Somersby, a market leader in the modern cider segment, is introducing an innovation new product to the market: Somersby Zero. This is the first alcohol-free cider with no sugar and no calories, now available in Germany.

With the Beyond Beer category continuing to thrive, this launch reflects the Carlsberg Group ability to align with key consumer trends, offering a carefree alternative for those who want to enjoy consciously – without compromising on taste.

More freedom, more enjoyment, more options

Under the motto “Zero means more”, Somersby Zero represents a new era of carefree enjoyment: more ease in social gatherings, more variety for nutrition-conscious consumers and more trend awareness. The new Zero range consists of two flavours:

Apple – The popular classic in the cider portfolio

Yuzu & Lemon – A refreshing flavour with the extraordinary taste of the Asian citrus fruit yuzu, characterised by an intense fruitiness with a slightly tart taste that combines notes of grapefruit and tangerine

Gunnar Fischer, CMO Carlsberg Germany, says: “With Somersby Zero, we are delighted to launch a product on the German market that is not only unique, but also a real game changer in the modern cider sector. Somersby embodies the joy of life, lightness and special moments of delight – exactly what Somersby Zero is all about. We are proud to be the first market within the Carlsberg Group to launch this promising product, ensuring we have the right choice for every taste in our portfolio.”

Pioneer of the Zero trend

With Somersby Zero, the brand is positioning itself as a pioneer of a growing wellbeing trend. More and more people are seeking alcohol-free, sugar-free and calorie-free alternatives that align with a modern, active lifestyle. According to a YouGov survey, 49 % of 18 to 24-year-olds have already chosen to abstain from alcohol. At the same time, demand for low-calorie and sugar-free products continues to rise. Somersby Zero is not only the first alcohol-free cider – it also sets new standards for enjoyment without compromise.

Market launch with a major media campaign

The launch of Somersby Zero will be accompanied by the brand’s most extensive marketing campaign in Germany to date. This includes a high-impact out-of-home presence at highly frequented locations in focus cities as well as targeted digital activations on platforms such as Snapchat, YouTube and Instagram. Activations at major festivals in summer and the CSDs in Hamburg and Berlin, a summer roadshow and extensive sampling campaigns put the new product directly into the hands of consumers. Additional attention will be created by eye-catching zero mix displays in stores and a free trial campaign, which will be extended through digital media.

The launch is part of a global plan to introduce Somersby Zero, starting with Germany as the lead market in 2025, followed by expansion into broader markets in 2026, beginning with Poland and Sweden.

Grupo Jumex and AriZona Beverages Company, both leading brands in the beverage industry, announced the launch of Jumex Hard^®, a malt-based ‘Hard Nectar’ inspired by consumers’ growing trend of mixing Jumex^® fruit nectars with alcohol.

This launch represents a significant milestone as Grupo Jumex ventures into the alcoholic beverage category, expanding its product portfolio into new markets that align with the evolving preferences of its consumers. By branching into this new segment, Grupo Jumex stays true to its mission of offering innovative products to satisfy emerging moments of consumption.

Jumex Hard^® will be manufactured and distributed in the U.S. in collaboration with AriZona Beverages Company through its affiliates and distributor network. It will be available in four initial offerings using some of the Grupo Jumex most beloved fruits and fruit combinations: Mango, Guava, Strawberry, and Pineapple-Coconut. These have long been popular in Jumex® nectars line and bring the brand’s signature natural taste and authenticity into an exciting new category – allowing consumers to enjoy a refreshing twist on a familiar favorite.

“This launch reflects our commitment to offering products that combine fruits, authenticity, and the best quality, staying true to our brand’s heritage and values,” said Salvi Folch, CEO of Grupo Jumex. “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with AriZona Beverages Company and introduce an innovation like Jumex Hard^® to the market.”

Abid Rizvi, CEO of AriZona Beverages Company, expressed his excitement about the new product: “Our collaboration with Grupo Jumex has been incredibly productive over many years, and as AriZona expands further into the alcohol category, with successful launches of Arnold Palmer Spiked and AriZona Hard, we are excited to introduce Jumex Hard^®. This product combines the best of both brands – Grupo Jumex’s expertise in fruit and AriZona Beverages’ experience in the U.S. beverage market – to create something truly unique for consumers.”

