In Ottawa’s Hintonburg neighborhood, Sophia Marco explores the drink menu at her local bar on a Friday night. While surrounded by friends enjoying cocktails and beer, she opts for the mocktail section, where prices range from $14 to $15 per glass. Marco made the decision to stop consuming alcohol in 2020 due to how it affected her, but she still relishes a night out with a well-crafted drink.
The non-alcoholic beverage market in Canada is thriving as more individuals seek ways to socialize without the effects of alcohol. However, choosing alcohol-free options does not necessarily equate to cost savings. Luba Khalil expressed surprise when she began ordering mocktails or non-alcoholic drinks, realizing that these options were equally pricey compared to alcoholic beverages.
Crafting non-alcoholic drinks involves intricate processes and costs that are comparable to traditional alcoholic beverages. Mathieu Gagnon, co-founder of Sober Carpenter, a Montreal-based brewery specializing in non-alcoholic beer, highlights the technical complexities involved in producing these beverages. Rudy Aldana, co-founder of Parch, a non-alcoholic cocktail brand, explains the challenges of replacing alcohol with other ingredients to achieve the desired flavor complexity, which increases production expenses.
Smaller production runs and the need for precision in flavor preservation contribute to the higher costs of non-alcoholic drinks. Additionally, the perception of non-alcoholic beverages as substitutes for alcoholic drinks influences pricing. Marketing and packaging also play a significant role in shaping consumer perception of value and determining prices in the market.
As the non-alcoholic beverage category expands, experts anticipate that prices may decrease slightly in the future but are likely to remain premium products. Competition and industry consolidation could lead to some price relief, but non-alcoholic beverages are expected to compete based on taste rather than price. Despite the costs, consumers like Khalil appreciate the experience and social aspect of enjoying a mocktail, emphasizing the value of being part of the moment in social settings.