Younger generation, healthy lifestyles driving no/low alcohol drink adoption
- Almost half of Australians (45 per cent) regularly or occasionally consume no/low alcoholic beverages
- Adoption driven by young people and those embracing a healthy lifestyle
- Poor taste seen as biggest barrier to adoption
- No/low alcohol beer tipped to grow to 10 per cent of the beer market
Melbourne, 18 July – New research released today by Brick Lane Brewing, one of Australia’s largest independent brewers, has highlighted the popularity of no-and-low-alcohol (NoLo) drinks, particularly amongst younger Australians and those who exercise regularly or want to improve their health.
The research revealed that almost half of Australians (45 per cent) already consume NoLo drinks occasionally or regularly, while a third (32 per cent) report the same for NoLo beer. In addition, Australians expect their consumption of NoLo drinks to increase: 60 per cent say this will happen somewhat, with 18 per cent citing it will increase a lot, while 14 per cent of Australians who are yet to try NoLo drinks say they would be keen to.
Brick Lane’s research also dispels the perception that social pressures act as a barrier to trying NoLo drinks. According to the survey, fewer than one in 10 (8 per cent) people believe there is a stigma attached to consuming NoLo beverages. Crucially for drinks makers, the biggest barrier to adoption is actually taste, with 36 per cent of Australians saying this prevents them from considering NoLo drinks.
Younger drinkers put their aspirations and healthy lifestyles first
The research shows that, while current and anticipated adoption of NoLo drinks is increasing across a range of demographic groups, young people and those who exercise regularly are the keenest consumers. 71 per cent of 18-34-year-olds think their NoLo consumption will go up a lot or a little, while 68 per cent of this age group would encourage friends and family to drink NoLo beverages.
NoLo adoption also correlates strongly to healthier lifestyles. 30 per cent of people surveyed said their reason for adopting NoLo products was to be healthier, while 63 per cent of people who exercise four or more times a week said they would encourage friends and family to drink NoLo beverages. 46 per cent of these fitness enthusiasts also say they are already seeing more NoLo drinking in their social circles.
63 per cent of those who say they highly enjoy their lives think that their NoLo consumption will go up a little or a lot in future, while 80 per cent of current NoLo drinkers agree. However, just seven per cent of Australians say they intend to go fully teetotal.
Brick Lane CEO & Co-Founder, Paul Bowker said: “It’s clear that NoLo alcohol is no longer a curio or peripheral category but one which is being embraced across a broad cross-section of demographic groups. In particular, younger Australians and those who want a healthier lifestyle are embracing NoLo drinks as a way to have the best of both worlds. There are now a raft of options, such as our Sidewinder Beer range, that now provide the taste and refreshment that consumers are after, while at the same time delivering it in a no alcohol package that can be consumed across a wider variety of occasions.
“The NoLo category is already growing rapidly and as younger people grow older and become even more influential as a consumer group, we anticipate growth will continue to be exponential. We see no reason why NoLo cannot soon capture 10 per cent of the Australian market.”
A lifestyle enabler
The research found that Australians would consider drinking NoLo beverages in a variety of environments. Dining out at a restaurant was the most popular social setting (42 per cent) and this rose to 50 per cent for the 50-64 age group. At work functions (41 per cent) and at a friend’s house (35 per cent) were also popular reasons. There is no wonder then that being able to drive home from a night out was the most popular reason for continued use (42 percent). This rationale was higher among men (49 per cent) than women (34 per cent), and also for 50-64 year olds (47 percent). 34 per cent of Aussies also said their favourite place to drink NoLo would be at home.
The survey also showed that consumers want NoLo drinks to be more accessible, with 55 per cent saying they would like to see more pubs and retailers stock NoLo beverages. This rises to 64 per cent for those aged 18-34, while 38 per cent said there was not currently enough choice in purchasing NoLo beverages.
Paul Bowker added “Let’s face it, NoLo drinks have historically been limited to relatively bland taste profiles. But over the past 18 months, we’ve seen the quality, flavour and depth of NoLo products improve significantly, thanks to new brewing techniques that companies like Brick Lane have pioneered with its Sidewinder Beers.
“With taste remaining a key barrier to adoption, the future category winners are going to be those who are first to deliver great tasting NoLo products. The growth trajectory has been opened up by a number of innovative retailers from specialists such as Blackhearts & Sparrows through to significant investments being made by the majors such as Dan Murphy’s.”
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Methodology
Decibel Research, an independent market research services provider, was commissioned to conduct an online survey amongst a representative sample of the Australian population (18+) who are regular consumers of alcohol. A sample was provided by the consumer research panel provider Pureprofile. The sample comprises 1,000 respondents, distributed across Australia, regional and rural areas.
About Brick Lane Brewing
Brick Lane Brewing is one of Australia’s largest independent brewers, producing its own brands such as Brick Lane and Sidewinder as well as offering a platform for other independent producers to reach national scale, ensuring continued choice for consumer in a consolidating local market. Headquartered at its $50 million state-of-the-art brewery in Dandenong, Victoria, Brick Lane Brewing produces a diverse range of award-winning products, including craft and classic beer, no and low alcohol beer, ginger beer, cider and seltzers. With sustainability at the core of everything it does, Brick Lane Brewing currently produces 20 million litres of beer annually, with expansions to the brewery set to increase production capacity to 40 million litres annually, making it the third pillar of the Australian brewing industry.
Media Contact
Iain Waterman
Account Director
Sefiani Communications Group
E: iwaterman@sefiani.com.au
M: 0401 719 935
