Global slump in alcohol sales

Global consumption of alcoholic drinks fell in 2015, the first such drop in over a decade.

Research released by Euromonitor International showed a decline of 0.7%, a loss of 1.7 billion L of alcoholic drinks volume sales since 2014.

The decline registered across the globe, with sales falling in China (down 3.5%), Brazil (down 2.5%) and Eastern Europe (down 4.9%). While Western Europe and Australasia flatlined, North America’s 2.3% growth bucked the overall trend.

Premium English gin, Irish and Japanese whiskey, and dark and non-alcoholic beer were strong performers, while tequila and bourbon remained solid. Cognac sales bounced back strongly, and cider performed well but has softened as Americans move to hard soda drinks.

Meanwhile, rum and vodka were among the worst performers, while still light white and red wine varietals join sparkling wines at healthy levels, according to Spiros Malandrakis, senior alcoholic drinks analyst.

“While initial forecasts suggest a gradual recovery from 2016, performance will remain substandard compared to historical trajectories,” Malandrakis concluded.