Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | November 8, 2021 | Worcester Business Journal 9 of low and non-alcoholic beer within the alcohol beverage market is small – coming in at about 3% worldwide, per International Wine and Spirit Research, which tracks these figures, consumption of these products is projected to increase by nearly a third by 2024. "e sales numbers seem to bear out NA beer will become more popular Do you think the non-alcoholic beer market will grow? The coronavirus pandemic has upended many markets in the last 19 months, while creating some new opportunities. One market opportunity near the start of the pandemic came as people stayed at home, first entirely and then less so, consumed more alcohol. However, there has been pushback against increased consumption as the National Institutes of Health sees that increase in the use of alcohol as a public health problem, which has become more acute during the pandemic. More restaurants are offering alcohol-free mocktails, and craft brewers are entering the non-alcoholic beer market. When polled online, the majority of WBJ readers said non-alcoholic beer will increase in popularity. F L AS H P O L L there is a rise in popularity," said Sam Hendler, president of Mass Brewers Guild and co-founder of Jack's Abby Cra Lagers in Framingham. He pointed to broader cultural health trends, including the ongoing Yes 60% No 40% Even with all the current changes, Commercial Financing can still flow smoothly. For lenders or borrowers, it's not always easy to steer through commercial lending options and opportunities. Whether you're a private entity, public company, financial institution, or nonprofit organization, our senior level team offers experience that ensures consistency, cost efficiency, and proven reliability. All of which can help you better navigate changing times. Real Knowledge in Real Time W O R C E S T E R | F R A M I N G H A M | B O S TO N | C A P E C O D 508.459.8000 | FletcherTilton.com COMMERCIAL LENDING | LOAN RESTRUCTURE REAL ESTATE, INDUSTRIAL, CONSTRUCTION, EQUIPMENT FINANCING SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA) FINANCING Anthony Salvidio, Esq. 508.459.8004 Karen LaFond, Esq. 508.459.8015 "I am a delighted fan of NA beers. The first attempts at NA beer – decades ago – were a disaster. But today there are a growing number of outstanding craft NA beers to suit every taste that are really good!" "I certainly wouldn't drink it, but the same idiot Millennials who go to places like Apple- bee's and think it's good or buy sandwiches from Subway would probably drink it. I live in Worcester but wouldn't drink Wormtown Brewery beer if you gave it to me. I'd rather drive to Stone Cow." "I switched to NA beer about two years ago and haven't looked back." COMMENTS: Lost Shoe Brewing & Roasting Co. in Marlborough now is stocking non-alcoholic beers from a Connecticut brewery, although it has yet to brew its own. Continued on next page PHOTO/COURTESY OF LOST SHOW BREWERY

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