The UK has been pioneering the no and low alcohol category: so London's Low2No Bev show offers the perfect occasion to see how the category is evolving. From functional drinks to new tech, we take a look at some of the latest innovations in the category - as well as seeing how fortunes are faring for some of the oldest and most established brands.
The UK has been pioneering the no and low alcohol category: so London's Low2No Bev show offers the perfect occasion to see how the category is evolving. From functional drinks to new tech, we take a look at some of the latest innovations in the category - as well as seeing how fortunes are faring for some of the oldest and most established brands.
Alcohol-free drink Sentia represents one of the most interesting recent launches in the non-alcoholic spirits category: because it believes it can replicate not only the taste of a good alcoholic drink but also the effect of alcohol.
Launched last year, it is made with a proprietary blend of botanical ingredients which make up its GABA tech: designed to activate the GABA neurotransmitters in the body and thus stimulate the relaxing, ‘feel-good’ sensation associated with alcohol.
Hailing for Switzerland, Rebels 0.0% offers a range of alcohol-free spirits. Rebels 0.0% gin, rum, amaretto, spritz and aperitif alternatives are inspired by the classics and thus offer an alternative base for long drinks and cocktails.
Janick Planzer, co-founder and CEO, explains the drinks contains typical ingredients such as juniper and botanicals in gin; and sugar cane molasses and oak bark in the rum. A tiny amount of chili extract is used to mimic the effect of alcohol.
Newcomer Bolle launched in June this year: with the low/no sparkling brewed drink designed to bring the same success to the low/no wine occasion as the neighboring beer and spirits categories.
Bolle has been made using new Zero Gradi technology created by R&D whizz Roberto Vanin, which seeks to overcome these problems to create a ‘new grown-up alternative to timeless sparkling wine’.
The drink comes in two varieties: Bolle Rosa (a delicate salmon pink colour, fine bubbles & notes of berries, blackcurrant, toast & herbs) and Bolle Ora (luxurious fine bubbles coupled with notes of apple, pear, toast & minerals).
Salcombe Distilling recently extended its non-alcohol spirit range New London Light, explains Howard Davies, co-founder. Aegean Sky (Mediterranean bitter citrus and olive) and Midnight Sun (wild Nordic coastal berries, pine and kelp) join First Light (classic dry juniper, bright citrus and ginger).
Bemuse has reimagined the world’s oldest brewed drink – mead – to create a non-alcoholic, sparkling, low-calorie drink for modern tastes. It is made using a natural fermentation process with only honey, water and yeast: infused with all-natural ingredients. It comes in four flavors which can be enjoyed on its own, paired with food or served as mixers with other drinks.
America’s Athletic Brewing Company launched in the UK at Low2No Bev last year: believing its non-alcoholic craft-centered beer can stand out in the UK’s increasingly crowded market. This year its building on its international growth success story with a continued push in the UK, Canada and Australia.
Shandy – beer mixed with lemonade – represents the perfect low alcohol drink, according to the entrepreneurs behind Shandy Shack, who have been going from strength to strength since starting off in 2018.
Shandy is already well-known and understood by British consumers (making it a much easier sell than other products in the low and no alcohol category) and hits the sweet spot in terms of alcohol-strength with 2.5% - 2.8% ABV, depending on the product.
For the main part, low and no alcohol drinks have found success with sophisticated, premium branding with muted colors and minimalistic designs. But Caleno has set itself apart with its tropical flair: and the Colombian inspired drinks brand is now one of the older and more established spirits in the category. Founded in 2017, the brand now enjoys listings in mainstreams UK supermarkets such as Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and M&S.
Today’s consumers want complexity and layers of flavors in their alcohol-free drinks. Having spent a collective 30 years foraging, exploring and learning, the duo behind Bax Botanics (founded in 2019) believe botanicals are the way forward in creating the desired palates in today’s non-alcoholic drinks.
“I love a variety of botanicals - I’d say a lot of my love of flavor is driven by scent," explains Rose Bax, pictured. "Florals and woody flavors are wonderful. We’re always experimenting: innovation is so important to us, it’s what we truly enjoy, and it is what is pushing the 0% ABV industry forward at the moment. This space is so exciting.”
UK non-alcoholic brewery Nirvana Brewery was one of the earliest entries in the category: having launched back in 2016. The brewery has been building up export markets over the last two years and recently enjoyed a successful first private investment round. In July, founder and chief executive Becky Kean was named as one of Management Today’s 35 Women Under 35.
UK soft drink manufacturer Britvic is eying up the potential of the low/no alcohol market: in particular how luxury mixer brand, The London Essence., can play a role in low and no cocktail innovation.
Copenhagen’s non-alcoholic scene is not so far behind London’s, according to Henning Kallesen, international sales director of Denmark’s ISH Spirits. And its products are now available across 15 European markets.
Founded in 2018, the company produces non-alcoholic sparkling wine, spirits and cocktails.
Drawing on a trio of key trends - booming cocktails, RTD and alcohol-free - Savyll Beverage Co. has a range of bottled and canned alcohol-free cocktails.
On show at Low2No Bev was classic grapefruit and tequila; aromatic peach and prosecco; refreshing mint, lime and Caribbean rum; and fiery ginger lime and vodka.
Founded in 1978, Bristol’s Butcombe Brewing Co. produces over 135,000 pints a week of traditional alcoholic beer from its Wrington brewery.
Like a growing number of brewers, it’s launched an alcohol-free beer. And it can justifiably call it a success: this year Goram IPA Zero not only won a Gold medal at the 2022 World Beer Awards, but was also named as the UK winner in the No/Low IPA Category.
