Even if you’re not committing to the whole Dry July shebang now’s a good time to check your habits and explore a few interesting low-or-no alcohol alternatives. Here are a couple of brand new options.
A new 0 percent beer
Asahi Beverages NZ CEO Andrew Campbell says half of Kiwis are already looking to moderate their alcohol consumption with a higher proportion of Gen Z consumers choosing not to drink at all. “Our research shows more Kiwis are opting for alcohol-free beverages with moderation seen as a ‘smart and healthy choice’, especially by those in their 30s and 40s. And more people are turning to low or no alcohol drinks … when we catch-up or hang-out with friends over a drink”, he says.
This growing demand for low or no alcohol products has led Asahi NZ to launch the new premium Italian Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% in New Zealand. This no-alcohol beer launch is part of a wider global activity and supports the company’s regional goal for 30% of Asahi Beverages’ New Zealand and Australian beer portfolio to be low, no, or mid-alcohol by 2025.
Sales of beer containing under 1.15% alcohol by volume in New Zealand have grown 1116% in the last five years, according to Concept Product Research MMR data, and 40% of Kiwis are now drinking no or low alcohol beverages, according to The Brewers Association of NZ Report 2022.
Campbell says Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% has been specifically brewed to fulfil this growing demand while offering the same taste experience as its namesake Peroni Nastro Azzurro which is 5.1% ABV. The new beer also replaces Peroni’s former no-alcohol offering – Peroni Libera 0.0%. “Peroni’s first no-alcohol beer, Peroni Libera, was launched in 2019,” Campbell explains. “Since that time both the market and Peroni’s brewing capability has substantially evolved. Peroni has new technologythat allows its brewers to remove alcohol from the final product without impacting on the taste profile of this premium beer. They’ve created a beverage that is much closer to the master brand than ever before across all aspects of the taste and sensory profile which is much more in line also with current consumer preferences.”
The brewers at Birra Peroni in Italy used the same base recipe and ingredients to replicate the characteristic aroma and taste profile of Peroni Nastro Azzurro just without alcohol. And consumer testing has revealed *90% of tasters felt the flavour of Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% matched that of 5.1% ABV Peroni Nastro Azzurro with its crisp and dry taste and flowery hoppy notes.
Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% is available at supermarkets, retail stores and select bars and restaurants around the country from this week.
Something to sip and savour
There are as many different whisky styles as there are drinkers – now including an alcohol free option. The world’s leading non-alcoholic drinks company Lyre’s has introduced Highland Malt whisky-style alternative. Lyre’s Highland Malt takes its inspiration from the best Scottish Whisky, so you can now savour the same experience of your favourite serve – whether that’s neat, as a highball or cocktail mixer, shaken, sour or simply on the rocks.
There is a depth of flavour in the Highland Malt, with a hints of seasoned oak, nutty grain and spice. It’s the first non-alcoholic spirit in Lyre’s range that is designed to be enjoyed both neat and in cocktails. Perfect for those who want to enjoy their dram without the hangover. Lyre’s Highland Malt is available online in a 700ml or 200ml bottle.
More coffee half the caffeine
After celebrating 20 years in biz and navigating several years of a pandemic, specialist coffee roasters Kōkako decided it was time to try something new. As a coffee roaster that predominantly supplies cafés, Kōkako has created Everybird, a new dedicated at-home coffee – for when you can’t get Kōkako at your local café or you unexpectedly run out at home.
Everybird has launched with two blends — Everyday and Half-Caf. The Everyday Blend is a crowd-pleaser; it’s bold, a bit chocolatey, a bit biscuity, suited to all brew methods and is just as delicious black as it is with milk or mylk.
Half-Caf is a fairly new concept in New Zealand. It’s the coffee you reach for when you want all the flavour, but not all the caffeine. It’s made with 50% full strength Everyday Blend, and 50% Swiss Water® Decaf (decaffeinated in Canada using only time, temperature and water). It’s for those who want a little more jive and a little less jitterbug – a little oomph, but not too much. Now there’s an option to enjoy coffee all day and into the afternoon, without staying up all night. Grab a bag online, or from your local supermarket or Four Square.
Forgotten the original reason behind Dry July?
It’s a fundraiser for New Zealanders affected by cancer. The funds raised by participants of Dry July 2022 will help Look Good Feel Better NZ, PINC & STEEL NZ and Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand improve the comfort, care and wellbeing of people affected by cancer. Find out more and sign up here.
