This week we reported on how big brewers are increasingly focusing on the nonalcoholic segment as they pursue new audiences and seek to compensate for a core market with mediocre growth. But how good are the new breed of nonalcoholic beers? To find out, S&P Global Market Intelligence corralled a group of five not-so-reluctant reporters and editors and conducted a taste-off.

The competing beers: Heineken regular versus Heineken 0.0; Birra Moretti regular versus Moretti Zero; Adnams' Ghost Ship pale ale versus the low-alcohol version; Erdinger wheat beer versus the alcohol-free style; and Guinness regular versus Big Drop Brewing Co.'s 0.5% milk chocolate stout.

The alcoholic beers were easy to identify, thanks to the distinctive "burn" as they coursed down the throat. But the panel also discovered that several of the nonalcoholic tipples possessed plenty of flavor and body and could be just as easily knocked back for a satisfying beery taste.

The Heineken 0.0 was as harmless and bland as regular Heineken, but with a sweeter aftertaste. Not a big hit. The other lager, Moretti Zero, won more points for its malty flavor and balance. "For different occasions, I'd happily drink either of them," said one taster, reaching for the alcoholic version.

The regular Ghost Ship, with 4.5% ABV, is a fruity citrus-flavored pale ale. The alternative version is also a fruity citrus-flavored pale ale — with only 0.5% alcohol. In our tasting panel, this near-beer won the most plaudits, thanks to its floral, peppery flavor.

The Erdinger alcohol-free wheat beer had an anemic finish, while the 0.5% Big Drop chocolate milk stout — which took the silver medal at the 2017 World Beer Awards — stopped everyone in their tracks. Said one taster about the milk stout: "It's like tasting that last sip of coffee which has cooled and lies at the bottom of your cup. I couldn't get through a bottle of that."

Chart of the week: Patents filed for nonalcoholic beer

Automotive

Toyota president: Automaker will not leave US despite trade tensions

Akio Toyoda, president of the Japanese automaker, said the company will continue to sell cars in the U.S. regardless of President Donald Trump's trade policies.

Battery availability to determine pace of VW's switch to electric cars, CEO says

Carmakers are dependent on a limited number of Asia-based suppliers for lithium-ion batteries, which will determine the speed of the shift to electric vehicles, Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess said March 12.

Toyota ups investment by $3B in US plants for total of $13B

The Japanese automaker said the extra investment is in response to consumer preference but that trade issues are still a concern.

Auto industry grapples with plug-in hybrid 'sincerity' problem

Plug-in hybrid cars have impressive green credentials, but if users fail to keep the battery charged — which research suggests is often the case — the batteries can be more harmful to the environment than their combustion engine equivalents.

Electric vehicles to hit price parity with regular cars in 5 years, expert says

The case of Norway suggests that adoption of electric vehicles could be much quicker than many analysts expect.

Retail

Hudson Yards raises curtain, and the drama is just beginning

The massive, mixed-use commercial development finally opened in New York, and while lease-up has been an overwhelming success, some question the long-term viability of the location and format.

Dollar General expects pressure from tariffs, freight to continue in Q1, FY'19

The discount retailer said that although its investment in two initiatives, DG Fresh and Fast Track, will pressure SG&A rates in the near term, the investments will benefit top and bottom lines in the long run.

Apparel companies rethinking sourcing in China due to trade war

Some companies are looking to decrease their manufacturing in China as a result of the ongoing trade war, several executives said at an apparel and footwear conference on the outskirts of Washington on March 14.

Burlington CEO: Protecting brand integrity is a barrier to e-commerce growth

The off-price retailer's top executive, speaking at an industry conference March 13, said brick-and-mortar and online retailers can co-exist in the retail sector.

Food, Beverage & Tobacco

Brewers hope to create a buzz by selling tastier styles of nonalcoholic beer

Brewers are offering a larger and improved range of nonalcoholic beers as they try to counteract stagnant growth in mature markets while promoting responsible drinking practices.

Grocery wholesale price growth outpaces on-shelf prices again in February

Wholesale food prices have been growing at a faster clip than retail prices for three straight months, a trend that stands to erode grocery stores' margins.

E-cigarette sales could drop under new FDA rules as advocates call for clarity

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued draft e-cigarette rules March 13 that could ding sales for larger manufacturers and leave the future of smaller players in doubt, analysts and industry advocates said.

Consumer Edge is a weekly collection of critical developments across the automotive; retail; and food, beverage, and tobacco industries that draws on exclusive analysis and value-added content from the Consumer News team at S&P Global Market Intelligence.