Zero alcohol target 2030

Drinks industry sees a boon ahead for booze-free market

- SEAN MURPHY

THE drinks industry in Ireland has predicted that the soaring popularity for alcohol-free drinks could result in a fully alternative market within seven years.

This forecast follows a report yesterday that revealed beer consumption remains below pre-pandemic levels while increased numbers of consumers are turning to zero alcohol variants.

Report authors Drinks Ireland revealed that sales of zero alcohol beer increased by 25 per cent last year - and by 325 per cent over the last five years.

A Drinks Ireland spokesperson said: "All signs are that Ireland will develop a significant zero alcohol beer market in the years to come.

The latest report reveals demand may have been over-estimated amid figures which show consumption fell at the same time that beer production increased.

There has been a significant drop-off since the industry re-opened after nearly two years of restrictions due to the worldwide effects of Covid-19.