A cross-country analysis on satisfaction and perception of non-alcoholic wine

This study aimed to examine the factors that influence consumer satisfaction with non-alcoholic wine (NAW) and how these products are perceived in three major markets: Australia, the UK, and the US. By applying sentiment analysis and topic modeling to a corpus of post-purchase reviews for 326 products from 22 e-commerce platforms, six key factors influencing satisfaction were identified through Logistic Regression analysis. Among them, “Price and Value Perception” and “Health and Lifestyle Choices” were found to have the strongest positive influence, while “Product Varieties and Brands” had the most negative influence. Moreover, the negative impact of interaction terms “Comparison with Alcoholic Wine” and “Packaging and Label Information” suggests that unmet expectations may be amplified by detailed product information. To examine cross-country and varietal differences, Pearson's chi-squared tests were employed. A systematic categorization of sensory descriptors was further conducted to analyze sensory perceptions. The results revealed significant cross-country differences in consumer perception of NAWs. Particularly, British consumers had the strongest negative perceptions and were particularly sensitive to sensory flaws, especially for low-priced products. Furthermore, sensory preferences varied by NAW type, with sparkling and rosé NAW most positively perceived and red the least. The findings of this study are particularly significant given that the global traditional wine consumption declines while NAW gains niche traction, providing a timely and tangible reflection of the challenges and opportunities of this emerging category. The study also advances academic research on de-alcoholized beverages by clarifying how consumer expectations, perceptions, and regional preferences shape satisfaction. • Price, health goals, and expectations were top positive factors in NAW satisfaction. • Product variety and social context had significant negative impact on satisfaction. • Sparkling NAW rated highest, suggesting effervescence boosts acceptance. • Novel mixed-methods approach applied to consumer reviews of NAW across 3 countries. • Brand variety and comparisons to alcoholic wine reduced consumer satisfaction.