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Shoppers are set to create record demand for no and low alcohol beer, wines and spirits this Christmas, according to Tesco.
The prediction comes after the supermarket saw its strongest ever sales in 2023 with high demand sustained across the year.
Demand for no and low alcohol beer at the supermarket this year has soared by more than 20%, while sales of no/low wine rose by nearly 15% and demand for alternatives to spirits grew by nearly 10%.
During the first three weeks of the June heatwave, demand at Tesco for no and low alcohol drinks was more than 25% higher than it was for the first three weeks of Dry January.
Tesco said that the main reasons for the no and low alcohol boom are new found shopper confidence in the quality of the drinks, often driven by recommendations from family and friends, a greater interest in health and moderation, an increase in product choice and an ease of selection in its stores with all products sitting in their own fixture.
Tesco no and low alcohol wine buyer Joe Olding said: “Based on the huge demand throughout the year we are anticipating this festive season to not only be bigger than Dry January just gone, but to be the biggest Christmas ever for no and low drinks.
“A few years ago no and low alcohol drinks might have been a consideration to have on hand for special occasions but, as our latest sales data shows, they’ve become mainstream and are now popular all year round.”
Among the leading brands driving the no and low boom are Lucky Saint, Athletic Brewing and Guinness 0% in beer; Gordons 0% Alcohol Free Gin and the Clean Co brand in spirits; and Nozeco, Not Guilty and Kylie 0% Sparkling Rosé in wine.
Karen Tyrell, CEO of the charity Drinkaware, said: “It’s good to see that people across Britain are more open to trying no and low alcohol drinks this year.
“Drinking lower strength and alcohol-free products can be a helpful way for people to moderate their drinking and stay within the low-risk guidelines of 14 units a week.”
