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Alcohol-free spirits at a crossroads as ‘big alc’ scents an opportunity – Category Intel

Chris Losh
Last updated: 29/01/2026 at 4:57 PM
By Chris Losh
15 January 2026
13 Min Read

Alcohol-free spirits have come a long way in a short time. But does the growing presence of ‘big alc’ in the burgeoning category represent an opportunity or a threat to alcohol-free specialists?


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Artificial flavours and chilli-sourced ‘alcohol burn’ have given way to more crafted, ambitious alcohol-free (AF) spirits productsThe steady growth in quality from AF specialists, coupled with a growing number of zero-proof brand extensions from established full-strength alcohol brands, are putting some of the early big names under pressureDistribution remains a challenge for non-alcoholic spirits specialist brands, but global growth - particularly in the US - is causing optimismMost AF spirits brands sell direct-to-consumer or use third-party sales platforms, such as AmazonBotan

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Chris Losh
ByChris Losh
Chris Losh has been writing about drinks for 25 years, in which time he has edited Wine and Spirit International, Wine Magazine and Imbibe. He regularly contributes to both trade and consumer magazines and has written half a dozen books on wine. He edits the satirical website Fake Booze and is co-founder of the World Alcohol-Free Awards.
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