Companies producing dealcoholised drinks from wine, beer or spirits are multiplying. And these companies are booming to such an extent that more and more investors are supporting their growth by participating in the successive fund-raisings of these new nuggets.
In the United States, where the consumption of wines, beers and non-alcoholic spirits is booming, there are many fund-raisings. The most recent was announced this week. The two siblings who own Gruvi, a non-alcoholic beer and wine company, announced a $2 million fundraising round, led by investor groups such as Rockies Venture Club. This new round of funding will allow the company to increase distribution and continue to invest in product innovation. Guvi plans to triple its business in one year. Phil Donne, one of the investors, says that "Gruvi has been able to provide a solution to those who are looking to reimagine the way they drink, especially in social situations.
On the other side of the Pacific, in Australia, Lyre's is valued at $100 million following a new round of funding earlier this year. This makes Lyre's the most valuable independent brand in the non-alcoholic and low-alcohol spirits category to date. The funding will be used to accelerate the geographical expansion of Lyre's, which already operates in 43 countries. According to Mark Livings, co-founder of Lyre's, this investor interest is due to the highly promising market: "The demand for non-alcoholic beverages and the growth of responsible drinking are exploding. The non-alcoholic and low-alcohol category already accounts for 3% of the total drinks market and is expected to grow by 31% by 2024.
In France, alcohol-free producers are not left behind. Thus, the company created in 2015, Le Petit Beret, raised €1.5 million at the beginning of the year. This fundraising will enable the company to continue its R&D in the creation of new drinks.
InVivo Invest, Angels for Food and Terralia Venture Innovation, the three food funds had already supported Le Petit Beret during its development in the USA by investing €600,000 in 2018.
The market for light and non-alcoholic drinks is growing rapidly throughout the world and investors are not mistaken. Many companies are innovating in this area and are raising funds to support their development.