Some people can’t imagine having a cold beer without the alcohol content. However, for an increasing number of consumers, non-alcoholic (NA) beer is the preferred choice. In fact, the NA beer market is growing at a rapid pace.
Since 2020, non-alcoholic beer, wine, and spirits have seen a 120% increase in sales. The trend is expected to continue as more and more people seek healthier alternatives to alcohol. That’s why now is the perfect time to start your own NA beer business.
Why is NA Beer Becoming So Popular?
There are several reasons why NA beer is becoming increasingly popular. For many people, it’s a healthier alternative to alcohol. NA beer contains no carbohydrates, calories, or sugar. It’s also gluten-free and vegan-friendly.
In addition, NA beer is a great choice for people trying to cut back on their alcohol intake. Whether you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or simply don’t want to drink alcohol, NA beer is a great option.
What You Need to Know About NA Beer
Before you start your NA beer business, there are a few things you need to know. First, NA beer is usually made using a special brewing process that removes the alcohol from the beer. This process leaves behind the flavor and aroma of the beer but without the alcohol content.
As a result, NA beer has a slightly different taste than regular beer. It’s also important to note that NA beer is not completely alcohol-free. Most NA beers contain less than 0.5% alcohol by volume.
How to Start a NA Beer Business
Does all of this sound enticing? Have you thought about starting your own non-alcoholic beer business? If so, here’s what you need to do:
1. Write a Business Plan
No matter what business you’re starting, you need a business plan. The document will outline your business goals, strategies, and how you plan on achieving them.
You also need to include detailed information on the concept of your business, target audience, business structure, and financial situation. Don’t forget to include a marketing plan and SWOT analysis.
2. Choose a Type of Brewery
The increased demand in the beer industry as a whole has led to a lot of innovation. There are multiple brewery types, so you’ll need to decide which is right for your business.
The three most common types of breweries are:
- Microbreweries: These breweries produce small batches of beer, usually around 15 barrels or less.
- Nanobreweries: A nanobrewery is smaller than a microbrewery, usually producing around 3 barrels or less beer.
- Brewpubs: A brewpub is a restaurant that serves beer brewed on the premises.
3. Secure a Loan
Realistically, you’ll need some financial assistance to start your brewery. Look into different loan companies such as Kredit365 to get some business loans, such as SBA, equipment, and lines of credit.
You can also look into grants and crowdfunding. Multiple grants are available for businesses, especially small businesses and startups.
For instance, if you want to open a business in an EU country, you should look into services like Flexlimit which offer business loans with no hidden fees. Or you can choose another great option — Lendo (more information about it you will find here — https://paydaysverige.com/lendo-foretagslan-lan/).
Of course, you’ll need a solid business plan and good credit to qualify for a loan.
4. Get the Right Licenses and Permits
Even if you’re not planning on selling alcohol, you’ll still need some licenses and permits. Depending on your location, you may need a federal, state, and local license.
You’ll also need to get a permit to brew beer. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) regulates the brewing of beer, wine, and spirits in the United States.
5. Find the Perfect Location
The location of your brewery is important for two reasons. First, you need to make sure it’s zoned for a brewery. Second, you want to pick a location that’s convenient for your target market.
Some of the details you should consider when searching for a location are:
- Zoning: The first step is to make sure the location you’re considering is zoned for a brewery.
- Foot Traffic: If you want your brewery to be a destination spot, look for a location with high foot traffic.
- Proximity to Suppliers: You’ll need to be close to suppliers, such as a malt house and hop farm.
6. Buy the Right Equipment
Of course, you can’t start brewing beer without the right equipment. The type of equipment you need will depend on the type of brewery you’re starting.
For instance, if you’re starting a nanobrewery, you’ll need:
- 3-barrel or smaller brew system
- 1-2 fermenters
- 1-2 bright tanks
- Small canning or bottling line
On the other hand, if you’re starting a microbrewery, you’ll need:
- 7-barrel or larger brew system
- 4-6 fermenters
- 2-4 bright tanks
- Moderate canning or bottling line
Closing Thoughts
That’s just a part of the entire process. Hiring the right people, marketing your product properly, and ensuring a steady cash flow are other important steps you’ll need to take to make your non-alcoholic beer business a success.
Remember, starting a business is never easy, but it’s definitely doable with the right planning and execution. Good luck!