To help support the launch of Corona Sunbrew 0.0%, Corona will unveil a new creative campaign capturing the enjoyment of “Sunshine, Anytime”: filmed on a pristine beach in Costa Rica to capture outdoor living and the energy of the sun.

Now, we’re excited to offer consumers Corona Sunbrew 0.0%, the first non-alcoholic beer with vitamin D, reinforcing our desire to help people reconnect to nature, anytime.” ​ Despite an abundance of NPD in the low & no category, we recognised a gap in the market for a super-premium alternative. Corona is renowned for its high-quality flavour, so we’re pleased to be able to offer an alcohol-free version for consumers looking to treat themselves to a beer at home but without the alcohol.” The name Kranebet comes from the cimbric word “kraneveta” that literally means “bitter grains”, the name given to the juniper plant by the Cimbrian population that used to live in the Italian pre-Alps.No- and low-alcohol beers are made just like alcoholic beers, with water, yeast, hops and barley. Some use yeast strains that are naturally low in ABV, while others will remove the alcohol via various brewing techniques such as steam distillation or reverse osmosis. Budweiser has also extended its Corona brand into low & no and hard seltzers. A non-alcoholic version of Corona, called Corona Cero, rolled into Tesco this month with a wider rollout expected in March across grocery and convenience. On the new launch, Senior Marketing Manager James Johnstone said: “ We’re excited to welcome Kranebet into our growing Italian portfolio and launch it in the UK. Kranebet offers a sweeter twist on the traditional London Dry Gin, perfect as a Gin & Tonic or as a twist on the classical Negroni. It’s rich brand history and traditional Italian flavors will appeal to a wide audience of UK consumers, whilst also having a special place in many Italians hearts.​” Britvic's Brazilian flavors Demand for premium options is also being replicated in the low & no category, which has continued to grow despite the cost-of-living crisis, with sales up 7.9% in the last 12 weeks compared to last year 7, notes Devon. “When consumers are looking for an alcohol-free alternative to drink at home, they want to treat themselves to a more premium option that delivers the same taste and quality they would expect from a traditional beer. Furthermore, the brand wants to challenge the idea that sparking water and hard seltzer are just summertime beverages.

Introducing the new Corona Cero. An alcohol free beer from Corona, brewed with 100% Natural Ingredients. Green apple introduces a sour note for creative drink pairings; while Pink Lemonade is a refreshing drink that blends the citrus of lemon and sweetness of strawberry. As a brand that was born on the beach, Corona embraces the outdoors in everything we do, because we believe that outside is where people best disconnect and relax. The feeling of the sun is one of the things that people love most about the outdoors and the Corona brand is always innovating to remind them of that feeling,”​ said Felipe Ambra, Global Vice President for Corona. Because of this, brand is the most important factor for consumers when deciding which no & low product to buy – ahead of calories, ingredients, taste claim and ABV 3, cementing the opportunity around premium low & no options. After purchasing the historic 6666 Ranch in Texas, which is featured on the TV show Yellowstone, the owners have created a line of beverages that celebrate the ranch.UK spirits distributor Hi-Spirits is launching Kranebet Italian Gin Liqueur in the UK market this month. The journey was not easy as vitamin D is sensitive to oxygen and light, and not easily soluble in water. But thanks to our ongoing investment in innovation and research and development, our team was able to create the only non-alcoholic beer with vitamin D, providing a unique opportunity in the market.”​ Following the Canadian launch, the brand will then roll out to other global markets throughout the year and beyond.

Corono Cero hit shelves this month, with Stella Unfiltered and Corona Tropical to follow in the spring Sparkling water and hard seltzer brand Spindrift has launched its first-ever limited time, seasonal release: Spiced Apple Cider. Stella Artois Unfiltered will be brewed with British barley and the same yeast as its core line, but with the addition of Mandarina Bavaria hop oil, which McGeorge said “balances out the beer and boosts the more fruity and citrusy notes of the lager”. Devon concludes: “It’s clear that the premiumisation trend isn’t going away anytime soon, so retailers should ensure they are prioritising premium options on-shelf. This also presents a unique sales opportunity to encourage consumers to trade up, therefore boosting profits. It’s a win-win situation.” We’ve seen the trend for premiumisation grow in recent years; in the off-trade specifically, the premium and super-premium categories now equate to 61.7% of total beer value 1. As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, is this trend set to continue?

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The ‘innovative, first-of-its-kind, non-alcoholic beer’ contains a 30% daily value of vitamin D (as per Canadian guidelines) to link in with the brand’s outdoor ethos, coming in at 60 calories per 330ml serving. The Sunbrew is made by extracting alcohol from Corona Extra and then blending the non-alcoholic beer with vitamin D and natural flavors. The new brew (5% abv) would offer a “unique and vibrant taste profile” similar to one that “could be found in craft beer”, said BBG global brands marketing director Jessica McGeorge. The 0.0% alcohol alternative has the same crisp and refreshing taste as Corona Extra, with subtle citrus notes that deliver a perfectly balanced flavor. Brewed with 100% natural ingredients Corona Cero can be enjoyed anywhere and anytime, best served cold with a signature wedge of lime,”​ says the brand. Thanks to ongoing advances in no and low brewing techniques, the market is more diverse (and delicious) than ever. How we test non-alcoholic beer Budweiser Brewing Group has unveiled a trio of major launches for its Stella Artois and Corona brands.

The launch marks Corona’s ambition to expand the drinks category with new innovations. In May 2022, the brand launched a flavored alternative to beer – Corona Tropical, the brand’s first lightly sparkling alcoholic drink made with a hint of real fruit juice. It was released in three different flavors – Guava & Lime, Raspberry & Lemon, and Grapefruit & Lemongrass. Produced in Italy by Rossi d’Asiago distillers since 1924, Kranebet is an aromatic liqueur rich in juniper. Originally a popular pharmaceutical elixir, Kranebet uses carefully selected ingredients and artisanal distillation creating a ‘harmonious spirit, free from artificial flavoring and colors.’ In response to this, we launched Corona Cero, a super-premium alcohol-free version of Corona that allows everyone to enjoy their favourite beer anywhere, anytime. True to the Corona ethos, Corona Cero is brewed with the same 100% natural ingredients – water, barley malt, maize and hops – and is best served ice-cold with a wedge of lime.” The original brewing method and ingredients allow Corona Cero to keep its classic refreshing taste minus the alcohol, he says.

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Corona Sunbrew 0.0% will first launch in Canada, with the winter launch carefully targeted for the time of year where most Canadians experience limited sunlight, making it ‘an ideal market to launch an innovation from a brand synonymous with the beach and celebrations outdoors’. Our panel – made up of 10 WSET-accredited experts and consumers — tasted 25 no-and low-alcohol beers from the leading breweries and supermarkets, in search of those that offered all the authentic, hoppy flavour and refreshment of a traditional beer, minus the alcohol. Each was served chilled and blind to avoid brand bias. It’s no secret that reducing your alcohol intake has significant health benefits. According to a study by Alcohol Change UK, 70% of people who took part in Dry January reported better sleep, 86% said they’d saved money and 65% noticed improvements to their overall health. How is alcohol-free beer made?