As the global beverage industry responds to increasing consumer demand for health and moderation, Henkell Freixenet has taken a significant step in the alcohol-free sparkling wine segment. The company’s recent recognition for Innovation and Product Launches — specifically for its alcohol-free sparkling wine — in the 2025 Just Drinks Excellence Awards highlights its efforts to address evolving market needs and consumer preferences.
The Just Drinks Excellence Awards honor the most significant achievements and innovations in the beverages industry. Powered by GlobalData’s business intelligence, the Awards recognize the people and companies leading change and shaping the future of the industry.
Henkell Freixenet won the Innovation award for its pioneering approach to replicating the taste and quality of traditional sparkling wine in an alcohol-free format. It won the Product Launches award for its strategic introduction and global rollout of the Freixenet Cordon Negro 0,0% range, effectively meeting the evolving needs of today’s health-conscious consumers.
Innovation in alcohol-free sparkling wine: Technical advancements and consumer-centric design
Freixenet’s innovation in the alcohol-free sparkling wine category is characterized by a combination of advanced production techniques and a deep understanding of consumer needs. The launch of Freixenet Cordon Negro 0,0% is notable for its ability to replicate the sensory profile and premium positioning of the established Freixenet Cordon Negro cava range, a challenge that has historically limited the appeal of alcohol-free wines.
A central element of this innovation is the use of vacuum evaporation with low temperature for de-alcoholization. This technology is designed to minimize the loss of volatile aroma compounds and preserve the wine’s original character, which is often compromised in traditional de-alcoholization processes. As a result, Freixenet Cordon Negro 0,0% delivers a taste experience that closely mirrors its full-strength counterpart, addressing a key barrier for consumers who are skeptical about the authenticity and enjoyment of alcohol-free alternatives.
Freixenet has also prioritized product design and communication to overcome additional consumer hesitations. The iconic black bottle, a hallmark of the Freixenet Cordon Negro range, is retained for the alcohol-free version, reinforcing familiarity and premium cues. To further support category recognition, the introduction of blue color coding on the packaging clearly signals the product’s alcohol-free status, making it easier for consumers to identify and select in retail environments.
In response to health and moderation trends, Cordon Negro 0,0% is formulated with only 30g/L of sugar—lower than the 38g/L found in the core tier—and contains just 15 calories per 100ml. These attributes directly address the growing demand for lower-calorie, lower-sugar beverage options, positioning the product as a responsible choice for consumers seeking to moderate their alcohol intake without compromising on taste or quality. The company’s efforts to address both sensory and health-related concerns have contributed to its recognition for innovation in this segment.
Strategic product launches: Leveraging brand equity and global rollout
Freixenet’s approach to launching Freixenet Cordon Negro 0,0% demonstrates a strategic use of brand equity, consumer insights, and market expansion. By introducing a non-alcoholic version of its globally recognized Cordon Negro product, Freixenet capitalizes on the trust and familiarity already established with consumers. This strategy directly addresses a common barrier identified in consumer research: the lack of non-alcoholic options from favorite wine brands.
The product launch is comprehensive, offering a full range that includes both brut and rosé variants, as well as multiple pack sizes such as 750ml and 200ml. This breadth of offering is designed to cater to a variety of consumption occasions, from individual servings to larger celebrations, and appeals to a wide spectrum of consumers—including regular drinkers seeking moderation, those who blend no/low options with alcoholic beverages, trialists experimenting with new products, and abstainers who exclusively consume alcohol-free drinks.
Freixenet’s global rollout strategy began with key markets such as the USA, France, and Poland, reflecting a targeted approach based on market readiness and consumer demand. The phased expansion allows the company to build momentum and adapt to local market dynamics, while maintaining consistent product standards. This ambition is supported by robust consumer research, which has informed both the product’s value proposition and its market positioning.
The launch is further distinguished by its alignment with premium standards in taste, design, and health credentials. By ensuring that the alcohol-free range meets the same quality expectations as the full-strength portfolio, Freixenet sets a new standard within the category. The company’s efforts to communicate these attributes—through packaging, branding, and targeted messaging—reinforce the product’s relevance and appeal to both moderating drinkers and abstainers. This comprehensive, insight-driven approach to product launch has been a key factor in Freixenet’s recognition in this category.
About Freixenet
Freixenet is the world’s leading sparkling wine brand with roots going back to more than 150 years. Deep knowledge of winemaking combined with entrepreneurial vision has accompanied Freixenet through history until today. Cordón Negro and Carta Nevada are iconic Freixenet products leading the brand and selling Cavas following the traditional method in 130 countries worldwide. With the spirit of innovation, Freixenet is constantly driven to discover new trends and offer consumers products that exactly meet their needs. Latest innovations of the brand include Freixenet Prosecco, Italian Still Wines, as well as Spanish Still Wines – representing no longer just Cava but a complete Mediterranean lifestyle.
Company Profile
As an international group of companies, Henkell Freixenet is the global market leader for sparkling wine. The unique brand portfolio of Sekt, Cava, Prosecco, Champagne and Crémant as well as still wines and spirits accompanies the moments in consumers’ lives and makes them meaningful. The Henkell Freixenet team is driven by the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship – always with the vision of setting new benchmarks in the industry and the respective product categories and inspiring consumers with innovations and high-quality, sustainably crafted products. Celebrate Life!
Further information at https://www.henkell-freixenet.com
Contact Details
Henkell Freixenet
Catherine Gärtner
Communication
Biebricher Allee 142
65187 Wiesbaden
T. +49 (0)611 63 215
E-mail: catherine.gaertner@henkell-freixenet.com
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