SOUTH AFRICA – Natures Own Beverages (Pty) Ltd, a small independent local producer of liquor in South Africa has introduced Freely, the new zero sugar, low alcohol hard seltzer in the market.

Freely joins the recently launched Vawter Hard Seltzer by Distell Group and has hit the market before South African Breweries (SAB) introduces Flying Fish Seltzer in April.

Claiming to be the latest buzzword on the South African drink scene, the new product comprises of sparkling water with a splash of premium distilled vodka and pure fruit taste tailormade for millennials.

“Now consumers can savour lighter living with this inspiring, on-trend poolside, weekend, anywhere anytime sparkler.”

Natures Own Beverages

What sets Freely apart from other hard seltzers, is its lower alcohol content of 3%, lower calories 23 kilocalories per 100ml, zero sugar and, above all, premium taste. As a spirit-based drink, it is also gluten free and vegan friendly.

In comparison, Vawter contains low alcohol content with an ABV of 3.5%, low sugar and low calories with only 29 kCals per 100m while Flying Fish Seltzer has 5.5% ALC/VOL drink with 0.5g sugar/100ml and 35 calories/100ml.

“Now consumers can savour lighter living with this inspiring, on-trend poolside, weekend, anywhere anytime sparkler.

“This vibrant new arrival is the perfect refreshment for an active lifestyle and comes at just the right time to shed those lockdown blues,” highlighted Natures Own Beverages.

Freely is available in three refreshing flavours – zesty Lime, perky Peach and a burst of Wild Berry – in stylish glass bottles for the ultimate pure taste experience.

It is stocked exclusively at Checkers LiquorShop countrywide coming in 275ml glass bottles.

The launch of hard seltzer in the South African market follows the rapidly changing consumers’ taste and preferences for an alternative light alcoholic beverage.

The sensation began in the US and is spreading around the world at a fast pace to Europe and now in Africa.

The product category is making inroads into the beer and cider market as a low carb alternative.

On the global front, the hard seltzer market is expected to grow at a phenomenal annual rate of 16,5% over the next six years.  

The market has seen such phenomenal growth that now everyone wants a piece with players like Heineken, Coca-Cola, Molson Coors and Somersby introducing new products under the beverage category.

Company name: Natures Own Beverages

Product type: Hard Seltzer

Innovation: New Product