Tapping into the surging market of alcohol-free beer and cider

The world has enjoyed non-alcoholic or low-alcoholic beer for the past 30 years. But consumers’ thirst for zero and low-alcoholic beverages continues to grow; resulting in beverage manufacturers creating innovative, new products that satisfy the market while appealing to the health, wellness and sustainability factors that accompany the growth.

Richard Clark, Founder and MD at Drynks Unlimited explains why the alcohol-free beer and cider industry is on the rise: “dietary requirements and reduced sugar products combined with lifestyle changes at work, with friends and family has led to a general trend of consumers rethinking what they are drinking.”

The non-alcoholic drinks industry is going through a time of unprecedented growth and innovation, gaining attention and momentum from beverage manufacturers to produce new, premium ‘nolo’ (non-alcoholic & low alcoholic) alternatives without compromising authenticity, quality, and exclusivity.

One driving force behind the consumption of nolo drinks is younger consumers’ awareness of the health risks associated with excessive alcohol intake. According to the Society of Independent Brewers’ (SIBA) British Craft Beer Report, the number of 18-24-year olds who say they don’t drink alcohol has increased by 6% in the last 12 months, to 23%. Consumers are more conscious of their physical and mental health than ever before, and this has led to a fall in alcohol consumption, especially within the millennial demographic.

“Manufacturers are beginning to make more 0.0% drinks and the consumer is absolutely wanting these changes.” – Richard comments.

“in the past, alcohol-free drinks were perceived as unsociable. That’s why we wanted to produce refreshing drinks that are both authentic and sociable.”

In Drynks’ case, they have innovatively achieved authenticity and ensured quality by launching SMASHED, the company’s first social brand of alcohol-free beers and ciders. But what is so authentic about the SMASHED range? These beverages are brewed as they should be, using time honoured methods to produce top class, full-strength beer and cider. Only then do they carefully and gently remove the alcohol with their unique vacuum stripping process; achieved with Alfa Laval’s Dealcoholisation system.

Clark adds, “to make a great non-alcoholic drink, you must start with a great tasting alcoholic one.”

How did the project develop?

When Drynks’ were referred to Alfa Laval in December 2018, an agreement was made to rent a test unit for a minimum of 3 months. At the time, Drynks didn’t have a site that they could use; but after making an agreement with Frederic Robinson Ltd, the rental plant could be put into production.

“Alfa Laval were excellent in all aspects of the project; from the initial commercial discussions to everything technical; as well as R&D, including setting up the equipment and providing training on the Dealcoholisation system. Alfa Laval understood what I was trying to achieve and worked closely with me to set the plant up and deliver great results.”

The rental plant was replaced with the system that Drynks’ purchased after 12 months and now operations are fully up and running.