A New Zealand-founded drinks company launched its products in the United States, marking a significant milestone for the alcohol-free community.
In April, AF Drinks launched its range of products with Sprouts Farmers Market, a premium US grocery store retailer.
The company's products have surged in popularity across New Zealand and are stocked in all major supermarkets.
Founded by Lisa King, the company began after she became more aware of the sober curious movement. Since its inception, it has supplied a solid alternative that prevents them from feeling isolated in social situations.
AF Drinks provide an alcohol-free alternative that provides consumers with a similar taste. Some of the most popular flavours include Apero Spritz, Grapefruit Margarita, and a range of flavoured gin and tonics.
Natural flavours have been used to replicate the taste of alcohol while remaining a sober alternative. The company uses a secret recipe called Afterglow, a natural botanical heat extract that produces a natural warming sensation similar to the feeling of drinking alcohol.
All AF Drinks are low in sugar, with the Cuba Libre, Dark and Stormy, and Apero Spritz containing less than five percent sugar. The entire range contains significantly lower sugar than its alcoholic equivalents, providing consumers with a healthy but tasty alternative.
Their range of beverages contain less than 0.5 percent alcohol by volume, and due to FDA guidelines, they are still considered non-alcoholic.
AF Drinks appeared in 392 Sprouts Farmers Market outlets across the US from the first of April. Sprouts is an Arizona-based supermarket chain that offers a wide selection of natural and organic foods. The company targets health-focused customers interested in fresh and innovative products.
When designing the brand, King was always determined to take her business further than New Zealand.
After she identified a gap in the US market for quality alcohol-free alternatives, King made the decision to reach out to a variety of retailers where they were selected by Sprouts Farmer Market.
This marks a huge accomplishment for the New Zealand brand and a positive step towards creating more accessible alcohol-free alternatives for sober consumers.
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