Alcohol-free beer is growing in popularity, with 46% of beer drinkers opting for the alternative on occasion, according to a new report on the Dutch beer industry.

This is up a ‘significant’ 10 percentage points on the previous survey, the researchers say.

Technological developments have improved the taste, it is more widely available and there is better advertising, says Cees-Jan Adema of the Dutch brewing association Nederlandse Brouwers.

Although most people opt for alcohol-free beer because they are driving or pregnant, the research shows 21% prefer it for the taste.

Some half of the survey’s respondents thought the Netherlands has fewer than 20 breweries. The actual total is 165.

Full report (Dutch)