Anora moves into non-alcoholic ‘spirits’

Koskenkorva Vodka owner Anora Group is tapping into the demand for low- and no-alcohol with the launch of three new products.

Anora Group, the result of a merger between Altia and Arcus, has revealed its inaugural zero-ABV products: two new non-alcoholic ‘spirits’ and an alcohol-free canned seltzer.

Anora said non-alcoholic consumption occasions are ‘one of the most exciting trends in the drinks industry’ and are ‘slowly taking foot’ in the Nordics.

The company believes the category provides a ‘great opportunity’ to expand its offering and ‘innovate completely new ways of enjoying drinks’.

Furthermore, the creation of low- and no-alcohol drinks forms part of Anora’s sustainability efforts, as one of the company’s goals is to support responsible drinking and promote healthier choices.

Anora will release Roti G, made with gin distillations and flavours such as juniper, coriander and bergamot, in Finland in January 2022. It is priced at RRP €17.95 (US$20.30) per 500ml bottle

Furthermore, the company’s OP Anderson Distillery has unveiled an alcohol-free ‘schnapps’ range, made using the same organic ingredients as the producer’s aquavits. The three-strong line will be launched in Sweden tomorrow (1 December).

The six-bottle mix-pack contains three non-alcoholic variants of OP Anderson’s most popular schnapps: Original, Klar and Petronella. A six-pack of 50ml bottles is priced at RRP SEK109 (US$12).

Jonas Odland, aquavit master blender, OP Anderson, said: “OP Anderson has been part of the Swedish traditions since 1891. A schnapps family where every single spice has been carefully distilled, honouring the centuries-old craftsmanship and the skill in distillation that is still managed today in the OP Anderson Distillery in Sundsvall.

“These are the same spices in the non-alcoholic versions as in the traditional schnapps and we only use natural and organic ingredients. The slight heat you find in our non-alcoholic schnapps is not alcohol but is achieved by using a little chilli and citric acid.”

Anora has also expanded its Say seltzer line with the release of a non-alcoholic Lime & Mint variant. The canned expression is made with sparkling water, ‘natural’ flavours, vitamins and minerals. It contains only four grams of sugar per serving and will be launched in Finland in spring 2022 for RRP €1.45 (US$1.64) per 330ml can.

Anora added: “As the interest in no- and low-alcohol products continues to grow, we are eager to leverage our innovation capabilities to expand the category even further.”

Earlier this month, Anora Group reported a “historical” third quarter following the merger of Altia and Arcus in September.

The company recently released a limited edition OP Anderson Aquavit blended with stout distillate.