Years of research led White Claw Seltzer Works to develop the first authentic-tasting, non-alcoholic drink with the elusive and satisfying complexity of a “real drink”

White Claw^®, which changed the way adults drink when it pioneered the innovative, refreshing Hard Seltzer beverage category, is now redefining drinking itself with the launch of an entirely new beverage category: White Claw^™ 0 % Alcohol. It’s a one-of-a-kind premium seltzer for adults, with a depth of complexity that tastes, feels, and looks like no other non-alcoholic drink.

Alcohol gives adult drinks a distinct taste and flavor complexity that no one has been able to replicate—until now. When alcohol is stripped out of alcoholic beverages, like with non-alcoholic beer, then taste, flavour, and the complexity that alcohol provides goes with it. For adults seeking the same depth of flavour that they get in alcoholic drinks, still or sparking seltzers with added flavour are no substitute—they’re bland liquids that fall flat by comparison to real drinks.

After years of research and breakthroughs including development of our proprietary plant-based sweetener technology, White Claw has found a unique way to make beverages that have all the taste and complexity you expect in an alcoholic beverage, made non-alcoholic from the start, so it’s not a lesser version of anything, it’s more.

As a leading-edge beverage company with a culture of innovation, White Claw Seltzer Works spent decades researching how taste and alcohol work together. Our investment resulted in patents and proprietary beverage technologies. Our new-to-world approach led us to develop our own iconic flavours found in no other drinks. As a result, White Claw® Hard Seltzer pioneered the most significant new alcohol category since prohibition. The craft and science that went into White Claw Hard Seltzer led us to create White Claw 0 % Alcohol, a fundamentally new kind of drink for every kind of adult drinker that could only come from White Claw.

Created with ultra-refined seltzer, White Claw 0 % Alcohol not only combines iconic White Claw flavours with elevated new secondary beverage alcohol drinks notes, but uniquely adds hydrating electrolytes—half as many as you’d find in some leading sports drinks, with only a fraction of the sugar and calories – 15 per 12 oz. can. It’s a radically new way to drink.

White Claw 0 % Alcohol arrives at a time when consumer drinking culture, once synonymous with drinking alcohol, has fundamentally changed. A new survey from White Claw found that the majority of people who drink alcohol (69 %), Gen Z (81 %), and Millennials (78 %) are interested in exploring a “sober curious” or “damp” lifestyle. However, 63 % of consumers say feelings of expectations and pressure from others, along with the fear of being judged, are making it challenging for them to avoid drinking alcohol during drinking occasions. It’s a gap for consumers that no one has addressed until now.

White Claw 0 % Alcohol is a way to say “yes” to more drinking invitations and enjoy more adult drinking get-togethers without pressure to fit in. Whether you’re wanting the complexity of a real drinking experience where alcoholic beverages might not be appropriate—like a business lunch—or pacing yourself during an afternoon or night out with friends, or taking a day, a week, or a month off from alcohol, White Claw 0 % Alcohol provides a delicious, low-calorie, hydrating non-alcoholic choice that doesn’t make you seem like an outsider. The majority of consumers agree that non-alcoholic drink options help them feel more confident in social situations where they didn’t want to drink alcohol (57 %), make it easier for everyone to enjoy social occasions together (74 %), and help them prioritise their physical health while not missing out on social opportunities (67 %).

“The industry is ripe for disruption as demand for flavourful, non-alcoholic drinks is on the rise, but current options like excessively sweet mocktails, bland waters, and near-beers are disconnected from what today’s adult drinkers want. White Claw 0 % Alcohol paves the way for an entirely new adult beverage,” said Phil Rosse, President, Mark Anthony Brands Inc. “Our newest breakthrough completely reimagines the idea of drinking by delivering the first ever elevated non-alcoholic choice with the complex taste and feel of a real drink that only White Claw can deliver.”

The survey by White Claw found that the majority (64 %) of consumers wish there were better non-alcoholic options available. In fact, consumers would be more likely to choose non-alcoholic drinks if they have flavors they like (83 %), were from brands they know (72 %), had electrolytes (72 %), and were low in sugar (71 %).

