Rheinland Distillers GmbH: Trend "alcohol-free": How an April Fool's joke by a start-up has shaped an entire industry - The SIEGFRIED Story

How can an April Fool's joke shape an entire industry? The fascinating story of SIEGFRIED began in 2014, when close friends Raphael Vollmar and Gerald Koenen – both passionate gin enthusiasts with no industry experience – set out to disrupt and reimagine the gin market with rapid success. Following their globally acclaimed Siegfried Rheinland Dry Gin (2015), their first industry innovation came in 2018: Siegfried Wonderleaf – the world's first non-alcoholic alternative launched under an established spirits brand. The origin of this groundbreaking idea may surprise you: an April Fool's joke on social media in 2016. Initially dismissed by the industry, the alcohol-free movement is now an integral part of the spirits world, firmly rooted in society as the 'alcohol-free trend'. Five years on from their 'April Fool's debut', they have not only had a significant impact on the premium gin category, but have also created a product of enduring relevance and exceptional quality, maintaining their top position in the market. How did they achieve this and what are the trends to watch in the spirits industry? Raphael Vollmar discusses it all in this interview.