Soft drink sales surge amid declining alcohol consumption in the UK

Despite the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, the UK’s eating-out market reached a turnover of £97.3bn in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels for the first time. This represents a 6% increase compared to 2022. However, Britvic's Soft Drinks Review 2024 highlights a shift in consumer preferences, with fast food outlets benefitting from consumers trading down, while casual dining and pubs face more significant challenges.

North South Wines and the Giesen Group join forces

North South Wines has announced it will serve as the exclusive distributor for New Zealand brands Giesen Wines and Ara Wines in the UK market.

The WSTA to launch ‘low and no’ alcohol guides

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has spearheaded the development of the UK’s first low and no alcohol guides, amid exponential growth in the burgeoning sector. 

Reduction in product innovations, as economic pressure bites for drinks brands

Circana, the leading advisor on consumer complexity, has launched its Race for Resilience: Innovation Pacesetters report for Europe. Covering the six largest markets in Europe (France, Italy, Germany, Spain, UK, and the Netherlands), the report reveals declining product innovations for alcoholic drinks brands across the last two years.

Low and no: Dry summer

With more people leaning towards moderation when it comes to alcohol, on-trade venues could benefit by improving their low & no options. James Bayley dissects the findings of a new KAM report.

Spirits of Virtue relaunch targets UK thirst for quality low & no

Scottish zero-alcohol producer Spirits of Virtue has completed a ‘redevelopment and relaunch’ project with the aim of boosting the reach of its recently expanded portfolio.

Multiples: Keeping wine accessible

Co-op and Asda BWS buyers tell James Bayley how they are attempting to ensure their consumers can continue to enjoy value-for-money wines in the bleak economic landscape.

Portman Group calls on government for low & no alcohol consultation

The Portman Group is urging the government to do more to encourage the uptake of low & no alcohol drinks and launch a consultation on low-alcohol descriptors.

Analysis: Low and no hits the mainstream

Having grown exponentially in recent years, it’s no surprise that the low and no category is evolving at rapid speed, with the latest twist in this 21st-century tale being that it is now moderate drinkers, rather than teetotallers, driving the category. 

Long Read: Is novel foods legislation stifling innovation in the beverage sector?

When the UK left the EU, some – including Richard Horwell, owner of specialist food and drink marketing and branding company Brand Relations – hoped novel foods regulations would be overhauled in order to facilitate drinks innovation. Sadly, he says, we are still some way behind.

Jerry Lockspeiser: The dangers of ‘drink washing’ in a declining market

I wonder if you embraced dry January this year. Apparently quite a few of us went ‘semi-dry,’ which sounds as contradictory as being a little bit pregnant. I always thought such things were all or nothing. Apparently it refers to consciously controlling alcohol consumption by drinking on fewer days, or drinking less when we do, or turning to No and Lo products instead of the full fat options. A booze equivalent of the ‘flexitarian’ approach to food perhaps.

Enotria & Coe expands further into no and low with Sprigster

Q&A: Frank Lampen, Distill Ventures

The Diageo-funded, self-proclaimed ‘drinks accelerator’ Distill Ventures backed a winning horse when it helped launch Seedlip on to the market. Jo Gilbert finds out where they go from here, with Frank Lampen, co-founder and CEO, Distill Ventures

Holland & Barrett launch marks a ‘first’ for the organic alcohol-free sector

Health food chain Holland & Barrett is taking strides into the alcohol-free sector with a new organic and vegan wine – the first to be available in the UK, according to its producer.

UK leads the ‘non-alc’ sector with 271 premium launches in the past year

The UK is at the forefront of innovation in the ‘what to drink when you’re not drinking’ sector, new research has found – ahead of usual trendsetter, the US.

Skinny Prosecco founders launch vegan, no-alcohol fizz

This month will see the launch of the UK’s first organic, vegan, alcohol-free sparkling wine, its producers claim.