The hard seltzer market - France

Hard seltzers are alcoholic and flavored carbonated waters, often sold in cans, which have been very successful in the United States since their creation in 2013. They are characterized by a fairly low alcohol content (between 4 and 6 degrees), a low calorie content and are also "gluten-free". In 2020, there are no less than 80 brands on the American market, manufactured either by brewers or by specialists in spirits or lemonade. Sales in the US reached 1.3 billion US$ in 2019 - dominated by the brand White Claw - and a very strong growth is expected in the coming years. So much so that the big global groups are increasingly interested in this market - such as AB InBev with the purchase of Bon & Viv in 2016, and Coca-Cola in 2021. Hard seltzers will arrive in France in 2020 - either directly by American brands such as Snowmelt, or via start-ups - such as Natz or FeFe - who see a high potential market. Forecasts for 2025 expect hard seltzers to represent 1% of the total alcoholic beverage market in France.with prices comparable to high-end beers, French craft producers are banking on "organic" and "natural" labels, especially for flavors. The French market remains embryonic but attracts a wide variety of players. The French mineral water groupOgeuis preparing to launch a hard seltzer in 2021 with its brandAlqua.