A study by the Alcoholic Beverage Council found that more and more New Zealanders are opening up to low-alcohol beverages.
Running for four years, this annual survey aims to show how New Zealanders perceive problems related to alcohol.
According to this year’s results, 56% of respondents will try low-alcohol beverages in 2022, a 9% increase from the previous year.
Meanwhile, 69% have tried premium drinks such as spirits, wines and liqueurs, up 13% from 2021.
Alcoholic Beverage Council vice chairman Robert Brewer said the results show potential for positive changes towards more responsible drinking behavior.
“None of these statistics are surprising given that the most common reasons for choosing low-alcohol beverages are health (40%), driving (28%) and avoiding addiction (27%). is not. “
He says that both slowing down high-strength alcohol and drinking low-strength options are positive changes.
He says a “sip and taste” approach to drinking will help many people gain more control over their alcohol consumption.
Brewer said the alcoholic beverage industry supports improving the way people drink and that it is not against the interests of the industry and is represented by the council.
“It’s that people are drinking less.”
“But it also means that if people drink more responsibly and if the drinking culture fits into New Zealand’s culture, our business will last longer.”
Brewer said he has observed an increase in the popularity of non-alcoholic beer products through increased sales over the past decade.
-RNZ.