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Arkay Zero Proof has announced plans to open a new production, bottling and labelling facility in Avignon, France, as part of its expansion into the European market.

The alcohol-free spirits alternative company said the site will support its planned entry into the European Economic Community (EEC) by September 2026, subject to final operational, distribution and regulatory approvals.

According to the company, the Avignon facility is expected to create around 50 jobs and will have the planned capacity to produce approximately 1 million cases for the European market once fully operational.

Founded in 2011, Arkay Zero Proof operates in the alcohol-free spirits alternative category, claiming to have launched the world’s first alcohol-free whisky alternative. Its portfolio includes non-alcoholic beverages inspired by traditional spirits profiles.

Arkay said the France-based operation will help strengthen regional logistics, support retail and hospitality partners, and ensure products meet European labelling and compliance requirements.

As part of its European rollout, the company confirmed that labels for the region will avoid the use of regulated spirit-category terms such as whisky, vodka, rum and gin where prohibited for alcohol-free products. Instead, products will use descriptions such as 'zero proof,' 'alcohol-free' and 'spirit alternative,' depending on local regulatory requirements.

Founder Reynald Vito Grattagliano said the project also holds personal significance, as he was born in Avignon.

“Opening this plant in Avignon is very personal for me,” he said. “I was born here, and bringing Arkay to Avignon feels a little bit like giving back to the city where I am from. This project is about creating jobs, building a European future for Arkay, and honoring the city that is part of my own history.”

The facility is expected to serve a range of channels including supermarkets, beverage distributors, hotels, restaurants, bars, cafés and online retailers.

Arkay said France was selected due to its location, beverage heritage and access to European transport networks, positioning the site as a hub for production, packaging, labelling and logistics across the region.