Stevens Point Brewery Makes Strategic Move into Non-Alcoholic Beer with BrewVo Technology

Stevens Point Brewery is charting a new course with a major investment in non-alcoholic brewing technology. The installation of the BrewVo® system marks a turning point for the 168-year-old company, enabling it to produce award-winning NA beers and expand its contract brewing capabilities. This move reflects both a response to shifting consumer preferences and a strategic bet on the future of the beverage industry.

In a press release, Stevens Point Brewery revealed that the immediate plan is to launch NA versions of Stevens Point Brewery brands: Point Beers and Ciderboys Hard Ciders, followed by Whole Hog Beers: with products expected on shelves well before Dry January. Still, a core driver of the investment is to address a critical lack of high-quality co-packing capacity in the growing NA sector.

Discover More
As the brewery leans into the non-alcoholic market, it’s responding to a broader generational trend redefining drinking culture. Studies show that younger consumers are drinking less than previous generations, with Gen Z alcohol habits reflecting a growing preference for mindful consumption and healthier alternatives, which is exactly the kind of shift driving innovations like BrewVo.

This investment represents a major strategic shift for the 168-year-old brewery. Having survived Prohibition by diversifying into sodas and other products, the company sees the booming NA category as a similar pivotal opportunity.

“For a category growing in double digits, there is not adequate capacity to support it. We intend to change that. You need the absolute best NA beers to succeed, and now our door is open.” – Joe Martino, Operating Partner, Stevens Point Brewery

The BrewVo process, developed by Sustainable Beverage Technologies (SBT) of Golden, CO, utilizes a unique combination of membrane separation technology and traditional brewing science to preserve full-strength flavor without the alcohol. It is a method that rejects shortcuts, avoiding bioengineered yeasts or arrested fermentation in favor of a results-driven process that has earned more international awards for quality than any other NA technology.

“We blind taste tested a BrewVo beer against its alcoholic counterpart. I thought the NA version was better. It was a shock that changed my entire perspective on what non-alcoholic beer could be.”- Mike Schraufnagel, Brewmaster, Stevens Point Brewery.

The brewery is actively seeking partnerships with brands that have struggled with supply chain or quality issues. The facility is equipped to handle large-scale production runs of 150-barrel batches or larger, all backed by the brewery’s longstanding reputation for customer service and quality assurance.

“Our job is to eliminate risk for our partners. That means guaranteeing a non-alcoholic beer that is not only stable and consistent but superior to the current segment leaders. This system finally makes that possible without compromise.” – Carl Weinfurter, Quality Director, Stevens Point Brewery.

The economic impact extends beyond the national craft market. With a projected addition of 40,000 to 80,000 barrels of production over the next two years, the historic brewery is evaluating the need for new jobs and shifts, reinforcing its role as a vital employer in the Portage County community.

This investment ensures that Stevens Point Brewery is not just preserving its history but is actively brewing its future, offering superior options for sober-curious consumers and expanding its role in the beverage industry.

Stevens Point Brewery’s entry into the non-alcoholic category blends heritage with forward-thinking ambition. With BrewVo technology now in place, the brewery is ready to serve a new generation of fans seeking flavor without compromise. Beverage brands looking for quality, scale, and consistency are encouraged to connect and explore partnership opportunities with one of America’s most trusted craft producers.

About Stevens Point Brewery

Stevens Point Brewery was founded in 1857 and is one of the oldest continuously operating breweries in the United States. Still lagering beer in cellars that predate Dracula, the brewery combines tradition with innovation, producing iconic brands like Point Beers, Whole Hog Beers, Ciderboys Hard Ciders, and Point Gourmet Sodas. The brewery is independently owned and operated in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.