“White Claw 0 % Alcohol is made non-alcoholic from the start, so it’s not a lesser version of anything, it’s more. The result is a bold, refreshing choice that tastes like no other adult drink available,” added Rosse. “White Claw 0 % Alcohol is a drink for all drinkers, that empowers you to say ‘yes’ to more adult drinking occasions. We’re proud to continue to bring new news and meaningful innovations that make a difference in people’s lives.”

White Claw 0 % Alcohol features four bold flavours for a delicious, refreshing tasting adult drink with 2 grams of sugar and 15 calories per 12 oz. can and will be available in variety 12-packs and single flavour 6-packs:

• White Claw 0 % Non-Alcoholic Premium Seltzer Black Cherry Cranberry: The perfect balance of natural ripe Black Cherry and a hint of tart Cranberry flavour give this an extremely refreshing depth of flavour. Available in 12-ounce slim cans included in variety 12-packs and single flavour 6-packs.
• White Claw 0 % Non-Alcoholic Premium Seltzer Mango Passion Fruit: Natural mango and hint of tropical passion fruit perfectly complement each other to deliver an authentic and refreshing taste. Available in 12-ounce slim cans included in variety 12-packs and single flavour 6-packs.
• White Claw 0 % Non-Alcoholic Premium Seltzer Peach Orange Blossom: Tastes just like a ripe peach picked off a tree with just a hint of floral orange blossom, creating an amazing, uniquely refreshing sensation like no other. Available in 12-ounce slim cans included in variety 12-packs.
• White Claw 0 % Non-Alcoholic Premium Seltzer Lime Yuzu: Exquisite natural juicy Lime comes to the fore, accented by a hint of zesty yuzu citrus complexity for unmatched taste and refreshment. Available in 12-ounce slim cans included in variety 12-packs.

Just in time for Dry (or Damp) January, which the majority (62 %) of people who drink alcohol are interested in participating in according to the survey by White Claw, White Claw 0 % Alcohol will begin rolling out in the U.S. on January 1, 2024.

Survey Methodology
The survey was conducted online within the United States by Edelman Data and Intelligence on behalf of White Claw from November 1 – November 13, 2023, among a nationally representative sample of 1,048 Americans ages 21 and up, with additional oversamples to total 1,010 Gen Z (ages 21 – 26), 1,005 Millennials (27 – 42), 943 Sober Curious Gen Z (ages 21 – 26) and 960 Sober Curious Millennials (27 – 42). Sober Curious consumers are defined as those who drink alcohol, but exhibit behaviors or general interest in mindful drinking and non-alcoholic beverages. The main nationally representative sample of 1,048 has a margin of error of ± 3.0 % at the 95 % confidence level.

Avoidance of alcohol is becoming the norm for a growing minority of consumers around the world. While this trend is seen across all age groups, it is most apparent in Generation Z, with as many as a third of consumers aged 18 – 25 now saying that they never consume alcohol.

This trend is creating an entirely new sub-category within the alcoholic drinks market. Younger consumers appear reluctant to turn their backs on either the taste or sophistication of beer, wine and spirits in favour of traditional soft drinks. As a result, alcohol-free choices are flooding the shelves.

According to a new report from Innova Market Insights, four percent of all the beers and spirits launched globally in 2021 contained no alcohol at all, rising to seven percent among flavoured alcoholic beverages (FABs). Launch numbers in each of these areas have grown at CAGRs of 20 – 40 % over the past five years.

Alcohol removal is also becoming far more mainstream. “The big guns are all invested in the alcohol-free movement,” reports Lu Ann Williams, Global Insights Director at Innova Market Insights. “Brands such as Guinness 0.0 alcohol free stout and Freixenet 0.0 sparkling rosé wine offer both familiarity and novelty to young, brand-conscious drinkers.”

It is not all about a ‘no alcohol’ positioning, however, as launches of low-alcohol drinks such as hard seltzers are growing twice as fast. The soft drinks giants have even been exploring this area in partnership with alcohol companies. For example, Coca-Cola (with Molson Coors) already offers the Topo Chico hard seltzers brand, while PepsiCo (with the Boston Beer Co) is ready to roll out Hard Mtn Dew in early 2022. PepsiCo has also applied for a trademark that suggests an alcoholic version of Rockstar could be on the cards.

