E-Malt.com News article: New Zealand: DB Breweries launches New Zealand-first trial of zero-alcohol beer on tap

DB Breweries has launched a New Zealand-first trial of zero-alcohol beer on tap, with Heineken 0.0 now available on draught at two Auckland venues, Empire Tavern and Moretons, the Beer & Brewer reported on April 23.

The pilot will test new ways of serving zero-alcohol beer on tap in New Zealand conditions and is the first trial of its kind in the local market.

Unlike markets overseas, where draught beer is typically not stored in cool rooms, Kiwis expect their beer to be served icy cold.

Local hospitality systems commonly use chilled rooms and glycol-cooled lines. While this works well for beer containing alcohol, it would cause zero-alcohol beer to freeze.

This has been one of the key barriers preventing zero-alcohol beer from being available on tap in New Zealand.

This trial will test the technical feasibility of serving high quality zero-alcohol beer on tap, with the aim of scaling the solution nationally, if successful.

DB Breweries Managing Director, Peter Hart, says the trial could mark a significant turning point for zero-alcohol beer in New Zealand.

“We believe that if this trial is successful, it could open the door to a new era for zero-alcohol beer in New Zealand – one where choosing not to drink alcohol doesn’t mean opting out of shared social occasions,” he says.

“In Europe, Heineken 0.0 recently celebrated its 10,000th draught outlet. We can see a future where there is a zero-alcohol beer tap in every bar across New Zealand.

“This trial is about ensuring people can share that experience, whether they’re choosing full strength, ultra-low carb or 0.0, while protecting beer quality and giving venues confidence they can serve a premium, freshly poured pint regardless of alcohol choice.”

The solution being trialled has been developed in close collaboration with DB’s European Heineken colleagues and adapted specifically for New Zealand conditions.

It has been designed to meet Heineken’s highest global quality standards, while delivering beer the way Kiwis expect it: cold, fresh and consistently poured.


23 April, 2026