Denver, a city known for its craft breweries, has seen a significant rise in the production and consumption of nonalcoholic beer. This trend is part of a broader shift towards more inclusive beverage options, particularly in the alcohol-free category. The city’s breweries are increasingly incorporating these options into their offerings, reflecting a growing consumer interest in healthier and more diverse drink choices.
Nonalcoholic Beer: Breweries Market
According to data from Technomic, a food service research and consulting firm, nonalcoholic options on menus increased by more than 55% from the fourth quarter of 2022 to the same period in 2023. This surge in interest is primarily driven by younger and more health-conscious consumers. Analysts predict that nonalcoholic beer volumes will grow by about 25% between 2022 and 2026, according to data from the IWSR, an alcoholic beverage insights company.
Colorado, with Denver at its heart, was the second-highest state accounting for nonalcoholic beverage investment in 2023, as per data from NielsenIQ, a consumer buying behavior database. Keith Villa, co-founder and brewmaster of Ceria Brewing Company in Colorado, attributes this trend to the city’s health-conscious population and their increasing curiosity about nonalcoholic and alcohol-free beer.
The Challenges and Opportunities of Brewing Nonalcoholic Beer
Despite the growing market, brewing nonalcoholic beer presents its own set of challenges. The process, which involves removing the alcohol with vacuum distillation, running the alcohol through a series of filters, using specialty yeast, or making a low-alcohol beer and diluting it with water, is expensive and time-consuming. However, as beer consumption continues to decline, more breweries in Denver are exploring this trend as a means to diversify their offerings and bring in additional revenue.
Denver’s beer-centric culture and the city’s narrative of hard play and celebration make it a fitting place for the rise of nonalcoholic beer and spirits. Breweries like Grüvi and Denver Beer Co. have capitalized on this trend, offering a wide range of nonalcoholic options and incorporating nonalcoholic alternatives into their menus, respectively.
Conclusion
Denver’s embrace of the nonalcoholic beer trend reflects a broader shift in consumer preferences towards healthier and more inclusive beverage options. As the city continues to innovate and adapt to these changing tastes, it cements its position as a leading hub for craft breweries and a pioneer in the nonalcoholic beer market.