Whether it is in alcohol reduction or its complete removal, the industry is recognizing that alcohol-shy youngsters are the target audience of tomorrow. Adjusting to their needs is a major focus for right now.

Teetotalism trends in the Asia-Pacific region are becoming increasingly prevalent, with approximately ^*3three out of four (71 %) of consumers drinking less alcohol in August 2020, according to a survey by leading data and analytics company GlobalData. However, the adoption of alternative soft drinks remains low, at only one in five* consumers. In fact, APAC customers surveyed are more attracted by health claims – specifically products noted to help support mental wellbeing – with such products purchased by nearly a third of consumers. Going forward, it will be crucial for drinks brands to blur the lines around traditional alcoholic products and offer ‘better for you’ messaging.

Carmen Bryan, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “APAC consumers are turning away from alcohol driven by concerns around physical and mental health. While general health concerns take precedence, backed by ^*almost half (49 %) of the region’s population, weight management, fitness, physical appearance and emotional wellbeing are all considerable factors driving low or no-alcohol innovations.”

Recognizing this trend, New Zealand-based companies Adashiko and Parker Beverages recently launched a collagen-infused bottled water, marketed as ‘premium’ and ‘sophisticated’. This launch leverages growing demand for alternatives to alcohol that incorporate functional properties, writes GlobalData.

Bryan adds: “By incorporating functional and beneficial ingredient formulations, companies such as Adashiko-Parker Beverages are able to align to personalized health trends and cater to an evolving consumer landscape.”

Looking at alcohol consumption trends more closely, GlobalData’s research reveals that, of the ^*271 % of consumers drinking less, a sizeable ^*20 % (one in five) have stopped drinking alcohol altogether. In contrast, when asked a similar question in the US.

Bryan adds: “As pubs and bars closed their doors this year, and tensions regarding public health heightened, consumers were forced to reassess their priorities and lifestyles. Trends are shaping new home-bound leisure and social occasions where consumers seek the same taste and feel of mature drinks without the negative implications.”

Japanese FMCG company, Morinaga, is leveraging these trends with its amazake product range. Most notably, the Morigana Collagen in Haenuki flavour puts a healthy twist on the traditional sweet and low-alcohol Japanese drink by highlighting the high collagen and alcohol-free claims.

Bryan adds: “GlobalData’s research highlights the importance of premium positioning and clear ‘better for you’ messaging. By leveraging wellbeing factors such as natural, immunity-boosting or skin health, brands can create a premium product that blurs consumers’ perceptions around traditional alcoholic products. A rebranding mission, of sorts. Going forward, it will be crucial for brands to blur these lines further, emphasizing the positive health credentials that will help reassure consumers, both mentally and physically, to tap into multiple consumption occasions and justify a potentially higher price mark up.”

^*GlobalData’s 2020 market pulse survey – Asia-Pacific – published 1 September  2020
^*2Combined responses: “I try to consume a moderate amount” and “I am trying to reduce my intake as much as possible”
^*3Combined responses: “I try to consume a moderate amount”, “I am trying to reduce my intake as much as possible”, and “I avoid this entirely”

Young Indian beer lovers are leading the way in responsible beer consumption, as the latest research from Mintel highlights that more than two in five (41 %) Indian beer drinkers aged 25 – 34 say they are interested in switching from standard strength beer to low/no alcohol (LNA) versions.

While alcohol moderation is becoming more pronounced among Indians as a whole, with an average of 38 % of Indian beer consumers^* interested in switching to low/no alcohol versions, the over 45s (32 %) are less enthusiastic about making this switch.

The top three barriers for beer consumption among Indian consumers include health reasons (48 %), to avoid getting drunk (35 %) and to avoid hangovers (31 %).

