Gold Ochsen kicks off the summer with two new products

“The market is on the move, in every respect. Repeated inquiries from retailers and restaurants reflect new customer needs and the statistics also speak for themselves,” emphasizes Ulrike Freund, Managing Director of the Gold Ochsen brewery and Ulmer Getränke Vertrieb GmbH. “The trend towards non-alcoholic beer in particular is omnipresent. In contrast to all other types of beer, there is still a positive development here.” In this context, she refers to the latest market research results from Nielsen. According to this, the market share of non-alcoholic beers in retail was 8.9% in fall 2024. In the popularity ranking, this means 3rd place, directly after Hellbier. In this respect, the conditions for the new “Gold Ochsen Ulmer Hell alkoholfrei” variety could hardly be better.

Over 35 years of “alcohol-free” experience meets a modern crowd favorite
The new trendy beer specialty “Gold Ochsen Ulmer Hell alcohol-free” combines the two worlds of “Helles” and “alcohol-free” par excellence. The two key ingredients for success can be summed up quickly: an outstandingly suitable mother beer and decades of experience by Gold Ochsen's master brewers in the production of non-alcoholic beers. Nothing has been changed in the recipe of the underlying “Ulmer Hell”, but essential nuances have been refined in the course of subsequent dealcoholization. In particular, the moderate adjustment of the carbon dioxide content ensures a particularly drinkable result. “With 'Ulmer Hell' as the basis, we set the right course right from the start,” explains Bernhard Frey, 1st Master Brewer and Technical Operations Manager at Gold Ochsen. Since its market launch in 2019, “Ulmer Hell” - brewed according to an in-house recipe from the 1960s - has been very popular with customers. It impresses with its balanced taste, light golden color and a fine-pored, stable head. With its characteristics, the beer is the ideal companion for a wide variety of occasions - from traditional morning pints and beer garden visits to after-work beers at home or in trendy restaurants.

“Ulmer Hell non-alcoholic": less energy input for a convincing result
The new non-alcoholic version with a fine malt aroma is intended to seamlessly build on the success story of “Ulmer Hell” and also tap into additional target groups. Frey points in particular to the significantly reduced calorific value: “Ulmer Hell alcohol-free has 40 percent fewer calories and therefore hits the nerve of many nutrition-conscious consumers who value low-calorie foods and at the same time appreciate the isotonic effect and rich ingredients - such as B vitamins, potassium, magnesium and folic acid - of alcohol-free beer.” As a result, “Ulmer Hell alkoholfrei” also uses the tried-and-tested method of subsequent dealcoholization, which the Ulmer brewery pioneered back in 1988. “Thanks to the vacuum principle of the falling film evaporator used, the mother beer can be gently dealcoholized at 39 degrees Celsius - instead of the 70 degrees Celsius that usually occur during alcohol evaporation and would have a noticeable effect on the result. Thanks to our gentle process, the original beer taste is virtually retained, which clearly distinguishes our alcohol-free beer from other non-alcoholic beers." says Frey.

“Gold Ochsen colamix": Rounded off with high-quality barley malt
Differentiation is also the keyword for the new cola-mix drink from Gold Ochsen. Like all Gold Ochsen brewery products, this particularly fine refreshment made from fruity orange lemonade and sparkling cola is of course handcrafted by the master brewers. What makes it unique is the addition of high-quality barley malt as part of the sweetness, which optimally supports and rounds off the taste. The sweetness is less dominant and subtle cola notes are in perfect harmony with the fruitiness of the orange. The many years of expertise in the production of non-alcoholic soft drinks - including for renowned brands such as afri cola, Bluna and Libella - were put to full use during the implementation process and topped off with a brewery-specific note thanks to the barley malt. “Gold Ochsen colamix thus occupies a completely new niche and further enhances the extensive range,” reports Sales and Marketing Manager Frank U. Schlagenhauf.

Available from June
Sales of “Gold Ochsen colamix” started at the end of May, and “Ulmer Hell alkoholfrei” will also be officially available from mid-June. Both new products will be available in 0.5-liter Euro bottles, while the non-alcoholic beer will also be available in 0.5-liter cans for national distribution. The sales focus is on the specialist beverage and food retail trade, although Gold Ochsen's two latest products will certainly also be available to Gold Ochsen's gastronomy partners in future.