This Christmas season is poised to witness a significant shift in consumer preferences, as the demand for low and no-alcohol drinks accelerates substantially. According to insights from a leading supermarket, this trend is gathering momentum ahead of the festive period, marking a notable change in purchasing habits.
The supermarket has reported a notable increase in the purchase of no and low-alcohol beers, with multi-pack sizes experiencing a rise in sales equivalent to a 20% increase in volume year-on-year. This surge is expected to continue, with a projected 15% increase in demand for these beverages in the four weeks leading up to Christmas.
Among the popular brands contributing to this trend are Lucky Saint, Heineken, Peroni, and Athletic. These brands have seen a marked uptick in consumer interest, underscoring the broader trend towards reduced alcohol consumption.
The retailer has also diversified its offerings by including non-alcoholic beer in its ‘Dine In for Two’ options, further reflecting the changing consumer landscape. Moreover, there is a reported 10% increase in demand for no and low-alcohol wines, and a significant 20% rise in popularity for no and low spirits. As a result, the supermarket has expanded its range in this category by 30%.
In anticipation of high demand, the retailer has identified some of the likely bestsellers in spirit alternatives for this Christmas. These include Whitley Neill Rhubarb and Ginger 0% gin, Captain Morgan Alcohol-Free Rum, and its own-brand Pink Gin and Lemonade 0.5%.
This shift is not isolated to a single retailer. Other establishments, such as a major wine specialist, have also embraced this trend. This company, for example, has partnered with a beverage club to offer a range of premium low and no-alcohol drinks in response to customer feedback. The sales of these drinks have increased dramatically by over 600% since March 2022.
The growing interest in mindful consumption and the quest for healthier lifestyle choices are driving these changes in consumer behaviour. As more people look to moderate their alcohol intake without compromising on social experiences, retailers are keenly adapting to meet these new demands.
The expected rise in demand for low and no-alcohol drinks this Christmas highlights a broader shift towards mindful consumption. Retailers are responding to consumer preferences by expanding their offerings, tapping into a significant market trend that blends health consciousness with festive celebration.
