‘Clean cider’ brand Chance now stocked by The Wine Society

Non-alcoholic “clean cider” brand Chance, launched by Stockport’s Tripple J Drinks and produced by Worcestorshire’s Aston Manor, has achieved a listing with The Wine Society following its recent launch in the UK. Jessica Mason reports.

The cider, which is the brainchild of ex-Lucky Saint and Crossip head of marketing John Logue, has been made from 100% British apples and has been de-alcoholised from 8.2% ABV to 0.5% ABV.

‘A clear gap in the market’

Speaking to the drinks business, Logue explained that he founded Chance to meet “a clear gap in the market” and “offer cider drinkers more meaningful choice within the low and no category” and this is something that has been recognised by those listing it.

Logue told db: “Securing a listing with The Wine Society is a big milestone for us. As a highly respected cooperative that’s recognised for its mega drinks offering and loyal community, I’m excited to share Chance with their members. Their support shines a big light on the growing demand for premium alcohol-free options, and Chance offers a refreshing, celebratory alternative to sparkling wine. We can’t wait for their members to discover it and enjoy savouring their festive moments.”

Looking at the opportunity, Logue also pointed out that “with the UK cider market worth £2 billion and non-alcoholic options underrepresented – only around 33% of pubs offer a non-alcoholic cider”. This, he explained, has meant that Chance is “poised to lead the category, closing the gap for mindful drinkers seeking alcohol-free alternatives while accelerating its national presence and brand growth”.

According to statistics from market intelligence agency Mintel, the UK’s no- and low-alcohol drinks market was predicted to be worth £380 million by the end of 2024, before growing to as much as £800m by 2028, according to IWSR projections. And that’s just in the UK. The latest IWSR figures forecast global growth of no-and-low to be US$4 billion by 2028.

Backed by industry veterans

To assist in releasing the non-alcoholic cider brand, Logue has also brought to his team industry veteran Gareth Bath, formerly of Distill Ventures, BrewDog, and Curious Drinks to be his co-pilot and strategic advisor as well as backers such as as Waitrose marketing guru Nathan Ansel, Flavor Sampling MD Richard Lloyd- Williams and Monk strategy and design firm founder Matt Jones.

According to Logue, Chance has made using “traditional cider-making methods and carefully liquored down” and “the result is crisp apple notes with bursts of citrus and pineapple, balanced with woody tones and lifted by a gentle sparkle”.

Offering more choice to consumers

Logue also insisted he has created Chance “to help drinkers feel they could still be part of the occasion” since “limited choice in the cider category meant a large group of consumers were being overlooked”.

He added: “Enthusiasm towards low and no alcoholic drinks continues to grow and spread across the UK, but cider drinkers have been left short-changed with their options. By expanding low and no offerings across the different drinks categories, we’re giving consumers and customers more choice – which ultimately means they’ll stay longer in the pub.”

Availability

Chance will be available in a 12 pack of 330ml glass bottles, retailing at £24 and is now available to buy from The Wine Society website, as well as Amazon and via the Chance webshop.

In the on-trade, the Chance has already gained a listing with Prezzo Italian as well as more than 700 independent bars and venues nationwide.

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