franziskaner alcohol free beer

AB InBev has brought German alcohol free beer Franziskaner to the UK.

Available now online to coincide with ‘Dry January’, Franziskaner Alkoholfrei is a bottled golden-coloured wheat brew with hints of citrus, banana and spice (rsp: £1.99). It would hit retail shelves at the beginning of next month, joining the brewer’s existing low and alcohol-free portfolio, including Beck’s Blue.

Brewed using only natural ingredients and containing no artificial flavours, the beer would provide a premium alternative to existing offerings, said European marketing manager Isabelle Maratier, adding it would support consumers’ drive towards healthier options.

“We know many Brits are looking to cut back on alcohol and might be struggling to find enticing, authentic alternatives.”

AB InBev will be hoping to grab a bigger share of the burgeoning low and no-alcohol beer market, up 19.5% in value in the past year [IRI 52 w/e 5 November 2016].

The launch forms part of the brewer’s pledge to ensure 20% of its global beer volumes are no or low-alcohol by 2025.