Around 32% of UK drinkers now “semi-regularly” consume low and no ABV products in 2021, a 7% increase from 2020, an online survey by YouGov has found.
The survey, commissioned by industry watchdog Portman Group, found 33% of consumers stated “being able to drive home from social events” as the most popular reason to drink these products.
Some 22% cited health concerns for medical reasons, whereas 20% said they use it to socialise without drinking excessively.
Around 12% stated they alternate between low/no ABV products with regular strength drinks to moderate overall consumption, the survey found.
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Additionally, the study found that 20% of those who have tried low/no ABV products said they are more likely to drink these products now compared to a year ago – almost double 2020’s figure of 11%.
According to the Portman Group, 58% of non-drinkers have never tried low/no ABV products and the main buyers of non-alcoholic products are alcohol drinkers, with 14% being “semi-regular” consumers.
“As these positive findings show, there has been a big increase in drinking low and no during the pandemic,” Portman Group chief executive Matt Lambert said to Drinks Retailing.
“Indicating that many UK drinkers have looked to moderate their alcohol consumption by swapping with non-alcoholic options.
“These figures show the fruits of large industry innovation and investment into the sector over the past decade to provide consumers with an array of lower alcohol options.”
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