Tuesday, 20 June 2023 16:25

Bob's Blog: Alcohol consumption is in decline

Written by Bob Campbell MW

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Giesen has added a no alcohol Merlot and Riesling to its 0% alcohol range, following a huge amount of consumer feedback.

In November 2022 the New Zealand Annual Health Survey released its findings for 2021/22.

It is at this point that I find myself bracing for bad news. However, the survey says that 81% of New Zealanders are drinking beer, wine and spirits responsibly. Furthermore, we are drinking more than 25% less now than we did in the 1970s. Fewer under 18s are drinking alcohol and those who do are drinking less hazardously.

Industry observers are noting a changing trend with Kiwis turning to low and no-alcohol beverages which would seem to justify the investment in infrastructure that will enhance the flavour and choice of low to zero alcohol beer, wine and spirits. A poll of 1,250 New Zealanders in December 2022 found 56% (up from 49% in the preceding years) of those surveyed now drink low-alcohol beverages at least some of the time, and some prefer low alcohol beverages.

Welcome to a world where moderation increasingly rules.

Published in Opinion

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