Summer set for record-breaking No and Low beer sales, BBPA statistics show

• June and July predicted to sell equivalent of 33 million pints of No and Low beer, according to the British Beer and Pub Association

• In 2024 June and July sold the equivalent of 27 million pints of No and Low beer, up from 23 million pints during the same period in 2023

• Government must match UK descriptions of alcohol-free to that of other nations which would allow brewers to make more options and support public health goals

June and July have become two of the most popular months for No and Low beer sales, new British Beer and Pub Association figures show.

In 2024, the equivalent of 27 million pints of No and Low beer were sold, up from 23 million in the same period in 2023, and 20 million in 2022. This equates to a staggering 35% rise in just two years.

This summer is predicted to be a record, with June and July sales of No and Low beer estimated to increase by 20% to the equivalent of 33 million pints.

The BBPA said the boom has been made possible by the sector adapting to trends and producing more No and Low options than ever before, which helps public health goals.

Despite this, the BBPA said that the current UK definition of low alcoholic beer is severely limited by the UK’s restrictive definition.

Currently, an ‘alcohol free’ beer must be below 0.05% ABV, which limits what British brewers can make. This is in contrast to many other countries, who define alcohol free as a marginally higher 0.5% ABV.

If Government matches the thresholds, UK brewers will be able to invest in more No and Low beers, which will give consumers extra options if they wish to moderate and boost economic growth.

Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, said that: “Few things beat a crisp pint in a sunny pub garden and, as ever, the sector has been working hard to make sure there’s a choice for everyone.

“No and Low popularity is booming, and brewers and pubs have responded to this by creating and serving up great new options which help people choose moderation, if they wish.

“Government has heard our calls and taken a progressive approach by consulting on no-alcohol alcohol descriptions.

"Changing the no alcohol definition to 0.5% will open the door to greater investment, means we are on par with international markets, and more options for people who choose to moderate - everyone wins."

The leading trade body found that No and Low alcohol beer is the sector’s biggest growth category across the UK, with volume growth of 750% since 2013.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

For more information please contact the BBPA press office on 020 7627 9199 or press@beerandpub.com. 

Spokespeople are available.

Data and estimates are based on BBPA monthly Sales Volume Survey results. This includes sales in bottles, cans and draught form.

About the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA):     

We are the UK's leading trade association representing pubs and breweries. Our members brew 90% of British beer and own nearly half of UK pubs.     

We are the voice of pubs and brewers, offering insight and policy thinking to government, political stakeholders and media alike to help ensure that there is an in-depth understanding of both the opportunities and challenges faced by the sector and the policy solutions to bring about the optimal fiscal and policy framework that will underpin a thriving pub and brewing sector in the UK.    

For more information please contact the BBPA press office on 020 7627 9199 or press@beerandpub.com. 

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