Beer O’Clock

Beer remains Ireland’s favourite drink, and its share of the drinks market increased from 40.2% in 2021 to 43.5% in 2022. There is huge innovation in bottled beer and especially in the non-alcoholic bottled beer range. Drinks Industry Ireland takes a look at the products that are driving the bottled beer category

One of the main trends we are seeing in the bottled beer market is the rise in non-alcoholic versions of established branded beers. According to Drinks Ireland, Ireland is one of the fastest growing alcohol-free markets globally. A lot of research an innovation has gone into creating the same taste that people already like yet stripping out the alcohol, which is a time consuming and costly process. This is in response to the rising trend of mindful drinking and offers consumers more choice on a night  out or indeed when socialising at home.
Aside from this there are some great Irish bottled beers entering the market as well as a great representation from the world beer category. With summer in our sights and plenty of brand activation happening for bottled beer brands, it’s time to stock up on a good range to make sure you can cater for trending tastes.

Serving up the taste of summer 2024

Peroni Nastro Azzurro, the number-6 brand in on-trade packaged lager* is invigorating the sunshine
beer category with a brand-new, refreshingly light lager, Peroni Nastro Azzurro Stile Capri. The latest innovation from Peroni Nastro Azzurro features a subtle spritz of Italian lemon and lower bitterness to deliver exceptional quality and taste credentials for summer 2024. Aimed at a younger on-trade consumer searching for great refreshment from the category, Peroni Nastro Azzurro Stile Capri offers lower bitterness and lower 4.2% (ABV) than the original Peroni Nastro Azzurro, with exceptional quality and taste credentials and a refreshing citrus edge. Inspired by the taste and scent ofCapri, an island in Italy’s Bay of Naples, the new brand from Peroni Nastro
Azzurro offers a subtle and lightly aromatic flavour, with a refreshing citrus edge. As we approach another spring and summer season, Peroni Nastro Azzurro Stile Capri offers the ideal choice for casual gatherings and informal occasions. Peroni Nastro Azzurro Stile Capri is the must stock of the summer. Peroni Nastro Azzurro will support the launch of Peroni Nastro Azzurro Stile Capri further in 2024 in media and in both the on-trade and off-trade channels with the objective of building awareness and trial for the new product innovation.
* : CGA ROI ONT Lager Data, MAT To The End Of December 2023

New owner for Dungarvan Brewing Company

Dungarvan Brewing Company, a beloved brewery in west Waterford recently announced the new ownership of the brewery as Tom Dauber, a passionate beer enthusiast and experienced business executive. As the new steward, the company feels that Tom is committed to preserving the brewery’s rich legacy while strategically positioning it for future success in an ever-evolving market. Tom is deeply dedicated to upholding the traditions and recipes that have made Dungarvan Brewing Company a success for more than a decade, and his commitment to preserving the brewery’s heritage will be carefully balanced with a forward-thinking approach to embrace changing market trends and consumer preferences.
“I am honoured to be entrusted with the stewardship of Dungarvan Brewing Company, my goal is to ensure that this brewery remains a cherished part of the community and continues to thrive for many years to come.” said Tom. To achieve his vision Tom plans to collaborate closely with the staff to develop future growth plans, with an immediate start on increasing staffing and output at the brewery, and bringing his financial and operational expertise to the business to improve efficiencies and develop the existing market and reach of the beers.

Tom’s combination of a profound passion for beer and a strong business acumen will bring Dungarvan Brewing Company beers to new audiences in a highly competitive market, making great beer accessible to even more people and continuing the brewery’s legacy while embracing a bright and exciting future. Dungarvan Brewing Company’s team and its new steward are delighted to embark on this exciting journey together and begin working towards a strong and successful future for Dungarvan beers.

Perfectly balanced taste

Brewed to the same recipe since 1873 the green bottle and red star is an instant welcome from an old friend. Their master brewers spent years exploring, brewing, and tasting before they finally created a recipe that deserves the Heineken® mark. The result is a perfectly balanced taste with a refreshing, soft malty body. Heineken® and Heineken ® 0.0 bottled beers are fan favourites when it comes to choosing a fresh, and high-quality beer. Each ice-cold, crisp sip will deliver that richly satisfying flavour with subtle fruity notes. A tradition of taste that has lived on for over a century and a half thanks to the quality of the ingredients and the meticulous attention to the brewing process.
Sunny day drinking occasions are on the way and one third of consumers are predicting that they will increase their visits to hospitality venues this year*. Heineken 0.0 holds 10% of the bottled beer market. For those occasions, it would be wise to have Heineken® and Heineken® 0.0 readily available. Heineken is a lager with world-class taste, brewed by beer lovers for beer lovers.
*CGA OPUS Ireland 2023, sample: 2,500
*CGA data, January 2024 delivery, MAT, Total On Trade, Sector

Big investment in bottling at Kinnegar Brewing

Since their arrival in the marketplace in 2012, Kinnegar’s colourful 500ml bottles have brightened the shelves of all good independent off-licences. Despite the increasing popularity of canned beers, the Letterkenny brewery’s bottled range has continued to grow in popularity. “The majority of independent breweries have gone exclusively to can at this stage”, explains Kinnegar’s MD and head brewer, Rick LeVert. “We’ve invested heavily in our canning line but have never abandoned bottles. We’ve analysed things closely over the past two years and believe there’s a continuing and important market for bottled beers. Rather than abandon bottles, we’re investing heavily in them and hope to increase our bottled output significantly.”