DB Breweries has launched a New Zealand-first trial of zero alcohol beer on tap, with Heineken 0.0 now available on draught at two Auckland venues, Empire Tavern and Moretons.
The pilot will test new ways of serving zero alcohol beer on tap in New Zealand conditions and is the first trial of its kind in the local market.
Unlike markets overseas, where draught beer is typically not stored in cool rooms, Kiwis expect their beer to be served icy cold. Local hospitality systems commonly use chilled rooms and glycol-cooled lines. While this works well for beer containing alcohol, it would cause a zero-alcohol beer to freeze. This has been one of the key barriers preventing zero alcohol beer from being available on tap in New Zealand until now.
This trial will test the technical feasibility of serving properly poured, perfectly cold, high quality zero alcohol beer on tap, with the aim of scaling the solution nationally if successful.
DB Breweries Managing Director, Peter Hart, said the trial could mark a significant turning point for zero alcohol beer in New Zealand.
“We believe that if this trial is successful, it could open the door to a new era for zero alcohol beer in New Zealand, one where choosing not to drink alcohol doesn’t mean opting out of shared social occasions,” said Hart.
“In Europe, Heineken 0.0 recently celebrated its 10,000th draught outlet. We can see a future where there is a zero-alcohol beer tap in every bar across New Zealand.”
“This trial is about ensuring people can share that experience, whether they’re choosing full strength, ultra-low carb or 0.0, while protecting beer quality and giving venues confidence they can serve a premium, freshly poured pint regardless of alcohol choice.”
Hart said the trial also reflects DB and Star Hospitality’s commitment to making low- and no-alcohol options truly mainstream.
“Kiwis love a fresh, cold draught beer poured properly in their favourite local while spending time with friends. Until now, zero alcohol options simply haven’t been available in that same way.”
The solution being trialled has been developed in close collaboration with DB’s European HEINEKEN colleagues and adapted specifically for New Zealand conditions. It has been designed to meet HEINEKEN’s highest global quality standards while delivering beer the way Kiwis expect it: cold, fresh and consistently poured.
The pilot will test advanced proprietary technology developed with input from DB’s brewers and quality teams, alongside Star Hospitality venues. The system has been designed to ensure product quality, food safety and consistency, while maintaining a premium draught beer experience.
By running the trial at Star Hospitality venues Empire Tavern and Moretons, DB can overlay insights from Star’s integrated hospitality technology. This links live consumer feedback (collected via QR code at the bar) with real-time operational data, allowing teams to monitor pour quality, temperature and performance throughout the trial.
New Zealand’s zero alcohol beer category is currently growing at around 10 percent per year, even without availability on tap. Heineken 0.0 is the number one beer brand in the New Zealand market and the world’s number one premium international zero alcohol beer.
DB’s long history of brewing innovation in New Zealand, combined with the scale and expertise of HEINEKEN, and its unique local structure across DB and Star Hospitality, positions the company to go beyond supplying venues and actively support the future of hospitality. If successful, this project has the potential to be a genuine industry breakthrough in New Zealand.
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