LOW2NOBEV JUNE NEWSLETTER 2022

That non-alcoholic trade association ANBA has seen fit to launch its own UK arm this month is no surprise. While many non-alcoholic drinks are made by parent companies like Diageo and Heineken, whose main trade is full-strength booze, it was only a matter of time before pure non-alcoholic brands sought organised representation.

It’s about time, because there are a slew of issues facing the low and non-alcoholic sector which deserve the proper time, effort, and expertise navigating the landscape of red tape and regulation that a dedicated trade body can offer.

It’s also encouraging to see that businesses which also produce booze won’t be excluded from joining – although if a firm takes most of its revenue from alcohol, no board seats will be available to it.

How effective ANBA will be, of course, remains to be seen. But at a time when inflation and the cost-of-living crisis are making the retail environment trickier to traverse, a unified voice for the sector’s independents is most welcome.

So what’s in this newsletter?

First up, The Grocer takes a look at recent NPD and investment in low & no. Then The MA shines a light on Asahi’s plans to grow its alcohol-free business. Finally, Beverage Daily asks whether non-alcoholic wine packaging needs a rethink.

Low2NoBev 2022 will take place from 26-28 September at London’s Olympia. For more information on the show, visit www.low2nobev.com