Foreword: I have THREE requests at the end for everyone who reads this blog - by fulfilling these requests, you can help make a huge difference in the no/low & light category!

There seems to be such a hype around alcohol free drinks at the moment, everyone is talking about them (whether they like them or not) - is it all just talk, or are people actually buying them?  

In the last year, it has been so sad to hear about the independent producers that have great products, calling it a day as the business is simply not profitable enough.  

We all know the importance of "shopping small" and "buying local", so why do we continue to support the BIG alcohol brands, buying their 0.0 versions, rather than supporting the brands that have quite literally paved the way in the no and low alcohol category?

I'm not having a go at the Big Alcohol 0.0 versions - I’m just as guilty as the next person for buying from the HUGE brands (they're widely available in supermarkets/bars and they're usually cheaper) and I understand that they do play a big part in introducing consumers to the category, who might not ever have picked up an alcohol free brand that they had never heard of.  However, I do find it heart-breaking that it was mainly smaller, independent brands who done the ground work introducing the category, just for the big alcohol companies to swoop in and cash in!

(I also can't help thinking that the big alcohol companies have an ulterior motive to releasing 0.0 versions, such as using them to sponsor sporting events, but that's a whole different conversation!)

SO, back to why we're not buying from the smaller brands - it's down to cost right?  If you've ever uttered the works "why is this alcohol free drink so expensive?" - then I urge to listen to Denise at Low No Drinker Magazine.  She has a great podcast with an episode (only a 12 minute listen) on the cost of no/low & light drinks - which covers a variety of the reasons for this.  Once you have listened and understand a little more about the R&D and the processes involved, it really does make the costs of these drinks a little more palatable. 

I do understand that money is tight for a lot of people these days (including for myself!) - but remember the days when we'd willing buy a round of shots for everyone on a night out for £40?!

Hopefully you're still reading - and if you are, here are my THREE requests for you;

1. The next time that you are thinking about buying some alcohol free drinks, give one of the smaller, independent brands a try. You will be able to buy direct from their website, or one of the AF retailers such as DRYDRINKER.
2. If you do give a small brand a try and you like it - give them a shout out!  Whether that's on Instagram, Facebook, or just by telling someone, it all helps!
3. Leave a comment on this blog with you favourite INDEPENDENT no or low alcohol company - it will mean everything to them!

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