'One in five opting for no-and-low alcohol beer'

One in five people would pick a non-alcoholic beer at a social event, claims new research, highlighting how a considerable portion of consumers are switching from alcoholic to non-alcoholic beverages in January.

According to a report from Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I, 19 per cent of 25–44-year-olds say that they will be cutting back on their alcohol consumption for January.

With dry January in full swing, non-alcoholic beer has come in second behind mocktails (34 per cent) as the top alcohol alternative people would choose at a social gathering.

Research from Budweiser also revealed that 49 per cent who plan to drink less this January are cutting out alcohol for at a least a small part of the month.

Additionally, 13 per cent of UK adults say they’re more likely to go to a social event while not drinking alcohol if there are non-alcoholic alternatives available besides soft drinks.

Budweiser has made significant progress to lead the category with its portfolio of no-and-low alcohol beer, including Stella Artois Alcohol-Free, Budweiser Zero, Beck’s Blue, Leffe 0.0 and Corona Cero.

No-and-low alcohol beverages saw continued market growth in the last quarter, with Corona Cero becoming the fifth biggest no-and-low alcohol beer in that time frame.

“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,” reports quoted future growth brands director at Budweiser Brewing Group, Marie Fukuura as saying.

“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,” she added.

The research comes a week after supermarket Waitrose reported a boom in low and no alcohol drink sales during festive period. Sales of low alcohol drinks at Waitrose was up by a third (+31 per cent) in the last week of December as people prepared to see in the New Year.