Big Drop Brewing Co secures further listings on back of Dry January

By James Beeson

- Last updated on GMT

Adamant: Big Drop founder Rob Fink claimed there was “nothing to suggest” that Dry January was the only factor in rising demand for his beers
Adamant: Big Drop founder Rob Fink claimed there was “nothing to suggest” that Dry January was the only factor in rising demand for his beers

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Big Drop Brewing Co has confirmed a wave of new trade listings on the back of ‘Dry January’ as interest in the low- and no-alcohol beer category continues to grow.

The brewery, which exclusively makes beer to a strength of less than 0.5% ABV, has gained listings across the on-trade, including in London pub group Barworks and through suppliers such as Amathus, The Bottle Shop Wholesale, Eebria, Craft Drinks Co and Borough Wines.

Founder Rob Fink expressed his delight at the new listings, but claimed there was “nothing to suggest” that Dry January was the only factor in rising demand for his beers.

Tryanuary effect

“The number of people who are cutting down their alcohol consumption, or giving up altogether, continues to rise,” he said. “While this has been boosted during the charity-led Dry January campaign, there’s nothing to suggest that the interest in lower-alcohol drinks, particularly beer and spirits, is restricted to one month. 

“We also saw an increase in trial of our beers as part of the Tryanuary initiative, which encourages people to try different drinks rather than giving up altogether, and many said that they will continue to include Big Drop beer in their drinking repertoire.

“It’s encouraging to see that so many retailers are listening to customers and stocking a wider range of low- and no-alcohol beers to cater for their preferences.”

Rounded flavour and depth

The brewery was launched by Fink in 2016, and now has a range of four different beers, including its award-winning Milk Stout. Rather than brewing to full strength and then stripping out alcohol, master brewer Johnny Clayton produces Big Drop’s beers to the specific strength of 0.5% ABV, which he claims gives a more rounded flavour and a greater depth of taste.

Looking to the future, Fink predicted that the low- and no-alcohol category would continue to thrive. “Sales of beer and cider with less than 1.2% alcohol grew by nearly 30% last year compared with 2015, according to Kantar Worldpanel,” he said. “We’re finding a growing number of operators in the on- and off-trade and online are tuning in to the massive opportunity this provides them with.

 “Our ambition remains to offer a range of great tasting craft beers at 0.5% ABV from which retailers can choose to ensure that they have a truly representative selection for their customers.”

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