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The world’s largest brewer is doubling down on the alcohol-free trend in the UK with two buzz-free versions of its bestselling brands.
Here’s the deal…
In an effort to capitalize on the growing low and no-alcohol beer segment, Anheuser-Busch InBev has launched two new alcohol-free offerings in the United Kingdom, Stella Artois Alcohol Free and Budweiser Zero.
According to the Budweiser Brewing Group United Kingdom and Ireland, Stella Artois Alcohol Free (which debuted earlier this year) is a 0.0% ABV lager with only 60 calories, and a “pronounced hoppy bitterness and a crisp, clean and refreshing finish.”
Brewed with “premium Budweiser barley, hop and malt” Budweiser Zero also has zero alcohol, but comes in at a lower 46 calories per can.
Stella Artois’ Europe director Ali Humphrey remained sober about the new Stella variation’s prospects…
“Our Brewmasters have taken 600 years of Belgian brewing heritage and combined it with our best, all-natural ingredients, to create an alcohol-free lager that is bursting with flavor. The result is a pronounced hoppy bitterness and a crisp, clean and refreshing finish – but without a drop of alcohol and 60 calories.”
Budweiser marketing manager Elise Dickinson was equally upbeat about Budweiser’s buzz-free offering…
“Budweiser Zero was created using the latest developments in no-alcohol brewing, and following years of taste testing. We are thrilled to add a smooth alcohol-free beer with all the taste but with zero alcohol or sugar, and low-calorie content, to the Budweiser Family.”
The alcohol-free beer and cider category has grown an amazing 147% since 2015, according to Nielsen data.
And although the current coronavirus lockdown has eroded drinks giants Diageo and Pernod Ricard’s sales, low alcohol beer seems to be weathering the storm well.
AB InBev said last year that it expects the low and no-alcohol category to make up 20% of its entire product range by 2025.
Budweiser Zero and Stella Artois Alcohol Free join the company’s existing portfolio of alcohol-free beers including Beck’s Blue as well as low alcohol options such as Bud Light and Michelob Ultra.
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