Naked Life has followed up its creation of Australia’s first sugar-free tonic water with the introduction of a new range of non-alcoholic RTD spritzers.

The recent category expansion comes after extensive market research by the company into the growing demand for non-alcoholic alternatives, with the Australian non-alcoholic market predicted to be worth more than $43 billion by 2025. Recent data from IWSR (“No- and Low-Alcohol Strategic Study 2021”) also shows that the no/low category within the beverage alcohol market is set to grow by 31% over the next three years globally. 

Naked Life research identified a lack of product variety in the RTD and sugar-free category. Its range combines distilled botanicals with zero sugar or preservatives, allowing consumers to experience classic social flavours of spritzers such as virgin margarita, virgin G&T, yuzu sake and a Pimms-inspired beverage.

The range of spritzers launched in December 2020 in Coles Local, Drake Supermarkets, On the Run, selected Woolworths and leading independent outlets as well as online with leading non-alcoholic retailer http://www.craftzero.com.au and ecommerce marketplaces http://www.danmurphys.com.au and http://www.amazon.com.au.

Founder and CEO David Andrew said: “There has been a significant lift in demand for health-centric products that deliver on taste in 2020 as people understand products like Naked Life can deliver on both.”

First non-alcoholic bar to open in Melbourne

As the non-alcoholic sector booms, Melbourne-based distillery Brunswick Aces has announced the launch of the city’s first permanent non-alcoholic bar to help normalise drinking in moderation. 

It follows Sydney’s first non-alcoholic bar, Apples@Manly, opening on the city’s Northern Beaches last year.

Set to open late April 2021, the new 150-person capacity venue on Weston Street in Brunswick East will offer a dedicated space for non-drinkers to enjoy an extensive list of specially curated drinks and cocktails. Every section of the drink menu will be designed to cater for non-drinkers, from beers and wines, to the distillery’s signature 0% alcohol gin alternative, Brunswick Aces Spades Sapiir and Brunswick Aces Hearts Sapiir.

CEO and Co-founder of Brunswick Aces Distillery, Stephen Lawrence(pictured main, middle) said: “We’re turning the traditional bar on its head. The demand for quality non-alcoholic drinks has been increasing year on year across the country, so the time is right for an offering that puts those choosing not to drink first. Our customers tell us that some premium bars and restaurants have started to put real thought behind their alcohol alternatives, but the wider industry is taking longer to catch up.

“We want to lead the charge by opening The Brunswick Aces Bar and deliver delicious non-alcoholic choices that don’t compromise on taste. Everything we serve will be 0% alcohol, with our contemporary cocktail list designed to thrill any palate, and not a fruit juice mocktail in sight.”