Lion has launched a 'double zero' low alcohol extension of the Steinlager beer brand for the New Zealand market. According to the brand owner, Steinlager Zero is the first beer to be introduced in New Zealand at 0% abv. The lager, which is available in the on-premise channel as well as in 12-can-packs in the off-premise, is also touted as being carbon neutral. The Steinlager brand obtained carbon zero-certified status in 2020 from Toitū, an environmental impact assessment firm that evaluates each step of the manufacturing process. The lager secured the status due to emission reduction and offset practices. Steinlager brand manager Lauren Dyke said: “Steinlager Zero is New Zealand’s first double zero beer, which is a huge win for consumers … allowing them to flex between traditional or zero alcohol options depending on the day, occasion or how they’re feeling, without judgement.” Lion's marketing director for New Zealand, Rachel Ellerm, added: “Zero alcohol beer is forecast to hit NZD25bn (US$16.7bn) globally by 2024. In New Zealand, the lighter beer category is growing at 24%, but as a proportion of total beer sales, New Zealand is still well below global levels. "There is huge untapped consumer demand and growth to be seen.” Earlier this week, Lion announced the appointment of former Diageo executive Sam Fischer as its next CEO. What’s coming up in beer in 2022? - Click here for Just Drinks' predictions for the year ahead