The no/low segment achieved booming volume growth on a global level; an intoxicating performance and the exact opposite of the severe declines faced by the industry. As the post-pandemic era is dawning, the no/low segment is going mainstream at the same time that the forces of indulgence, the macroeconomic ripple effects of the extraordinary past couple of years and still lingering but evolving health and wellness undercurrents all make for a heady cocktail.
This report comes in PPT.
While the rise of no and low alcoholic adult beverages predates the tectonic cultural, societal and lifestyle shifts exacerbated by the pandemic, the historic event did act as a catalyst and accelerant, bringing the segment under the spotlight and into consumers’ homes. Even though beer has been the pioneer in innovation within the segment, it is non alcoholic spirits that show the greatest dynamism.
Lifestyle undercurrents favouring health - driven moderation initiatives, Gen Z’s propensity for personal brand curation via social media and the demand for sophisticated alcohol alternatives when visiting the on-trade are already evolving into an interest in novel occasions, functional cues, ingredients and value-added formulations - they will inform the segment’s next stage of evolution.
While non and low alcohol varietals are expected to continue making significant gains as they enter the mainstream, contextualising that performance - and its limitations - is essential. The segment still only accounts for statistically insignificant volumes across the vast majority of markets and while that underscores the untapped upside potential, it is also a reminder that any claims of it being a sign for it being an existential threat for alcohol are largely exaggerated.
Cannabinoid infusion can provide a plethora of opportunities within the no/low arena, becoming the holy grail for innovation bridging recreation and wellness while sidestepping alcohol’s downside risks. While still in its infancy and facing inevitable teething problems, non alcoholic cannabis beverages can seize the mantle of functionality and lead the category to fresh heights.
Alcoholic drinks is the aggregation of beer, wine, spirits, cider/perry and RTDs.
See All of Our DefinitionsIf you purchase a report that is updated in the next 60 days, we will send you the new edition and data extraction Free!