The demand for low and no alcohol beverages in the food and beverage industry has surged this year, with sales of these products at Tesco rising by over 20% for beer and nearly 15% for wine. Additionally, there has been an almost 10% increase in the demand for alternatives to spirits. This rise in demand has been accompanied by a year-round interest in these products, with a 25% increase in sales of low/no drinks during the first three weeks of June compared to the first three weeks of Dry January.
The shift in consumer behavior can be attributed to various factors, such as the increased confidence in the low/no alcohol category, often due to recommendations from family and friends. Furthermore, the availability of more choices at Tesco, where low and no alcohol products have been given their own fixture, has made it easier for shoppers to explore this category. This trend is further fueled by a growing interest in health and moderation among consumers.
According to Tesco’s no and low alcohol wine buyer, Joe Olding, the demand for these products has become a year-round phenomenon, with the upcoming festive season expected to surpass even the popularity of Dry January. Olding also highlighted the ease with which customers can now find low and no alcohol drinks, as they are all located in the same aisle.
Leading brands driving the growth of no and low alcohol drinks at Tesco in the beer category include Lucky Saint, Athletic Brewing, and Guinness 0%. In the spirits category, Gordon’s 0% Alcohol Free Gin and The Clean Co brand are among the top performers, while Nozeco, Not Guilty, and Kylie 0% Sparkling Rosé lead the way in the wine category. Kylie Minogue’s 0% Sparkling Rose, which was launched at Tesco last year, has become the UK’s top-selling premium no alcohol wine, with one million bottles sold across all UK retailers.
Tesco’s product range also includes Heineken 0%, Erdinger Alkoholfrei Wheat Beer, Thatchers Zero Somerset Cider, Brooklyn Brewery’s Special Effects, and Brewdog Punk AF. The availability of these products reflects the growing trend towards low and no alcohol beverages in the food and beverage industry.