Natasha Kumar, Mintel Food and Drink Analyst, India, said: “Responsible and healthy drinking has become the mantra amongst young Indians today. While this behaviour is seen across all age groups with Indians showing interest in LNA beer, it is more noticeable amongst young consumers aged 25-34 years. Brands need to explore opportunities around reduced or no alcohol options since this consumer group makes up a significant majority of beer drinkers in the country. With the current pandemic causing consumers to be even more conscious about their health and diet, the LNA category is expected to grow further post the lockdown. It also offers brands the opportunity to connect with health-conscious and responsible beer drinkers, which will prevent them from dropping out of the beer category entirely.”

Indian beer lovers are watching their waistlines

Shining a spotlight on health and wellbeing, Mintel research highlights that many Indian consumers are interested in trying low-calorie (43 %) and gluten-free (32 %) beer. In fact, over a third of consumers (34 %) say low-calorie content is an important factor when purchasing beer.

“As consumers claim that health is a key deterrent for regular beer consumption, the opportunity lies in expanding beer offerings with healthier profiles addressing concerns surrounding health. Low-calorie, low-carb and gluten-free beers can all appeal to this consumer need. As one of the largest producers of millet in the world, Indian brewers can turn towards this unconventional grain to cater to consumer demand. Countries such as Norway and Spain can act as good reference points for Indian brands to take inspiration for gluten-free beer. Diversifying the portfolio will help brands to expand consumer base to those health-conscious consumers,” continues Natasha Kumar.

Packaging innovations in craft beer can cater to the masses

Finally, Mintel research highlights that the most preferred type of beer includes lager (63 %) and wheat beer (51 %). In addition, craft beer is consumed by almost half of Indian consumers (45 %) and is perceived to be of high quality and worth a premium price, as three in four consumers (75 %) agree that it is worth paying more for it over mainstream beer.

“The popularity of lager and wheat beer indicate that lighter beers are more suitable to the Indian palate. For craft beer to appeal to a larger population of consumers, brands should innovate and introduce more craft beer varieties in lager, ale and wheat beer. One of the main benefits of craft beer is that consumers perceive it is better quality and as such, they are willing to pay more for it. Brands can premiumise their brand portfolio by adding craft beers to target consumers who are willing to pay extra. Craft beer was gaining significant traction in the country, however, the lockdown has caused pubs/microbreweries to shut, limiting the majority of craft beer sales. Bottling/canning could be the next step for craft beer brands, ensuring it reaches consumers with wider distribution, retail stocking and relatively longer shelf life.” concludes Natasha Kumar.

^*1,655 Indian internet users aged 25+ who have drunk beer in the past six months

The iGeneration (also known as Gen Z) is the name given to people born between 1995-2007, following Generation Y. The “i” represents the technology that this generation has grown up with, for example, iPhone, iPod, Wii and iTunes.

Digital Dilemma

The iGeneration are known to consume large amounts of media on a daily basis, averaging between six and nine hours. They use social media such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest and Snapchat as information sources and a way to connect with brands.

Growing Purchasing Power

As this generation graduate from school and college, they begin to have a growing purchasing power, and by 2020, they will account for 40 percent of the consumer market. Influenced by their level of control, identities and globalization, these behaviours and characteristics are shaping the beverage industry, as they look for products to improve their physical and emotional health, as well as helping the environment.

Teetotalism

This digitally-connected generation are more concerned over safety, taking fewer risks and drinking less alcohol than former generations. In comparison to previous generations, the iGeneration have become conscious of what they put in their bodies. This is driving the explosion of variety in low alcohol or no alcohol alternatives on the supermarket shelves.

This is driving the explosion of variety in low alcohol or no alcohol beverages on the supermarket shelves, driving the desire for more sophisticated drinks. Mocktails are becoming more inventive with savoury and spicy notes, appealing to the iGeneration’s broad and adventurous palates. The iGeneration are one of the most ethnically diverse groups and therefore more receptive to ethnic flavours, driving an appeal towards botanical-infused drinks.

Better-for-you

This generation have been educated to make healthier choices, particularly around ever-growing concerns over the consumption of sugar. With CSD’s in decline, bottled and flavoured water has noticeably increased as a replacement, along with cold brew coffees and teas, with more innovative flavours and ingredients.

