With daily reports in the British media of where the find the cheapest beer on holiday this summer, times are changing in Spain with younger generations driving more balanced consumption habits, with non-alcoholic alternatives and healthy options taking centre stage without undermining the social and cultural value of traditional drinks, according to Grupo Delgado.
Alcohol consumption in Spain is undergoing an unprecedented shift. Although a beer in the sun, wine with meals or a midday vermouth remain part of the country’s social and gastronomic culture, the habits of younger generations and growing concern for wellbeing are driving new, more balanced and conscious ways of consuming alcohol.
Alternatives such as non-alcoholic beer, sparkling water and low-sugar soft drinks are becoming increasingly popular, options that respond to a growing demand for products compatible with healthy lifestyles. According to recent data from the General Assembly of Spanish Brewers, non-alcoholic beer is establishing itself as one of consumers’ favourite choices. So much so that today, one in seven beers consumed in Spain is 0.0%, and in the last year alone, sales of this variety increased by 4.6%, whilst continuing to show an upward trend.
This phenomenon is driven by multiple factors, such as greater awareness of physical and mental health, the rise of sport, and the popularisation of healthy habits through social media. Added to this is a gradual decline in nightlife and new forms of socialising where alcohol no longer plays a central role. Today, consumers are seeking more versatile options that are compatible with driving, work or well-being. In fact, according to data from the same source, 50% of occasions on which non-alcoholic beer is consumed are related to driving, establishing it as an alternative that is increasingly integrated into a model of responsible consumption.
However, the paradigm shift is not limited to beer. Sparkling water, sugar-free soft drinks and non-alcoholic cocktails are also gaining ground in both supermarkets and the hospitality sector. Consumers are increasingly demanding products associated with hydration, moderation and wellbeing, but without compromising on flavour or the drinking experience – a trend that is driving the drinks sector to diversify and adapt its offering. In this new landscape, companies such as Grupo Delgado, a firm specialising in the development, production, manufacturing and marketing of gourmet products, which boasts a diversified portfolio, play a strategic role.
Over its 60-year history, it has positioned itself as a key player in the transformation of consumption thanks to its distribution of products aligned with new market preferences. In recent years, they have expanded their range with products such as S.Pellegrino sparkling water, including flavoured varieties such as lemon and mint, and orange and lemon, as well as new additions such as Maison Perrier, which combines sparkling water with non-alcoholic cocktail options. Furthermore, its range includes 0.0% beers from brands such as Mahou and non-alcoholic options within the wine segment, such as Freixenet’s white and rosé varieties.
In short, the drinks market in Spain is evolving in step with a more conscious consumer, who prioritises balance and seeks options suited to different occasions. In this context, non-alcoholic drinks and healthier alternatives continue to gain ground within the standard range, driving a transformation of the sector in which tradition and innovation coexist with increasing naturalness.
According to the latest market reports, Belarus offers the cheapest beer in Europe overall, with the average price of a pint hovering around £0.71. If you want to stay within the European Union, Bulgaria and Hungary offer the cheapest alcohol and beer prices, where a pint typically costs between €1.30 and €1.50.