcohol consumption on their physical and mental well-being. Consumers are not looking to give up alcohol just for 'Dry January' or 'Sober October' but to have an entire lifestyle change, to drink more consciously. Non-alcoholic beverages offer a refreshing alternative that allows individuals to enjoy flavourful, crafted drinks without the negative side effects associated with alcohol.
As well as being conscious about reducing their alcohol consumption, consumers are also interested in reducing their sugar and calorie intake from their drinking habits. It is therefore important to offer a 'clean', low sugar and low calorie option for your customers that still satisfies. However, it is important to note that most of your customers are not adopting a fully teetotal diet but are just looking to moderate their alcohol intake.
As 71% of the consumers of these new non-alcoholic drinks still drink alcohol, it is it important to offer interesting and sophisticated non-alcoholic options. Your customers want to consume less alcohol without giving up their favourite mixed drinks or cocktails.
Keeping Up With Trends
Not only is the trend for non-alcoholic drinks linked to consumers being more health-conscious but also because they want to try something new. In the last year, searches for "fancy non-alcoholic cocktails" have increased by 220%. Your customers are always looking for new, trendy and adventures options to try when they look at a drinks menu. Non-alcoholic drinks can provide just this. Made using innovative techniques and with interesting flavours to offer, non-alcoholic spirits, wines and beers are very appealing to your customers.
Gone are the days when non-alcoholic drinks were limited to mundane options. Today's beverage market boasts an incredible variety of non-alcoholic alternatives that rival their alcoholic counterparts in terms of flavour complexity and creativity. Crafted alcohol-free spirits and sophisticated mocktails provide a sensory experience that pleases even the most discerning palates!
The surge in popularity of non-alcoholic drinks signifies an important cultural shift, where people are re-evaluating their relationship with alcohol and embracing alternative options. As the demand for non-alcoholic drinks continues to grow, we can expect the industry to further flourish, providing exciting new flavours and experiences that cater to a diverse range of preferences. So whether your customers are looking to give up alcohol entirely, trying to be more health-conscious or simply looking for a new and exciting beverage option, the non-alcoholic drink revolution has something exceptional to offer.
Non-alcoholic brands at Classic Fine Foods:
JNPR's ethos is to have a drink that is better suited for modern life, that can provide the same feelings as alcohol, without any other consequences.
The founder of JNPR, Valerie discovered that during the 17th century, distilled juniper berries and other plants and spices were reputed for their medicinal properties. Working with Flavio Angiolillo, a renowned bartender, they worked to find the best way to keep this tradition alive whilst maintaining excellent mixology properties even without alcohol or sugar.
Check out our recipe for a Non-alcoholic Negroni using JNPR BTTR here.
Sober Spirits is the world's first brand to create alcohol-free spirits from real spirits, creating a truly unique drinking experience.
After year of research and development, Sober Spirits have created the future of sugar and alcohol-free drinks. Their expertise in the spirits industry, control of process times and heating temperatures, and our selection of suppliers allows the company to offer the best products on the market.
Sober Spirits offers a non-alcoholic run, gin and whisky, perfect for making a range of mocktails.
Since 2005, Bordeaux's Maison Goubet has been making some of the finest grape juices. Using traditional and local grapes such as Merlot, Semillon and Cabernet and pressed straight after harvest (with no added sugar or additives)
Maison Goubet has created the essence of the Bordeaux vineyard, but with no alcohol. Maison Goubet is a family run company from Bordeaux and since 2005 it has been making grape juice from their traditional, organic old vines according to the standards of the Grands Crus du Bordelais.
Pressed immediately after harvest and with no added sugar or additives, from traditional grape varieties such as the Merlot, Semillon and Cabernet. Still the great quality you would expect from a Bordeaux vineyard, but without alcohol.
Maison Goubet recently won the Gold Medal for their Sparkling Semillon Grape Juice at the Trophée Epicures 2023, the most recognized prize for fine food products and drinks in France.
Check out our Beverage page for recipe inspiration, videos, blog posts and the full product selection here.
Take a look at our catalogue here.
