Sober lifestyle choices rising in popularity in Calgary
Global News
According to global data platform Statista, revenue from the Canadian non-alcoholic beer market is expected to grow nearly nine per cent annually.
The warm weather means people are still toasting to patio season, but many are saying “cheers” with no booze in the glass. In fact, non-alcoholic drinks are rising in popularity and more businesses are cashing in.
According to global data platform Statista, revenue from the Canadian non-alcoholic beer market is expected to grow nearly nine per cent annually. Volume growth is slated for nearly five per cent in 2023. Changing attitudes and changing habits of the younger generation are a big factor.
“Lots of kids don’t drink, or don’t drink much or have a beer or two and that’s it. It’s different than it was for sure,” explains Graham Matheos of Calgary’s One for the Road Brewing. His products are all nonalcoholic craft beers and they are exploding in popularity, available at liquor stores, bars and breweries. What started as a hobby is now a full-on business.
“From a sales perspective, we grow anywhere from 35 per cent to 46 per cent annually over the last five years. It’s been great growth. The hardest part is keeping up with it,” he says with a smile.
The bottom line is taste. Consumers looking for a replacement for beer whether full-time or just for a night don’t want to compromise on quality.
“Taste is a big thing, and it was really holding back for a lot of years. I think it’s been great to see so many new entrances into the segment for sure,” Matheos said.
Non-alcoholic beer is just part of it. A stroll through most liquor stores isn’t complete without booze-free options. Online stores that specialize in them are also popping up.
That includes Calgary’s Not Wasted. The online retailer showcases dozens of hard-to-find products ranging from spirits like non-whiskey to various wines and elixirs. A consumer searching to create the complex layers of a cocktail – only without the alcohol – would definitely find it here.
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