Alcohol-Free Descriptors – No Movement 10 years on!

A decade after the Government acknowledged the outdated definitions for alcohol-free drinks, the low and alcohol-free drinks sector is teaming up for a collaborative conference to supercharge the growth and normalisation of low and alcohol-free drinks.

With alcohol-free wines now one of the fastest-growing categories in this sector, there’s never been a better time for wine producers to dive into the low and alcohol-free market. It’s time to rally for clearer definitions of what can be called alcohol-free, with the guidance currently  suggesting drinks between 0.05% and 0.5% should be labeled ‘low alcohol’. 

Laura Willoughby, founder of Club Soda and coordinator of the conference, says, 

“Since the launch of  Seedlip and Club Soda in the UK in 2015, the low and alcohol-free sector has been a celebrated British success story. But producers have achieved this with one hand tied behind their backs. This conference is about uniting the industry to create a future manifesto, emphasising sustainability and Government support. Alcohol-free wine is in high demand worldwide, and exciting technological advancements are on the horizon – getting Government backing is crucial.”

Club Soda will host the inaugural Low, Light, and Alcohol-Free Summit powered by PB Creative on September 10th. They’ve invited the new Minister for Public Health to hear the industry’s case for clear definitions of alcohol-free drinks in the UK.

The industry has seen impressive growth despite the previous Government’s inaction on Food Information Regulations since 2014. However, confusion about proper labelling still puts UK-made products at a disadvantage compared to imports. According to IWSR, the UK’s no- and low-alcohol market is set to grow by 7% annually from 2022 to 2026, with global consumption expected to increase by one-third by 2026.

To pave the way for the future, the Summit will feature a panel discussion with Rob Fink from Big Drop, Matt Lambert from the Portman Group, and Kelly Moss from the WSTA on the future political landscape. The agenda, packed with sessions led by industry giants like Heineken, Diageo, and Lucky Saint, aims to help brands launch, grow, and integrate into society. 

The Low, Light, and Alcohol-Free Summit will be held on Tuesday, September 10th, from 8 am to 7 pm, ending with a celebratory drinks reception.

Location:

Low, Light and Alcohol-Free Summit

Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre

108 Stamford Street

London SE1 9NH

Grab your tickets here and join the revolution!