The Portman Group has welcomed Lucky Saint as an associate member, making them the first alcohol alternative member company in our history.
Lucky Saint was launched in the UK in 2018 by its founder Luke Boase with a 0.5 per cent unfiltered lager product. Since then, it’s become one of the most recognised and popular alcohol alternative brands, now featuring on draught in over 1250pubs in the UK and expanding their range to include a 0.5 per cent hazy IPA in January 2024.
"The Portman Group has long been an advocate of the low-and-no category, as we know from our own annual research with YouGov that alcohol alternative products have become a vital tool for helping people to moderate their drinking and to reduce alcohol harms such as drink driving," said Matt Lambert, CEO of The Portman Group.
Lucky Saint join Coca-Cola GB and Punch Pubs, the first dedicated UK pub company, who are also associate members. Suntory Global Spirits, who joined the Portman Group as associate members in August last year, have now become full members.
The associate member category was launched last year to further increase representation across the entire sector, bringing The Portman Group’s overall membership to 21 companies from across the drinks industry – the largest ever.
The new associate member tier allows more flexibility for companies who are keen to engage with and support the work of the Portman Group whilst tailoring the commitment level that is best suited to them. Associate members receive access to the latest alcohol news, policy summaries, insight into research, rapid 24-hour product advice and free Code training.
Luke Boase, Founder of Lucky Saint, said: “The Portman Group has long championed the growth of alcohol-free options, setting the standard for responsible marketing across our industry as the category continues to grow rapidly.
“We're incredibly proud to become the first dedicated alcohol-free member of the Portman Group, ensuring that brands like Lucky Saint – and the alcohol-free category as a whole – continue to be represented.
“Together we look forward to working with the Portman Group to help to shape the future of the industry moving forward, showcasing the positive role alcohol-free can play for individuals and the industry.”
Matt Lambert added, “We are thrilled to welcome Lucky Saint as our newest associate member, not to mention our first alcohol alternative member. As low and no products continue to grow in popularity it’s more important than ever for our membership to include this representation, and for both categories to work in partnership to market their products responsibly and be leaders in best practice across the drinks industry.”
“We’re also delighted to have Suntory Global Spirits becoming a full member, thereby demonstrating their commitment to responsible business practices”
