Nirvana, the UK’s first-ever dedicated no/low-alcohol brewery, has recently secured half a million pounds from a small group of private investors, taking its 2023 fund-raising total to just over £750,000.00.
Debt-free and enjoying its most successful year of trading, the brewery will use the money to fund further development of key markets, as well as NPD and marketing to support its growing number of retail stockists across the UK. With the no/low category in rude health, the brewery is confident of greater success.
Nirvana is also predicting further growth in the category courtesy of the strong and sustained trend of no/low ‘mixing’ – at-home beer drinkers varying their rounds between full-strength and no/low beers.
Nirvana’s news comes shortly after the government’s announcement of a consultation on the no and low-alcohol ‘threshold ’ – which could result in a raising from 0.05% to 0.5%. Such a move would not only bring the UK into line with many countries, including Germany, Australia and the US, but would likely further boost the appeal of such drinks, given the likely increased ‘mouthfeel’.
Based in East London, the brewery was founded in 2016 by Becky Kean, winner of a prestigious Management Today ’35 under 35’ award. Of the fundraise and new distribution, she said:
“We were ahead of the no/low curve when we started and now we’re riding the wave that’s come along. People aren’t just switching to nos/lows occasionally – or exclusively for Dry January – they’re genuinely embracing them. This fundraise is adding further impetus to nine months of impressive growth.”
Nirvana’s range is available from a wide range of cash & carries and wholesalers, including: Bibendum, C&C, HB Clark, HT Drinks, Inn Express, LWC and Nectar Drinks.
