In what is a very interesting trend, zero-alcohol beer is fast gaining in popularity. Why Heineken and Budweiser are killing it with Zero-Alcohol Beer

The beer giants have a new burgeoning market: Consumers who don't drink alcohol.

Consumer demand for low-and-no-alcohol brews is booming, making it one of the fastest growing segments of the $600 billion global beer market. Sales of non-alcoholic beer is expected to surpass $25 billion by 2024, according to research firm Global Market Insights.

Heineken was the latest to drive home the point. On Monday, the Dutch brewing giant reported disappointing first-half 2019 earnings, sending shares down more than 5%. But one area of hope was its low and non-alcoholic beer business, which grew by nearly 10%.

And it's not just abroad. In India too, the trend is catching on. More non-alcoholic beer coming your way

Anheuser-Busch InBev and Heineken, the world’s biggest brewers, are launching non-alcoholic beer of their flagship brands in India that will compete with beverages of cola giants Coca-Cola and PepsiCo on supermarket shelves and restaurants.

United Breweries (UB), controlled by Heineken, is launching Heineken 0.0, a zero-alcohol version of the beer brand, while AB InBev will roll out Budweiser 0.0 next week across the country.

So why am I posting this on Team-BHP? Because:

• It tastes awesome! I recently discovered it on a night when I was driving.
• It looks like the real thing.
• It's 0% alcohol, and thus 100% safe to have before driving.
• Let's say you are out with your friends. They are partying, but since you are the designated driver, you are having a coca cola or juice. Trust me, this is a lot more satisfying to have on a clubbing / dinner night (especially if you have one really chilled + in a tall glass).
• I'd much rather that a BHPian drives after 3 zero alcohol beers than 1 alcoholic beer.
• They are cheap (lower taxes).
• It's healthier.
• Safe because it doesn't give you a kick / buzz at all. Like ZERO.

All the big brands have entered the segment & they're even available on Amazon & Big Basket. Heck, BHPians from dry states such as Gujarat & Bihar can enjoy one. Note: There are some 0.0 alcohol beers, while some have 0.05% which is still allowed to be classified as zero-alcohol in many countries because its a negligible level (some burger rolls & fruits have more than 0.05% alcohol - link). Mentioning this last point if you have religious reasons.

P.S. Please note Team-BHP's STRONG anti-alcohol rule and avoid any discussions on alcoholic drinks.

P.P.S. We still won't allow pictures of beer glasses in your hand, even if you claim it's non-alcoholic. So please avoid. Thanks for the support & understanding