AB InBev’s Budweiser launches new alcohol-free beers

Budweiser Brewing Group United Kingdom and Ireland (UK&I), part of AB InBev, has expanded its offerings portfolio with the addition of two new alcohol-free beers.

The new offerings are Budweiser Zero and Stella Artois Alcohol-Free.

The company claims that Stella Artois Alcohol-Free contains 60 calories per serving and has zero alcohol content, while Budweiser Zero contains zero alcohol, zero sugar and 46 calories.

Budweiser Brewing Group anticipates that the launch of these products will enable retailers to capitalise on alcohol-free beer and cider market.

Stella Artois Europe director Ali Humphrey said: “We’re excited to launch Stella Artois Alcohol-Free to the market, the most recent addition to our expanding La Famille Artois.

“Our Brewmasters have taken 600 years of Belgian brewing heritage and combined it with our best, all-natural ingredients, to create an alcohol-free lager that is bursting with flavour. The result is a pronounced hoppy bitterness and a crisp, clean and refreshing finish – but without a drop of alcohol and 60 calories.”

The variants will be joining the company’s existing portfolio of alcohol-free beers including Beck’s Blue and low alcohol options such as Bud Light and Michelob Ultra, which contains 3.5% alcohol by volume (ABV).

Budweiser marketing manager Elise Dickinson said: “At Budweiser, we pride ourselves on being the ‘King of Beers’ – and we know that while consumers are increasingly looking to enjoy low and no versions of their favourite products, they won’t compromise on taste.

“That’s why Budweiser Zero was created using the latest developments in no-alcohol brewing, and following years of taste testing. We are thrilled to add a smooth alcohol-free beer with all the taste but with zero alcohol or sugar, and low-calorie content, to the Budweiser Family.”

In March, Budweiser Brewing Group UK&Iexpanded its distribution partnership C&C Group, to distribute Budweiser and Bud Light in Ireland.