Butcombe Brewing has made its first foray into the burgeoning no and low alcoholic drinks market with the launch of its latest product.
The brewery and pub operator, which is based in the village of Wrington, North Somerset, on the outskirts of Bristol, has made a version of its Goram IPA drink, named after the legendary giant of Bristolian folklore, that contains less than 0.5% alcohol.
Butcombe, whose parent company is the Jersey-based independent brewers the Liberation Group, will make Goram IPA Zero available in draught and bottled form.
It comes as increasing numbers of smaller independent breweries to global beer firms have been releasing no and low alcohol alternatives to their product ranges.
Tiny Rebel, based in Newport, South Wales, have also recently announced the release of two 'no and low' alcohol beers, called 86 The Silence and Speakeasy.
It's part of a collaboration between Tiny Rebel and not-for-profit platform So Let’s Talk, to support hospitality workers and promote mindful drinking across the industry.
Another Welsh brewery, Swansea’s Drop Bear Beer Company is also looking to develop the nation’s first alcohol-free brewery, which it hopes could be operational by the end of the year.
According to figures from global drinks industry data provider IWSR, the no and low market is predicted to grow by 34% by 2024 and it is expected that overall alcohol volume consumption in the UK will decline by 10% in the coming year.
Marc McGuigan, Liberation Group’s managing director for brewing and distribution, said Butcombe’s new beverage would add “a new dimension” to the group’s offering.
Mr McGuigan said: “The no and low market is only going to grow in popularity as consumers demand more choice.
“It’s important for us as an award-winning brewery to ensure we’re part of this growing trend and create innovative products we know our customers are going to love.”
Goram IPA Zero’s alcoholic equivalent was one of seven of Butcombe’s drinks to win awards at this year’s Taste of the West Awards.
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