Why America Owes a Toast to Europe's Non-Alcoholic Beverage Pioneers

European Visionaries lead the way

When Seedlip launched in 2015, the world's first distilled non-alcoholic spirit emerged from European soil. Founder Ben Branson created this groundbreaking product in the UK after discovering a 1651 book called "The Art of Distillation," which documented both alcoholic and non-alcoholic distilled herbal remedies. This innovation wasn't just about creating a new product category—it was about solving a genuine consumer problem.

Similarly, Oddbird, founded in Sweden in 2013, emerged from a mission to challenge social norms around alcohol. Founder Moa Gürbüzer, a former family therapist with over two decades of experience working with alcohol-related family issues, wanted to create structural change in how society views drinking. This purpose-driven approach has created an entirely new category of premium alcohol-free wines.

European Government Support Fostered Innovation

The European approach to non-alcoholic beverages has benefited from forward-thinking government policies. In the UK, for example, the government has taken action to help promote no and low-alcohol drinks through consultation on measures to make alternatives to alcoholic drinks more widely available.

The EU has created favorable conditions for non-alcoholic beer innovation. Between 2013 and 2019, the sold production volume of non-alcoholic beer in the EU increased dramatically from 0.59 to 1.38 billion liters, with its value nearly tripling to 1.28 billion EUR. This growth didn't happen by accident—it was cultivated through intentional support.

From Europe to America: A Movement Takes Flight

European brands didn't just stay in Europe. Seedlip, for instance, went from Ben Branson's kitchen to a presence in more than 25 countries within just three and a half years, becoming stocked in over 7,500 of the world's best bars, restaurants, hotels, and retailers. This global expansion helped introduce Americans to premium non-alcoholic options.

Today, as we enjoy an unprecedented range of non-alcoholic choices in America, let's raise a glass to the European pioneers whose vision, perseverance, and innovation helped create the foundation for our booming market. Their commitment to quality, tradition, and health-conscious alternatives has forever changed how we think about social drinking.