Beverage retailer Dry Drinker to launch trade-focused site

Alcohol-free drinks retailer Dry Drinker is launching a trade-focused site as it looks to expand further into the wholesale market.

Dry Drinker has seen high levels of growth in the past couple of years as awareness of and demand for non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beverage options among consumers has increased.

Owner Stuart Elkington has decided to concentrate on expanding into wholesale after receiving regular enquiries from trade bsuinesses looking to meet the growing demand for 'no and low' alternatives, which are now estimated to make up 1.3 per cent of the beverage alcohol market.

Elkington said: "I've seen first hand how consumer preference has changed. People now expect alcohol-free choices and yet, very often, there isn't the choice available in cafés, bars, restaurants, and clubs.

"On the other hand, we've had many independent trade establishments contacting us because they want to offer better, more interesting alcohol-free alternatives but they don’t know where to start.

"I see the demand from both sides. We already have the supply chain in place and can handle orders no matter how large or small - so opening up the business in this direction is a natural progression for us."

The new trade site will give businesses access to Dry Drinker's range of craft and world beers, wines, spirits, ready-to-drink cocktails, ciders and more. It will also offer customers the option of next-day delivery, six days a week.

Elkington continued: "The last year has been one hell of a journey but it was really interesting to see how so many people opted to drink less and the trade will need to keep up with the shift once it fully reopens."

29 March 2021 - Bethany Whymark