Tuesday, 20 June 2023 16:25

Bob's Blog: Alcohol consumption is in decline

Written by Bob Campbell MW

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

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

More like this

Bob's Blog: Give it Air

OPINION: “Have a look at this” said a good friend as he passed me a cutout from The Times with the heading “The wine gadget sommeliers say can make your £10 bottle taste better”.

Chardonnay Symposium: Elaine Chukan Brown and the "electric acidity" of NZ Chardonnay

From commercial salmon fisherman, camel trainer and philosophy academic, to wine writer, illustrator and sought-after speaker, is one of the less common career trajectories.

Women in Wine: Jane Cooper and Alexia

Jane Cooper has a soft spot for wines with a point of difference, and there is no shortage of that in her brand Alexia, at home in the heart of Greytown.

The Profile: Aaron Jay & Hortus

Growing up in an English council estate, Aaron Jay had a simple life plan – join the army, earn some money, get ahead.

Wine to the People

Nestled in the heart of Marlborough’s wine industry, with the likes of Dog Point, Te Whare Ra and Greywacke on its doorstep, Arbour has spent the past nine years delivering extraordinary dishes and a carefully curated selection of wines. Awarded Two Hats by the Cuisine Good Food Awards, which also named it Best Regional Restaurant in New Zealand in 2022, Arbour has attracted the devotion of many in New Zealand’s wine industry. Cofounder and owner Liz Buttimore talks of a labour of love.