Non-alcoholic spirits, which appeared a few years ago, are now more and more common. This new category, which allows producers to innovate and diversify their range, is attracting more and more consumers.
The health crisis has greatly changed consumer habits. Consumers have turned away from traditional alcoholic beverages and are turning to less alcoholic alternatives. In order to meet these expectations, many distillers have created their own alcohol-free spirits. One of the spearheads of this movement is the Australian company Lyre's, created in 2019. In two years, Lyre's has created a range of more than 13 references ranging from whisky to gin, absinthe and vermouth. Today distributed in more than 43 countries, the young company is valued at more than 100 million euros. Lyre's will be distributed in France from this summer, initially in wine shops and in the on-trade, but soon in supermarkets too.
Alcohol-free innovations are also flourishing in Europe. In 2020, Brussels-based Alexandre Hauben launched his alcohol-free gin, Botaniets. This new product has seduced many consumers and above all restaurant owners and star chefs, as it is now on the menu of more than 250 restaurants.
In France, where 60% of consumers say they are ready to try an alcohol-free drink, many producers have also taken the step of alcohol-free innovation. This is the case, for example, of Guyome Simmonet from La Rochelle, who has launched his own brand of top-of-the-range alcohol-free spirits, Optimae. After a successful Ulule fundraising campaign, this new drink will start to be marketed during the summer.
The French brand JNPR is not only convincing consumers, but also professionals in the sector. Indeed, at the International Spirits Challenge, the most prestigious competition for spirits, the brand managed to win 2 medals (bronze and silver) for its two flagship products. A great success.
At the heart of this trend, B&S Tech supports producers in their innovation by providing its expertise in the development of light and alcohol-free products.