From non-alcoholic beer to de-alcoholic wine, up to low-proof alternatives that imitate gin and whiskey: the European market for "low/no alcohol" products is 7.5 billion euros.
But, while the market for non-alcoholic or low-alcohol beers is consolidated in most EU countries, that of other drinks is only at the beginning of its development.
This is highlighted by a study conducted for the EU Commission by Areté, based on Euromonitor International data.
In particular, in Europe, the "wine" portion stands at 322 million euros and that of distillates and alcohol-free liqueurs at 168 million.
The EU countries driving the market are France, Spain, Germany and Belgium.
If beer is by far the best-selling product, in some countries the consumption of de-alcoholic wines is also on the rise.
For example, in France, low-alcohol wine reached a market of 166 million in 2021 while in the United Kingdom, sales are worth 98 million.
The market for "low/no alcohol" alternatives to spirits is also taking its first steps in Italy with a value of around 8 million euros in 2021, far behind France, where it has a market of 78 million a year.
Even lower figures, in our country, for aromatised wines, with sales for less than one million euros.
While dealcoholized wine reaches around 30 million euros, compared to 166 in France and 69 in Germany.
The growth is remarkable, with +18% between 2019 and 2021.
The forecasts are for strong growth but one of the critical aspects is the legislation.
To date, there is no legal definition of "alcoholic beverage" in EU legislation and the regulatory framework varies from one country to another and between different products, as does the possibility of marketing alcohol-free or reduced-alcoholic versions.
On this aspect, explains Areté, "it will be necessary to work to guarantee clarity to consumers and operators, without neglecting the requests of those who want to protect the traditional production of alcoholic beverages".