The trade body estimated some 64m pints of low & no alcohol beer were expected to be poured this summer, representing an 8m pint uplift compared with the same time last year.
It said the forecast underlined how low & no alcohol had become a defining part of the pub sector rather than a passing trend.
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Sales saw their strongest year on record so far in 2024, when around 200m beers were consumed.
In June and July 2024 alone the equivalent of 27m pints of were sold, up from 23m in the same period in 2023, and 20m in 2022.
Moreover, the BBPA asserted the segment is the biggest growth category for pubs, with volume up 870% since 2013.
Changing trends
The BBPA attributed the growth to brewers responding to changing consumer trends by bringing more products to market than ever before.
However, despite the strong momentum, the association warned further growth was being held back by the UK’s restrictive definition of “alcohol free”.
Under current rules, beers labelled as alcohol free must contain no more than 0.05% ABV, compared with the 0.5% threshold used in many other countries.
The BBPA argued aligning the UK definition with international markets would remove barriers for British brewers, encourage investment, expand consumer choice and support economic growth.
Commenting on the findings, BBPA CEO Emma McClarkin said: “Low & no is booming and the category’s year-on-year success shows it’s here to stay.
“Brewers and pubs across the country are already responding to this by serving up great new options which help people choose moderation, if they wish.
“We need Government to keep the momentum going by changing the alcohol-free definition to 0.5%. This will open the door to greater investment, keep us on par with international markets, and deliver even more options for people who choose to moderate - everyone wins.”
Spike in sales
Alcohol-free brewers supported this view, with Lucky Saint noting updating the definition of alcohol-free would encourage more consumers to explore the category.
He added this was particularly important ahead of crucial trading periods, like the peak summer season and major sporting events.
“When the sun is out and the football is on, people want to make the most of it and alcohol-free beer matches the occasion,” Lucky Saint founder Luke Boase said.
“We’ve seen a spike in sales of Lucky Saint, and it’s a reflection of how alcohol-free beer has become part of the way people drink today.”
Meanwhile, Nirvana head brewer James Rabagliati, pointed to people moderating their alcohol intake.
He said: “The heatwave has had a very positive impact on our [brewery] - especially as some people are moderating their alcohol intake in higher temperatures.
“We’ve seen people either exclusively drinking alcohol-free beer such as our pils and fruit lagers, or ‘Zebra-striping’ where they’re alternating between us and alcoholic beers.”
