"Even If You Can't Drink Alcohol... Non-Alcoholic Beer Is Rising in Popularity"

Convenience Store Sales Increase Over 50%
High Purchase Share Among MZ Generation and Women
Purchases Made During Outdoor Activities at Stadiums and Parks

On the 18th, a customer is purchasing non-alcoholic beer at the convenience store 7-Eleven.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] As summer approaches and outdoor activities increase, non-alcoholic beer is gaining popularity. It is especially popular among the MZ generation (Millennials + Generation Z) because even those who are not good at drinking alcohol can enjoy it without burden.

According to CU on the 18th, sales of non-alcoholic beer from the 1st to the 16th of this month increased by 59.9% compared to the same period last year. During the same period, GS25 saw a 52.2% increase, Seven Eleven 70%, and Emart24 62%. Women purchased more non-alcoholic beer than men. At CU and GS25, the sales ratio by gender was about 6 (female) to 4 (male).

The core consumer group is people in their 20s and 30s. At CU, the sales ratio by age group was 48.6% for those in their 20s, 38.8% for those in their 30s, and 12.6% for those 40 and older. At GS25, the sales growth rate was highest in the order of 20s at 65.3%, 30s at 58.4%, and 40s at 50.1%. By commercial district, purchases were higher during outdoor activities. At CU, sales growth rates were 209.3% at stadiums, 181.5% at parks, 63.8% at resorts, and 54.4% in residential areas. At GS25, the order was tourist spots 61.9%, offices 54.2%, areas near stations 48.9%, and residential areas 40%.

As more people seek non-alcoholic beer, convenience stores are expanding their product lines and holding discount events. The number of non-alcoholic beer products sold at CU increased from 2 types in 2020 to 6 types this year. During the same period, GS25 increased from 5 to 7 types, Seven Eleven from 2 to 7 types, and Emart24 from 1 to 6 types. Currently, CU offers Hite Non-Alcohol Can at 1,000 KRW each when purchasing 3 cans, and GS25, Seven Eleven, and Emart24 are running promotions selling 5 cans of non-alcoholic beer for 11,000 KRW.

An industry official from the convenience store sector said, "As drinking culture centered on the MZ generation spreads, non-alcoholic beer is showing a clear growth trend," adding, "We plan to continuously strengthen product assortment and marketing in the future."