Molson Coors unveils Madrí Excepcional 0.0%
March saw Molson Coors Beverage Company (MCBC) announce the launch of Madrí Excepcional 0.0%.
An alcohol-free version of its Spanish style lager, the new variant was created in partnership with La Sagra brewery in Spain.
The new brew was introduced to meet growing demand for low & no beers, with the segment having outpaced the rest of the beer market, according to MCBC.
Madrí Excepcional marketing controller Sophie Mitchell said: “Consumers increasingly expect to see no- and low-alcohol versions of their favourite beers.
“With Madri Exceptional fast becoming the flagship brand in the world beer category, launching 0.0% is a natural evolution for us.
“It means consumers can stick with one of their favourite beers, even when looking to moderate, and enables venues to better cater for a growing low & no alcohol market, while still tapping into the popularity of the Madri Excepcional brand.” Read more here.
Beefeater 0.0% to hit pubs in September
Pernod Ricard UK recently announced the launch of an alcohol-free version of Beefeater gin.
The tipple, which will be available across the on-trade from September, will retain the brand’s citrus and juniper-forward profile and features natural flavours.
Data cited by Pernod showed 60% of UK adults are turning to zebra striping - the act of alternating between alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks during one occasion.
The brand outlined Beefeater 0.0% had been designed to complement the trend, inspired by its alcoholic counterpart.
Suggested serves for the new drink include a Beefeater 0.0 and tonic alongside classic cocktails such as The N0.0groni, The Tom C0.0llins and The L0.0ndon Mule.
Beefeater 0.0% has been available in Spain, the brand’s largest market worldwide, since January 2024. Read more here.
Butcombe expands low & no range
In February, Butcombe Brewing Co launched its second low & no beer across its managed pubs estate.
After a successful trial last year, Tall Tales Pale Ale Zero became available in 330ml bottles at Butcome Pubs and Inns’ managed sites.
A kegged version of the brew was introduced in May. It followed the release of Butcombe’s Goram IPA Zero variant in 2021.
Named after a crocodile spotted in the River Avon in Bristol in the 1980s, Tall Tales Pale Ale Zero boasts prominent grapefruit and pineapple notes alongside touches of mango and passionfruit.
Following the launch, Butcombe Group chief operating officer Jayson Perfect said: “The low & no market continues to boom so it is vital we maintain our position as major players, giving our customers choice and products they love all year round.” Read more here.
Last month the company also expanded its mid-alcohol range with the release of a 2.8% shandy on draught, made using Tall Tales Pale Ale in collaboration with craft beer business Shandy Shack. Read more here.
Schweppes launches new soda
Earlier this year Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) owned Schweppes unveiled its Tropical Soda.
The vibrant purpled-hued serve boasts notes of hibiscus, blackcurrant, lychee, dragonfruit and guava. It is said to paid well with ingredients like pineapple, summer berries and mango as well as more savoury bites.
CCEP GB vice president commercial development Rob Yeomans said: “Schweppes Tropical Soda is an exciting new addition to our portfolio, created to tap into growing demand for vibrant, flavourful drinks that stand out behind the bar.
“Whether it’s used to elevate mixed drinks or offered as a vibrant standalone serve, it’s a versatile option that gives our customers a new way to tap into seasonal demand and premium drinking experiences.” Read more here.
Heineken rolls out Inch’s 0.0
This year Heineken rolled out an alcohol-free version of its Inch’s cider.
Inch’s 0.0 was made available across the on-trade in 440ml cans in March, marking a “major advancement” for the brand, Heineken said. The global brewer also claimed Inch’s 0.0 was the UK’s first de-alcoholised cider.
Heineken UK cider brand director Rachel Holms added: “We know cider lovers are looking for exciting, high-quality options that match their lifestyle and preferences.
“With Inch’s 0.0, we’re delivering innovation that not only tastes great but also challenges perceptions of what apple cider can be.” Read more here.
Mash Gang releases new lager
Last month non-alcoholic brewing brand Mash Gang introduced its Glug lager.
Described as a “crisp, citrus-tinged alcohol-free lager”, the 0.5% ABV brew joined Mash Gang’s new core range.
Made with natural ingredients, no added sugar and just 35 calories per 330ml can, Glug was designed to meet increasing demand for healthier alternatives to alcohol without compromising on taste or experience. Read more here.
The brand also showcases a new pastry stout earlier this year, Lesser Evil. The 0.5% stout is said to offer a cake-like drinking experience, boasting notes of chocolate, vanilla and oat alongside sweet and sour cherry juice. Read more here.
Franklin & Sons introduces Apple and Pear variant
Soft drinks firm Franklin & Sons expands soft drink range with latest variant.
The Apple and Pear soft drink, which is available to the on-trade and directly to consumers, aims to offer a strong flavour profile that celebrates two British orchard fruits.
It was launched after a 23.4% year-on-year growth in the apple and pear flavour variants within the category, which is currently valued at £75.8m.
BBG shares plans to launch Stella 0.0 in pubs
Last month, Budweiser Brewing Group (BBG) announced the launch of Stella Artois 0.0 on draught.
The beer was introduced at the Wimbledon Championships and will be rolled out into the on-trade later this year, which The MA understands will be a phased approach throughout 2025 and wider in 2026.
