The pubco revealed more than 271,000 units were sold across its 4,500 pubs and bars, compared to the same period in 2024, demonstrating a shift in consumer preferences.
It revealed that London saw the most demand for alcohol free beers and ciders, accounting for more than a quarter of sales (27%) across the UK this year – with 25 to 34-year-olds driving most demand.
This was followed by the North West (11%), South East (11%) and Yorkshire and Humber (11%).
Stonegate’s research also found demand for low and no alcohol sales peaks on Saturdays, with nearly a quarter of sales taking place in late afternoon and early evening, between 5pm and 7pm, suggesting that these are becoming an integral part of social and early evening outings.
Guinness 0% tops the list
Guinness 0% topped the list of best performing low alcohol beers, followed by Heineken 0.0%, Old Mout Berries 0%, Peroni Nastro and Days Lager 0%.
Data from Stonegate’s MiXR app also revealed low and no alcohol drinks are in most demand from 25-to-34-year-olds – accounting for 21% of sales, compared to 12% of total draught.
By comparison, young adults aged 18 to 24 only accounted for 14% of low and no alcohol beer sales, yet accounted for 24% of total draught beer sales.
Stonegate CEO David McDowall said: “There has clearly been a growing demand from our guests for low and no alcohol options in recent years, but what we are seeing now is the evolution of the trend into a fundamental shift in drinking habits, which is here to stay.
Consumer habits
“For some time, we’ve seen our guests going out earlier and demanding more from their experiences and nights out, but the depth of our data shows low and alcohol-free drinks are growing in popularity up and down the country. “
He added: “We recognise that our guests are increasingly looking for low and no alcohol beers that don’t compromise on taste, so its hugely important for us to have a quality range of beers available – with an ever-growing number of 0% beers on tap.
“Fundamentally it’s all about choice and showing that even as guest trends and habits change, the great British pub is still the place for people to come together, as we have done in the UK for centuries.”
Stonegate Group revealed it entered a partnership with Days Brewery in 2024, to help a young independent business scale quickly and sustainably in the hospitality industry.
Days Lager, made in Scotland with locally sourced ingredients, is now available in most of Stonegate’s Managed and Craft Union venues nationwide.
