Collective Arts launches booze-free cocktails and brews

Collective Arts is launching a new collection of non-alcoholic beers and cocktails as the demand for booze-free beverages continues to grow.

The Hamilton-based brewery announced this month that it would be adding a pair of liquor-free cocktails - a mojito and a Moscow mule - as well as a non-alcoholic pale ale beer to their line of libation offerings.

Vice-president of sales and marketing Rob Sorgini told The Spectator that with the sober curious" movement gaining traction in Canada and the international market set to grow, the brewery was presented with a chance to diversify (their) current portfolio."

A NielsenIQ study based in the United States showed that consumers spent around $3.3 billion on no- or low-alcohol products in 2021.

Market research firm Global Market Insights has also reported that the international market for non-alcoholic drinks is expected to swell to $40 billion by 2032.

Meanwhile in Canada, a Statistics Canada survey in early 2021 noted that while 24 per cent of respondents were consuming more alcohol during the pandemic, 22 per cent were slowing down.

The opportunity was there," Sorgini said, noting that consumers are also becoming increasingly more health conscious. People still want to savour that happy hour feeling without the consequences of a horrible hangover."

Sorgini said while the new beverages are a deviation from their usual offerings of craft beer and spirits, the brewery is still looking to deliver on an experience," pointing to the colourful cans, high-quality ingredients and thoughtful brews.

We're specialists in craft," said Sorgini. I think this is going to be a great opportunity to broaden the category (of non-alcoholic beverages) even further."

The cocktails launched on Nov. 29, while the beer is set to launch on Dec. 6. Two more beers, a stout and an IPA, are set to be released in the new year, according to Sorgini.

All of the beverages will be available for delivery across Ontario and for purchase at their Toronto and Hamilton taprooms. The non-alcoholic beer will also be sold in the LCBO, according to the brewery.

Fallon Hewitt is a reporter at The Spectator. fhewitt@thespec.com