Korea's market for light and non-alcoholic beer expands rapidly due to health-conscious trends and sales at restaurants

Sales of non-alcoholic beer "Hite Zero 0.00" made by Hite Jinro Beverage, a subsidiary of major alcoholic beverage company Hite Jinro, increased 36% in 2024 compared to the previous year.
In addition, sales of low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beers with an alcohol content of less than 1% by OB Beer increased by 13%.
Lotte Seven Stars Beverages is selling five types of low-alcohol drinks, and one type each of low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beer. Sales of each have increased by 20%.
Non-alcoholic beer was first released in South Korea in 2012. Sales in the first year were around 6 million cans, but the market is continuing to expand.
The rapid increase in sales of light and non-alcoholic beer is due to the popularity of the "healthy pleasure" consumption style, which aims to manage health in a fun way, and the increase in the number of restaurants in the 20s.
In June 2012, sales of light and non-alcoholic beer were permitted. According to British market research company Euromonitor, the size of the light and non-alcoholic beer market in Korea is expected to reach 1.2 billion yen in 2021.
It is expected to expand from 41.5 billion won (approximately 4.43 billion yen) in 2019 to 94.6 billion won (approximately 10.09 billion yen) in 2027.
An industry insider said, "If 'light/non-alcoholic beer drinking parties' at restaurants become more popular,
The market is going to grow even more rapidly."