Heat boosts demand for low-sugar and alcohol-free drinks

Drink manufacturers in Carinthia are entering their busiest season, with demand rising for low-sugar and alcohol-free products, ORF reported. Beer sales traditionally decline once temperatures reach 35 degrees Celsius, while business in lemonades and mineral water picks up.

Breweries are responding with reduced-alcohol and alcohol-free alternatives. Nikolaus Riegler, managing director of Hirt Brewery, said the company had grown across its alcohol-free, classic and reduced-alcohol beer ranges.

Almost 60 percent of the brewery’s annual beverage production is sold during the four summer months from June to September, Riegler said.

Summer is also crucial for Drautaler Quellenbetriebe, which supplies supermarkets with still and sparkling water. Managing director Till Westberg said the season accounts for nearly 70 percent of the company’s annual turnover.

Westberg said more people were avoiding alcohol in hot weather as awareness of health risks had increased. Medical advice to abstain from alcohol during heat was also reflected in demand, he said.

Millstatt fruit juice producer APO also reported stronger demand for lower-sugar juices. The company is currently operating at full capacity, with high activity expected to continue until autumn, when the fruit harvest and juice production begin.