BBG on-trade director Sunny Mirpuri said: “Consumer drinking habits are evolving and our consumers are struggling to find high quality, alcohol-free draught offerings at the bar or pub.
“Stella Artois is a quality brand, consumers love and trust and we’ve been working hard on an innovative dispense solution to ensure our new Stella Artois 0.0 draught delivers a perfect serve, every time.” Read more here.
Carlsberg-Britvic expands London Essence portfolio
In May, Carlsberg-Britvic expanded its London Essence brand with the launch Crisp Apple Crafted Soda.
The new SKU was released across the off-trade in April before rolling out across hospitality venues in single serve 250ml cans.
As more consumers look to moderate their alcohol intake, the brand said the new product embraces changing attitudes to socialising.
London Essence UK head of marketing Melanie Ginsberg said: “Embracing modern drinking and the evolution of changing consumer behaviours is a real focus for us.
“We developed Crisp Apple to provide consumers with a more premium adult soft drink which appeals to those moderating their alcohol consumption without compromising on taste and the desire for an elevated drinking experience.”
Estrella Damm unveils 0.0% variant
This summer saw the launch of Estrella Damm 0.0%, reflecting the company’s “commitment to brewing perfection while adapting to modern trends and listening to customer demand”.
Estrella Damm 0.0% is available on draught in selected on-trade venues including Youngs pubs in London. It is also availble in Sainbury’s in 4x440ml can packs.
On the new brew launch, Damm UK managing director Luke White said: “After a really successful trial period on draught with our partners at Youngs, we are really excited to release Estrella Damm 0.0% in the UK market.
“For more than 20 years, we have been experts in brewing non-alcoholic beers in Spain to the same high standards as our other Damm beers.” Read more here.
Luscombe releases Mango & Peach Crush
Soft drinks producer Luscombe’s latest release, Mango & Peach Crush, was released in May this year.
Crafted using Alphonso mango, Devon spring water and peach, the tropical serve boats subtle flora and honey notes with a silky texture and fragrant sweetness.
Like all Luscombe’s drinks, Mango & Peach Crush contains no artificial additives, sweeteners or concentrates and is gluten free and vegan friendly.
Luscombe founder Gabriel David described the serve as extremely versatile: “It can be enjoyed chilled on its own, poured over ice with a slice of peach, mango or a citrus twist or mixed into a sophisticated summer cocktail.
“Garnishes such as a sprig of fresh mint, to give a cooling contrast to the fruity sweetness, edible flowers or coconut shavings, to give a hint of tropical flair, can also be added to enhance the summer flavours.”
Nirvana expands beer range with new format
In June, low & no brewer Nirvana launched its best-selling 0.5% IPA in 500ml bottles in a bid to provide its beers in larger formats.
The move formed part of the brewery’s ‘long pour’ strategy – ensuring drinkers can enjoy no-low beers in as ‘normal’ a format as they can full-strength ones. Nirvana IPA is also available in keg and 330ml bottles.
In addition, Nirvana said it had ‘subtly tweaked’ the recipe to deliver more body, flavour and head retention by switching both malts (to Vienna and Munich) and hops (to Mosaic, Nectaron and Simcoe) as well as changing the beer’s yeast. Read more here.
Earlier this year, Nirvana also introduced its Nitro Stout (0.5% ABV), offering rich, roasted flavours with a velvety texture and notes of coffee, cocoa and caramel with a smooth, clean, finish. Read more here.
New spicy soda brand launches
Picoso, a new premium soda brand, launched in June with two flavours; Zesty Lime and Tropical Mango.
Tasked with spicing up the non-alcohol and spicy cocktail categories, the fiery flavours, work well as standalone drinks or mixed with clear spirits – from vodka and tequila, to gin and rum.
Picoso Zesty Lime is cut with scotch bonnet, sourced from the UK, while Picoso Tropical Mango is a fruity option, cut with habanero.
Each drink also contains electrolytes and has no artificial sweeteners, getting its sweetness from natural agave.
The Spanish word for ‘Spicy’, Picoso’s name reflects its brand origins in Mexico, where much of its flavour inspiration comes from.
Founder Tom Bowerman-Wake said: “Picoso promotes ‘a new way of mixing’ - pushing inclusivity for drinkers and non-drinkers, ensuring that no one feels left out.
“Our unique element of spice brings excitement to the no-alcohol market, whilst providing a kick to the mundane mixer market.”
Pathfinder now available in the UK
Non-alcoholic spirit brand The Pathfinder Hemp and Root is now available to the UK on-trade following a successful launch in America.
Inspired by apothecaries of the Old West, alternative medicine and the supernatural, Pathfinder Hemp and Root was created with a methodical three-step process.
First, the fermentation of naturally harvested hemp seed into a powerful elixir, followed by distillation in 16th-century-style copper pot stills and finally the blending together of angelica root, wormwood, ginger, sage, juniper, saffron, orange peel and wild-crafted Douglas-fir, as well as natural terpenes.
The brand said Pathfinder “shines” in a spritz recipe but can also be taken as a shot, sipped solo, served on the rocks, or used to modify classic cocktails. Read more here.
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