Judging at the World Alcohol-Free Awards 2025: A Global Celebration of Alcohol-Free Excellence

LONDON BOUND

This past week, I had the pleasure of judging for three exciting days at the World Alcohol-Free Awards 2025 in London. Huge admiration and appreciation go out to the entire team and fellow judges for delivering a fantastic event that truly honors this growing and innovative category. The professionalism and passion of the organizers were truly impressive, making the entire experience smooth, engaging, and incredibly rewarding. It was the third year of this prestigious competition, and I was thrilled to represent Canada, diving headfirst into the wonderful, diverse, and increasingly sophisticated world of alcohol-free beverages. Supporting such a great event was a genuine priviledge.

ALL ABOUT CATEGORIES! AND SUB-CATEGORIES. AND NEW CATEGORIES!

From sparkling wines and spirits to beers and creative alternatives, the range of entries was nothing short of spectacular. The meticulous categorization process ensured that each drink was properly evaluated within its intended style, which is no small feat considering the sheer number of subcategories. Fair assessment and recognition are vital to truly celebrate the efforts and creativity of producers worldwide.

But it’s not just about quantity—it’s about quality!

And the quality was exceptional, with so many examples of true craft, complexity, and interest. As we tasted our way through a seemingly endless lineup of entries, I couldn't help but be impressed by the artistry and dedication poured into each product (well, most of them at least...). I can't wait to dive deeper into my personal favorites and, of course, anticipate the big medal reveal.

The trends in the alcohol-free space are more exciting than ever, with non-alcoholic spirits alone growing by around 30% in 2024. Functional ingredients, such as adaptogens and botanicals, are having their moment for sure, bringing unique flavors and wellness benefits to the table. And with global accessibility expanding and industry analysts predicting the alcohol-free market will hit $30 billion by 2025, it’s safe to say this category is here to stay - and this underscores just how important events like this are, in defining and promoting the huge range of options for increasingly engaged consumers.

CONNECTION & COLLABORATION

Beyond the drinks themselves, one of the true highlights was meeting fellow judges from around the globe. Sharing insights, trading stories, and geeking out over exceptional non-alc options was top notch.

The global nature of this competition creates a fantastic network of passionate individuals all working towards the same goal: pushing (and praising) the boundaries of quality in this fast moving category. Proving that the non-alc movement extends across borders and continents, and is filled with fun and passionate people.

WHY THIS MATTERS

To represent Somm Zero at this event was a genuine privilege. The opportunity to contribute our expertise to this evolving category while learning from other industry experts was invaluable. Being involved in this event helps us truly understand the latest trends, standout products, and future directions of the alcohol-free beverage scene. It’s exciting to be part of.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have about a hundred tasting notes to sift through. And let’s not forget the jet lag—nothing says “living the dream” like trying to remember if it’s 7 AM or PM while sorting through scribbled notes. But believe me, we’ve found some gems!

Stay tuned for the official winners’ announcement soon, because some of these drinks are going to knock your (non-alcoholic) socks off!

Congratulations to all involved, it was a huge success! And I’m already excited for next year's event!

Cheers,

Alex

Co-founder,

Somm Zero