In response to the exploding growth in the category, Craftzero launched this week to service the public’s increasing thirst for non-alcoholic beverages.
Craftzero is a new “virtual marketplace for mindful drinking” – a one-stop-shop for non-alcoholic beers, wines and spirits, including wholesale on selected products to pubs.
It boasts a vast curated range of unique and artisanal beverages from across the globe, created by craft breweries, small batch distilleries and family wineries.
The growth in popularity of non-alcoholic beverages is reflected in the sheer number of such products coming to market, such as Diageo’s Seedlip, released earlier this year, and Heineken’s 0.0 in late 2018.
The growth is driven by the appeal of drinks without alcohol for multiple consumer segments, and that many people can find themselves in a non-alcoholic situation now and then, even if they drink at other times.
Beyond the increasing number of people simply cutting down or switching to a booze-free lifestyle, and those not drinking on an occasion, perhaps because they are designated driver, non-alcoholic beverages can be appealing because they may be low-carb, zero-calorie, gluten-free, sugar- and sweetener-free and vegan-friendly.
Craftzero was founded in Sydney by veteran alcohol distributors Marc Naggar and Sherif Goubran, who have operated Wine & Co. since 2012, establishing on-premise wine labels such as Curious Creatures, Wild Thoughts, Little Vino and Gang of Two. The further boost to the popularity of and choices in non-alcoholic drinks coming out of the pandemic prompted the new venture.
“Whether the reason is health, work, religion, or just a conscious lifestyle decision, Craftzero enables people to drink smarter, so they can be their best, most productive self,” says Naggar.
“With so much exciting innovation in the non-alcoholic and low-ABV drinks space, our range is full of flavour, life, character and social vitality.”
Statistics show the non-alcoholic sector is forecast for major continued growth: spirits expected to grow 23 per cent this year by value, wine predicted to see compound annual growth rate of seven per cent, and according to Nielsen, the global non-alcoholic beer market is expected to reach $5.91 billion by 2023.
“The alcohol-free market is set to grow exponentially over the next few years,” says Goubran. “With higher quality products, better options available to consumers and easier accessibility, more and more will be making the switch to non-alcoholic drinks – without being judged.”
The new company is committed to supporting the community, pledging a dollar from every order placed to a chosen charity partner for that month.
Minimum order for wholesale customers is one carton, with delivery available nationwide.
SAMPLE PRODUCT
ADNAMS Ghost Ship
Pale Ale 0.5% ABV
All the same flavours and aromas as ghost ship 4.5% but at 0.5% ABV.
70 calories per serve, suitable for vegans.
GOLD AT 2019 WORLD BEER AWARDS UK
