A&W Canada is pilot serving Budweiser Zero, the non-alcoholic version of Canada’s #1 beer, in participating Ontario A&W restaurants for a limited time.
The two iconic Toronto Blue Jays partners are teaming up to introduce the Baseball Buds Combo, featuring A&W’s famous grass-fed beef Buddy Burger, fries and a can of Budweiser Zero for $9.99 plus tax or add a can of Budweiser Zero to any A&W combo for just $2 more.
In a disruptive move within the category, this makes A&W the largest Canadian Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) that will offer and serve guests a non-alcoholic beer. This unique partnership caters to the trending demographic of sober-curious consumers. A key factor in growing this category through this type of partnership is ensuring Canadians can still enjoy social occasions that traditionally include beer, but with a non-alcoholic version that delivers the same great taste.
“A Bud and burger is a natural combo for Canadians to enjoy throughout the summer,” said Andrew Oosterhuis, Marketing Vice President of Labatt. “This partnership with A&W is a great way to give consumers another choice to enjoy summer’s favourite combo with a non-alcoholic beer in the occasions where they are looking for the taste of beer without the alcohol.”
The untraditional move of participating in the non-alcoholic category as a QSR highlights the organic growth of the category by scaling in new channels like QSR menus. Andrew cites trial and taste as barriers for this category, which the partnership with A&W will naturally aid by offering the non-alcoholic beer option in 300+ restaurant locations across Ontario.