Released:
7:00 p.m. January 4, 2022
An award-winning brewery in Ipswich is preparing for one of the busiest months of all time, as people across town are preparing to get dry for January.
Big Drop Brewing, which specializes in non-alcoholic craft beers, expects orders to surge as drinkers skip the alcohol for a month.
The company, which was founded in Ipswich by friends James Kindred and Rob Fink, received another award in November – and according to Mr. Kindred is the “most awarded brewery in Great Britain”.
And Mr Kindred said he expected “a lot of interest” in soft drinks this dry January.
A quarter of current and past drinkers have had a dry month at some point in the past, according to charity Alcohol Change UK, and Big Drop Brewing bosses believe up to 10 million people nationwide will be attending that month.
James Kindred and Rob Fink, founders of Ipswich-based Big Drop Brewing
– Credit: Emma Kindred / Eighty
Mr Kindred said Dry January – and Go Sober for October – had piqued interest in non-alcoholic options as more people choose to cut back on their consumption.
He said, “January and October are usually the points where the industry highlights the possibility of non-drinking.
“But we’re seeing growth as people try to save. It could be a lifestyle choice and you still want to enjoy a craft beer.
“There are a lot of different reasons. People are busier these days and they know they drink less but drink better.”
Mr Kindred advised people to try ordering something new this January so they can keep socializing and visiting pubs – which have been badly hit by Covid.
Alcohol Change UK estimates that a quarter of people have considered giving up alcohol for a month
– Credit: Emma Kindred / Eighty
He added, “We’re doing something called ‘Try January’ this year where you will try something different.
“Our top tip is to try a variety of beverages as they will help you find something you like. You don’t have to change your lifestyle all through January.
“You can still go to the pub – the support for them is really important – just change what you drink.”