Transparency is also valued, leading to a higher number of clean label claims. According to Global Data’s study in 2018, 42 % of iGeneration “are often or always influenced by how ethical, environmentally friendly, or socially responsible a product is in the following sectors” in comparison to only 28 % from the silent generation.

Healthy Grab-and-Go

The iGeneration are revolutionising the eating experience. Convenience has become key to meet on-the-go lifestyles and creating grab-and-go convenience opportunities for not just meals, but snacks and beverages. As told by Global Data, “Gen Z and Millennials are most likely to use out-of-home services on a regular basis compared with older age cohorts.” They often prefer to stay at home and use technology to get a food delivery.

According to a study by the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) and the Centre for Generational Kinetics, 24 % of the iGeneration order a takeout three or four times in a typical week, exceeding any other generation. It is worth noting that these deliveries are mostly healthy in order to keep up to go with their on-the-go lifestyles. As told by Tufts Nutrition, 41 % of Gen Z say they would spend more on foods they perceive as healthier, in comparison to only 32 % of millennials and around 21 % of baby boomers.

Source Treatt: www.treatt.com

Scientifically formulated range that replenishes nutrients and minerals lost during partying, travelling and exercising

HangZing is an innovative business founded by a British Chemical Engineer and is committed to using ground-breaking technology to create radical food and drink products.

HangZing produces a revolutionary range of drinks designed to give a natural pick-me-up for people that work hard and play hard. The drinks are scientifically formulated using a blend of naturally-functional ingredients to fight the after-effects of alcohol consumption and to replenish the nutrients and minerals lost during partying, traveling and exercising.

Available in two innovative varieties, Lychee & Lemongrass and Garden Mint, every convenient 100 ml bottle is made by combining herbs, electrolytes and vitamins. The range is sweetened naturally from pure Canadian maple syrup and is free from added sugar, sweeteners and is suitable for vegans.

HangZing helps individuals reboot and get the most from their day and provides a natural alternative to unhealthy “morning after” remedies, including pain killers and junk food.

Product Functionality and Usage

As the liver metabolizes alcohol, a compound called Acetaldehyde is produced as a by-product. Acetaldehyde is a harmful, toxic compound for the human body. It is this that causes the headaches, nausea, muscle aches, fatigue, increased sensitivity to light and facial flushing associated with too much drinking.

HangZing works in three ways. First, it harnesses the powers of the hepatoprotective herbs Hovenia Dulcis, Milk Thistle, Nopal Cactus and Siberian Ginseng, which may facilitate the breakdown of the by-product Acetaldehyde into smaller components which can then be passed through the system.

Aloe Vera, Turmeric and Vitamin C work together to reduce the inflammation and neutralize the acidity in the stomach to ease discomfort, along with boosting the immune system. Finally, electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and vitamin B complex (B1, B3, B6, B5, B12, B9) replenish the minerals and nutrients lost from drinking.

Many variables including age, weight, sex and ethnicity affect how individuals are able to detoxify alcohol in their system. To address this diversity, HangZing’s research and development involved creating a proprietary formula in a bottling laboratory through an iterative approach of testing different quantities of each ingredient on hundreds of people over a period of time.

“Extensive research has shown that dihydromyricetin (DHM), a compound in hovenia dulcis, boosts the ability of the enzymes ADH and ALDH to break down both alcohol and acetaldehyde. The research concludes that DHM can, therefore, speed up the process with which the liver breaks down acetaldehyde into smaller compounds, such as acetate, carbon dioxide and water, which can then be expelled through breathing, sweat and urine.” ^*(Chen et al., 2006)

HangZing is designed for anyone who wants to get the most out of the day after a heavy evening the night before, from busy professionals to those marking a special occasion. Packaged in a box of six 100 ml bottles, HangZing works best when consumed just before bed with plenty of water.

HangZing is available via Amazon Prime and the brand’s website: www.hangzing.com in two varieties, Lychee and Lemongrass and Garden Mint, for $28.99 per box (6 x 100 ml bottles).

^*Chen, S., Li, A., Li, S., Wu, L. and Zhong, G. (2006). Influence of Hovenia dulcis on alcohol concentration in blood and activity of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) of animals after drinking. China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica, 31(13), pp. 1094-1096.