The Pub Show talks to Daniya Stewart, Managing Director of DryDrinker, about the rise of low & no and some of the website's most popular brands. 

What’s the story behind the launch of DryDrinker?

Stuart Elkington became personally obsessed with finding great tasting alcohol-free alternatives after being advised by a doctor to give up alcohol. Inspired by his time living in Spain, where low & no alternatives are commonly found he set up Dry Drinker in 2016, selling alternative premium drinks from across the world. Stuart's mission is to support Dry Drinkers for whatever reason they are choosing not to drink or actively moderate their alcohol intake. 

How has the company evolved since launching?

After starting in Stuart's garage in 2016 sharing drinks with his friends and family, DryDrinker now has a range of nearly 400 drinks and sends out over 30,000 bottles of low & no alcohol drinks every week across the globe.

What are some of the most popular low & no products with consumers?

Beer still dominates the market with nearly 70% of our sales in this category but we are seeing rapid growth in other categories driven by huge innovation in the sector and a laser focussed approach to taste and mouthfeel by newer brands who understand that people want "grown-up" alternatives. Wine, functional drinks and spirit alternatives are all increasingly popular.

What trends are you seeing when it comes to new products and brands entering the market?

Functional benefits in drinks are becoming increasingly popular, especially with younger consumers (18-25) - such as CBD and plant based botanicals that deliver a buzz without alcohol. It is a very saturated space right now so a new gin, beer or cider needs to have real added value to compete in the space. Drinks that do not try to directly replicate alcohol alternatives are also standing strong in the market. 

Why should buyers invest in low & no?

The growth in the space is huge, with over 70% of UK adults doing things to actively moderate their alcohol intake. Consumers are interested in socialising without alcohol being the centrepoint and retailers can support people doing this at home. At DryDrinker we understand this need and the infancy of the sector. People want choice, convenience and confidence that the products taste great and we are working hard to show them everything it has to offer.

Do you have any favourite products in this category?

Botivo is a great brand showing that you can be a really special grown up drink in your own right. For moderators there are some great direct alternatives - Smashed Lager is a fantastic zero alcohol beer, Mash Gang have a brilliant range of beers and Sassy Cider is my new favourite import from France.

Find out more about DryDrinker, and explore the site's diverse range of non-alcoholic drinks, at drydrinker.com.