Alcohol consumption in Ireland continues long-term downward trend

As supporting members of the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI), Drinks Ireland welcomes the report released today which highlights that alcohol consumption by Irish adults fell significantly last year, continuing the major downward trend recorded over the last quarter of a century. These figures demonstrate that Irish people are increasingly drinking alcohol in moderation, seeking more balance in how they drink and are choosing more premium products. It also highlights how Irish per capita consumption levels are now at average European levels.

The report, authored by economist Anthony Foley, shows that average alcohol consumption per adult fell by 4.5% last year to 9.49 litres of pure alcohol. This is a drop of more than one third (34.3%) since 2001.

Total consumption in Ireland fell by 2.4% last year to 41.5m litres which results in an overall 4.5% drop in alcohol intake per person when last year’s 2.3% increase in population is taken into account.

CONSUMER TRENDS

The report also shows that consumption habits and tastes have continued to evolve amongst Irish consumers over the last year.

• Beer was the country’s most popular alcohol last year. Its market share increased by 0.4% to 43.3% despite an overall drop in beer consumption.
• Wine was the second most popular drink, increasing its market share by 0.1% to 28.2% in 2024. Wine’s popularity has increased significantly since 2000 (13.2%)
• Spirits fell by 0.4% to 22.3%
• Cider fell by 0.1% to 6.1%

The report follows other recent data which showed that alcohol consumption in Ireland is now at average European levels. OECD data for 2022 revealed that consumption here ranks behind France, Spain and Austria, amongst others. A separate report by the Health Research Board last year also indicated that Ireland’s alcohol consumption was at average levels by EU or OECD standards.

Secretary of DIGI and CEO of The Licensed Vintners Association, Donall O’Keefe said:

“Today’s figures offer clear proof of what many of us already know – Irish people are increasingly drinking in a restrained manner, with consumption continuing the downward trajectory that has been recorded since the millennium.

“In contrast to the negative stereotypes that once existed, alcohol consumption in Ireland is now at average European levels, with the purchase of non-alcoholic drinks continuing to increase.

“This downward trend also raises the obvious question as to why Ireland continues to have the second highest excise rates on alcohol in Europe. Given that we now consume alcohol at average European levels it makes sense that we should pay excise at average European levels also. This is particularly true following the introduction of minimum unit pricing which prevents the sale of strong alcohol at low prices in supermarkets and shops.

“Across Ireland, hundreds of small rural pubs and restaurants are struggling for survival due to repeated increases in the cost of doing businesses, including staff, energy and insurance. A cut in excise would offer these businesses an opportunity to continue acting as vital hubs in their communities, as well as a crucial part of our tourism product.”

“DIGI will be seeking a 10% cut in excise in this year’s Budget as an urgent measure to give these businesses a fighting chance of survival.”

The DIGI report was compiled by Anthony Foley, Associate Professor Emeritus at Dublin City University (DCU), using data from the CSO population and migration estimates for April 2024 and the Revenue Commissioners’ alcohol clearances data.

ENDS

About DIGI

The Drinks Industry Group of Ireland is the umbrella organisation for the wider drinks and hospitality industry in Ireland. DIGI’s membership spans manufacturers, distributors, and the retail sectors (both the on-trade – pubs, hotels, restaurants – and the off-licence sector). Members include Ibec’s Drinks Ireland; Licenced Vintners Association (LVA); Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI); Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI); Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) and National Off-Licence Association (NOffLA).