This was revealed in the fifth edition of NIQ's market report in partnership with CGA.
This report examines changes in consumer demographics and behavior in both trade and non-trade industries over the past 18 months.
This study deeply explores the impact of consumers drinking less and drinking better, the proliferation of no-alcohol and low-alcohol, and the rise of meal-driven opportunities.
The main trend being explored is the significant increase in the consumption of non-alcoholic or low-alcohol beverages, especially within the cocktail category.
permanent changes
This comes as people continue to become more health conscious in 2024, with more than two-thirds (70%) of consumers actively trying to live a healthier lifestyle.
According to research from Brand Track, half of consumers (50%) have purchased a mocktail or virgin substitute in the past 12 months, an increase of 15% compared to 2023 (35%). Masu.
Mark Platten, marketing manager at Fentimans, said:
“There is now a wide range of choices when it comes to non-alcoholic and low-alcohol spirits and beers, but there are also premium soft-serve options that delight consumers without replicating the taste of alcohol.”
Additionally, two in five consumers (41%) have chosen non-alcoholic or low-alcohol beer in the past 12 months.
A small but significant number choose not to drink any or choose fewer alternatives to cider (17%), spirits (12%) and wine (12%). This number continues to increase every year.
outstanding serve
Data shows that more than a fifth (22%) of consumers choose no or fewer alcohol options for casual dining occasions and lower the amount of alcohol they drink in an average week. It was shown that it is decreasing.
The decision to drink less and adopt a “flexible abstinence” lifestyle is primarily driven by consumers looking to reduce their heavy alcohol intake (47%).
However, price and the desire to save money without sacrificing the quality of the drinks consumed is also a driving force.
Platten said it's important to increase “soft-first” serves that give consumers menu choice and the option to add alcohol if desired, but the taste is great either way.
“At Fentimans, we are focused on creating outstanding serves that give operators the opportunity to delight consumers while keeping things simple behind the bar,” he added.
