KANSAS CITY — The non-alcoholic beverage industry provides a large category in which food entrepreneurs can innovate and experiment.
Despite innovations in the low- or no-alcohol alternative category, participation in this year’s Dry January dropped four percentage points to 15% from 19% in 2022, according to a survey from market research company Morning Consult. However, there is still a market for those who choose to abstain from drinking. The market value of no- and low-alcohol products in 2022 passed $11 billion, up from $8 billion in 2018, according to data from London-based drinks market analysis company IWSR.
Sparkling water company Aura Bora is partnering with olive oil company Graza to make its debut in the non-alcoholic cocktail category. The companies are launching the Aura Bora x Graza olive oil martini. The non-alcoholic olive oil martini is formulated from a blend of Aura Bora’s sparkling water and Graza’s extra virgin picual olive oil. It features the flavors of yuzu extract, juniper oil and extra virgin olive oil, with “warm, herbal undertones,” according to the company. The canned mocktails are zero-proof, sugar-free and are formulated with real plants.
Also in the canned cocktail category is Free AF, which was founded by AAPI entrepreneur Lisa King. Free AF launched its line of alcohol-free canned cocktails, which includes Aperol spritz, paloma, Cuba libre and vodka spritz varieties. Each zero-proof cocktail option includes Afterglow, a natural botanical extract that mimics the warmth of drinking alcohol, according to the company.
In the non-alcoholic spirits category, Abstinence Spirits introduced a line of alcohol-free aperitifs, inspired by the Floral Kingdom of South Africa’s Cape. The line includes two flavors, blood orange and lemon, of the ready-to-drink sparkling beverage. It joins the company’s existing line of four non-alcoholic botanical spirits, which are available in: Cape Citrus, Cape Floral and Cape Spice and Epilogue X varieties.
“What motivates me is whenever I see someone experience the surprise and delight of tasting Abstinence Spirits for the first time,” said Ranwei Chiang, chief executive officer of Abstinence Spirits. “There are so many reasons people are choosing to cut back on alcohol, and I’m glad we can be part of that journey to find great-tasting alternatives.”
Click to view non-alcoholic beverages from food entrepreneurs.