Denver, nestled amidst the picturesque Rocky Mountains, is swiftly embracing the burgeoning trend of alcohol-free beverages, ushering in a wave of inclusive drink options.
Data from Technomic, a food service research and consulting firm, reveals a remarkable surge in non-alcoholic offerings on menus, soaring by over 55% from the fourth quarter of 2022 to the corresponding period in 2023. This surge is predominantly fueled by younger and health-conscious consumers, propelling a significant expansion in the sector.
Forecasts indicate sustained interest and growth in the non-alcoholic beverage market, with the IWSR predicting a 25% increase in non-alcoholic beer volumes between 2022 and 2026. Additionally, findings from NielsenIQ highlight Colorado as the second-highest state in the US for non-alcoholic beverage investment in 2023.
Keith Villa, co-founder and brewmaster of Ceria Brewing Company in Colorado, notes the growing curiosity surrounding non-alcoholic and alcohol-free options among Denver residents, particularly those prioritizing fitness and wellness. As consumers become increasingly educated about these alternatives, Ceria Brewing Company observes a rising demand for their products.
Exploring the production process, Villa explains the various methods employed to create non-alcoholic and alcohol-free drinks, underscoring the complexity and costliness of each approach. Despite the challenges, breweries in Denver are embracing the trend, recognizing its potential to diversify offerings and attract a broader consumer base.
Grüvi, a Denver-based brewery, has capitalized on this trend since its inception five years ago, catering to the region’s preference for a healthier lifestyle and the burgeoning alcohol-free market. Co-founder Niki Sawni highlights the evolution of non-alcoholic beer from a niche product to a mainstream choice, prompting widespread adoption by bars and restaurants.
Denver Beer Co., known for its multiple taprooms across the area, has also adapted to the non-alcoholic wave by incorporating hop water into its menus. CEO Robert MacEachern emphasizes the brewery’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring a welcoming environment for all patrons. While alcoholic beer remains the brewery’s cornerstone, hop water serves as a complementary offering, reflecting Denver’s culture of innovation and adaptability within the craft beer industry.
As Denver continues to lead the charge in craft beer, breweries are embracing change and innovation, embracing non-alcoholic options as an integral part of their identity. For Denver Beer Co. and others alike, non-alcoholic beer represents not a departure from tradition, but an evolution and enhancement of their brand.
