Suntory doubles sales prediction for no-ABV RTD

Japanese producer Suntory Spirits has more than doubled the 2021 sales forecast for the non-alcoholic version of its ready-to-drink (RTD) can, Nonaru Evening Drink Lemon Sour Non-Alcoholic.

Suntory initially envisioned that sales of the RTD would reach 980,000 cases in 2021, with one case equating to 24 250ml bottles/cans.

However, the producer is now expecting volumes to surpass two million cases – more than double initial expectations.

The alcohol-free variant has a lemon aroma with umami flavours that come from a non-alcoholic extract of shōchū.

Suntory believes demand is being driven by an increase in health-conscious consumers, who are seeking non-alcoholic alternatives.

To meet the growing demand from consumers, Suntory is also set to release the RTD in packs of six cans on 13 July.

On 7 September, the non-alcoholic RTD will also be launched in a 500ml can.

After our Asian Spirits Masters blind tasting earlier this year, we compiled a list of the top award-winning spirits from the region.

These are the world’s best-selling RTD brands selling more than one million nine-litre cases annually.