Accelerating an Innovative Alcohol-Free Beer Launch for Corona Cero

AB InBev wanted to capitalise on the rapid growth of the alcohol-free beer market with a unique packaging format that would stand out on shelf and resonate with evolving consumer preferences. The challenge was to develop a consumer-centric solution that combined strong visual appeal, practical functionality and scalability for international markets, all within an exceptionally short timeframe.

Working closely with AB InBev and branding agency JKR, Smurfit Westrock leveraged its Design2Market capabilities to accelerate the development process. Cross-functional teams collaborated to explore, prototype and refine multiple concepts before selecting a paper-based packaging solution that could be efficiently produced and rolled out globally. Alongside the consumer-facing pack, Smurfit Westrock also designed a corrugated transport solution to help protect products throughout the supply chain while supporting sustainability goals.

The final seven-bottle "7 Days, 7 Moments" pack helped Corona Cero successfully launch in key markets including Colombia and Argentina, with expansion into additional regions underway. By combining consumer insight, packaging innovation and rapid execution, Smurfit Westrock enabled AB InBev to bring a distinctive new product experience to market in a matter of weeks. The concept has also received industry recognition, earning the 2026 Richard DePaul Award for Creative Converting & Design from the Paperboard Packaging Council.