Rise in custom glass bottle orders for non-alcoholic spirits and aperitifs

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Recent years have seen a remarkable transformation in the alcoholic beverage industry as consumers increasingly seek healthier, more sustainable, and alcohol-free alternatives.

This shift in preferences has given rise to the demand and popularity of non-alcoholic spirits and aperitifs, as well as low-alcohol drinks. There seems to be a connection between this movement and broader lifestyle shifts emphasizing health consciousness and environmental responsibility. With this in mind, it becomes essential to bottle these innovative spirits in custom-made glass bottles, which align with the principles of sustainability, container hygiene, and quality preservation.

 

The rise in no/low alcohol demand: A statistical perspective

The growth of non-alcoholic spirits and low-alcohol options has been nothing short of remarkable. According to the December 2022 statistics generated by the IWSR Drinks Market Analysis for No-and Low-Alcohol drinks among 10 focus markets (the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, Brazil, South Africa, France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom), the market value of no/low alcohol products in 2022 surpassed $11 billion, up from $8 billion in 2018. No-alcohol volumes grew 9% in 2022, increasing their share of the overall no/low-alcohol space in the world’s 10 leading no/low markets to 70%, up from 65% in 2018. “No-alcohol is growing faster than low-alcohol in most markets,” says Susie Goldspink, Head of No- and Low-Alcohol, IWSR Drinks Market Analysis. “The countries where this does not apply, such as Japan and Brazil, are early-stage low-alcohol markets with a small volume base.”

According to the IWSR, 2023 to 2026 will see more dynamic double-digit volume compound annual growth rates (CAGR) in markets including Australia, Canada, and the US. The world’s most valuable no/low-alcohol markets are currently Germany, Japan, Spain, the US, and the UK.

Who would have thought that a country like France celebrated for its haute cuisine, refined taste buds, world-renowned wine, and bon-vivant mentality, would warm up to the idea of no or low alcohol spirits and aperitifs! Well…according to Augustin Laborde, brainchild of Le Paon Qui Boit (The Drinking Peacock) France’s first (and very successful!) no-alcohol boutique: "Non-alcoholic drinks have a third of the calories of those with alcohol…plus you avoid a hangover. It's really about treating yourself, being good to yourself, and discovering new things." For Laborde, these advantages explain why most of the boutique's clients are "flexi-drinkers", people who still drink, but who have cut down on their alcohol intake. He also refers to the elderly who realize they shouldn’t be consuming much alcohol anymore, and to pregnant customers who can enjoy a safe and guilt-free night out. In case you’re wondering about non-alcoholic options… Le Paon Qui Boit offers 460! Everything from alcohol-free wine and beer to faux gin, and healthy low-sugar alternatives such as kombucha, a fizzy sweet & sour fermented tea.

A report by Market Research.com that forecast the global non-alcoholic spirits market (including gin, rum, vodka, tequila, and whiskey) from 2022-2029, showed that the market size in spirits alone is projected to grow from US$ 526.8 million in 2022 to US$ 717.5 million in 2029. This is an increase of 36%, or a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 4.5%.  

This surge is indicative of a shift towards healthier drinking habits, a rising awareness of mindful lifestyles, and a noticeable move towards more responsible consumption, especially since alternatives are now available at most social gatherings, bars, restaurants, clubs, events, and licensed liquor shops.

Beverage Daily reports that this moderation-trend has led to non-alcoholic cocktails (also known as “mocktails”) experiencing an almost 31% increase in the past 3 years. This underlines the growing popularity of alcohol-free options in the food-service industry, where innovative mixologists are creating exciting non-alcoholic concoctions that cater to the discerning palates of consumers.

Tailor-made glass bottles: A perfect fit

To further enhance the sustainability, longevity, and appeal of non-alcoholic and low-alcohol spirits, custom-made glass bottles have become increasingly popular. These tailor-made containers are designed with creativity and precision to meet the specific needs of each brand and its product.

This is where Rockwood Glass, a renowned custom glass bottle manufacturer, comes into play. Rockwood Glass, ranked in the top 5 glass bottle factories globally, is a French-owned company based in a Free-Trade Zone outside Shanghai, China. Rockwood’s expertise lies in crafting custom glass bottles that not only elevate the aesthetics of world-famous liquors and spirits but also align perfectly with sustainability goals. Rockwood’s Founder and CEO, Henri Berthe said: "We've observed a consistent increase in customers, both our loyal patrons and newcomers, turning to us for unique glass bottle solutions tailored to their innovative non-alcoholic spirits. The pandemic seems to have given rise to a new and seemingly long-term trend.”

Custom glass bottles from Rockwood Glass are tailored to the distinctive characteristics of the non-alcoholic and low-alcohol spirits they hold. These bespoke bottles enhance the overall brand image and create a memorable drinking experience for consumers. The ability to customize the shape, size, color, and design of the glass containers allows brands to differentiate themselves in a competitive market.

Glass bottles for untainted contents

In addition to being sustainable and highly marketable, glass bottles boast impecable cleanliness standards. The non-porous nature of glass makes it resistant to bacterial growth and odors, ensuring that the beverage inside remains pure and untainted. They are also highly conducive to thorough sterilization, making them ideal for both initial use and reuse. These features are of paramount importance, especially in the production of non-alcoholic spirits, which rely on the meticulous preservation of botanicals, herbs, and spices to achieve their unique flavors. And did you know that certain consumable liquids, such as spirits and wines, are sensitive to UV light? Glass bottles offer excellent UV protection, shielding the contents from harmful rays that can compromise taste, aroma, quality, and even color. 

The surge in demand for non-alcoholic spirits and aperitifs, as well as low-alcohol options, is a testament to the changing preferences and values of today's consumers. As the world continues to embrace a holistic approach to well-being and sustainability, the popularity of non-alcoholic spirits is set for continued growth, as is the use of sustainable packaging materials. This trend represents a profound shift in how we view and consume beverages, making a significant impact on our individual lives and the environment.

 

Learn more about the Rockwood services available to you

 

Contact us for a free consultation about your next custom-made glass bottle project.

The 1-stop shop bottle manufacturer for your spirits & liquors.

Rockwood is the largest French-owned ceramic and glass bottle factory and bottler in China. It produces 500+ million classic & exclusive bottles for some of the most prominent premium brands in the spirits and beverages arena annually. This is where premium quality meets cost efficiency and short lead times.