The SAQ reported a decrease in revenues of $18.7 million, or 3.5 percent, in the third quarter of the fiscal year 2023-2024 compared to the same period last year. Additionally, the volume of alcohol measured in litres dropped by 1.9 percent during the same time frame. However, this decline in alcohol sales seems to be offset by an increase in sales of non-alcoholic beverages. Sales are booming at Apéro à zéro, a Montreal boutique that exclusively sells non-alcoholic beverages. According to an employee, people are becoming more conscious about avoiding hangovers, leading to a rise in the popularity of non-alcoholic options.
Apéro à zéro is the only strictly non-alcoholic store of its kind in the province, and sales for non-alcoholic beer, wine, spirits, and mixed drinks are strong. Customers are increasingly curious about these products, which are of high quality, leading to a positive reception in the market. Some consumers, like Stéphanie Breton and her partner, are choosing to consume less alcohol for a healthier lifestyle. Breton mentioned that she enjoys the taste of drinks but prefers not to deal with the negative effects of alcohol the following day. This shift in consumer behavior is driving the success of establishments like Apéro à zéro.
Another store experiencing a surge in non-alcoholic beverage sales is Dépanneur Écodep. The owner noted that the increase in sales started around the Christmas holidays and has continued to rise. The owner, Marie Moubarac, has had to make additional shelf space for non-alcoholic beverages to meet the growing demand from customers. She believes that this trend is more than just temporary and that people are increasingly seeking out non-alcoholic options, with requests for these beverages continuing to rise as spring approaches. As a result, both Dépanneur Écodep and Apéro à zéro are looking to expand to accommodate the growing popularity of non-alcoholic beverages.
Overall, the shift towards non-alcoholic beverages is becoming more prominent as consumers prioritize healthier lifestyles and seek alternatives to traditional alcoholic drinks. The increase in sales of non-alcoholic products at specialty stores like Apéro à zéro and Dépanneur Écodep reflects this changing consumer behavior. With the demand for non-alcoholic options on the rise, these businesses are experiencing success and are considering expansion to meet the needs of their customers. As people become more conscious of their alcohol consumption and its impacts, the market for non-alcoholic beverages is likely to continue growing in the future.
