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Bars (Drinking establishments)

Low-Alcohol Beers Gain Popularity in the UK Pubs

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Low-alcohol beers and ciders have witnessed a significant surge in demand across the UK pubs, driven largely by the 25-to-34-year-olds, who account for 21% of low and no alcohol beer sales. According to Stonegate, a leading pubco, more than 271,000 units of low-alcohol beers were sold across its 4,500 pubs and bars in the given period. London emerged as the top region in terms of demand, accounting for 27% of low-alcohol beer sales, followed by the North West, South East, and Yorkshire and Humber.

Key Takeaways:

  • 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%.
  • The demand for low and no alcohol sales peaked on Saturdays, with nearly a quarter of sales taking place between 5pm and 7pm.
  • 25-to-34-year-olds drive most demand for low and no alcohol beers, accounting for 21% of sales, compared to 12% of total draught.
  • Young adults aged 18-to-24 accounted for 14% of low and no alcohol beer sales, yet accounted for 24% of total draught beer sales.
  • Stonegate CEO David McDowall emphasized that low and no alcohol options are here to stay, driven by a fundamental shift in drinking habits.
  • The pubco has partnered with Days Brewery to help a young independent business scale quickly and sustainably in the hospitality industry.

Statistics:

  • 271,000 units of low-alcohol beers were sold across Stonegate's 4,500 pubs and bars.
  • 25-to-34-year-olds account for 21% of low and no alcohol beer sales (compared to 12% of total draught).
  • 21% of low and no alcohol beer sales occur between 5pm and 7pm on Saturdays.
  • 14% of low and no alcohol beer sales are driven by young adults aged 18-to-24.

Sources:

  • Stonegate Group
  • Days Brewery
  • [No date] 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%.
  • Stonegate Group press release (no date) 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."
  • Stonegate Group press release (no date) 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.

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