Mother Root Founder Calls for Business-Friendly Policies Amid Non-Alcoholic Drink Boom

Bethan Higson, the 40-year-old founder of Mother Root, has highlighted the burgeoning non-alcoholic beverage market as a significant growth area and is advocating for policies that make entrepreneurship more accessible. Her company, which started in her kitchen, has become Britain's best-selling non-alcoholic spirit, selling an estimated 14 million spritzes annually.

The surge in demand for non-alcoholic options is partly attributed to changing consumer preferences, with heatwaves also appearing to influence some individuals to reduce alcohol consumption. Mother Root's blend of ginger, honey, chillies, and cider vinegar has gained popularity as an alternative to traditional alcoholic spirits like gin and whiskey.

"The 'no alcohol' is the fastest-growing category in the drinks sector," Higson stated, noting the company's rapid expansion. Since its launch in December 2018, Mother Root is now available in hundreds of Waitrose and Sainsbury's stores, with a recent rollout in 751 Tesco locations. The brand has also seen substantial growth in the United States, with California, Florida, and New York being key markets.

Higson, who previously worked in the wine and spirits industry, developed the recipe because she found existing non-alcoholic options too sugary. Her expertise influenced the formulation, which she describes as drawing complexity from natural ingredients, similar to fine alcoholic beverages.

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The company's direct connection with consumers, fostered during lockdowns, has been a key driver of its success, allowing for direct feedback on preferences. Mother Root became profitable in 2024, reporting a profit of £890,000 on sales of £7.2 million in the previous year, with projections to reach £20 million this year.

A significant boost came from an appearance on the BBC's 'Dragons' Den' a year ago, where investor Steven Bartlett acquired a 5% stake for £90,000. This led to a reported 2,000% spike in sales. The funding has supported the company's growth, alongside other investments, including through the Enterprise Investment Scheme.

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Higson identifies her target demographic as the "sandwich generation"—parents caring for both children and their own parents, who seek alternatives to alcohol. She expressed a desire for Mother Root to become a staple in bars and restaurants.

Mother Root employs 18 staff and utilizes two British manufacturers. Higson emphasized the need for "more business-friendly policies" and for the government to "make entrepreneurship easier" amidst rising operational costs. She also pointed out that while the Exchequer receives no excise duty on her product, the wider economic benefit includes increased productivity by avoiding alcohol-related hangovers and positioning Britain as a leader in the non-alcoholic beverage sector.