Kiwis are altering the way they drink as “No and Lo” and “Sipping and Savouring” drink trends continue to rise, according to NZ Alcohol Beverages Council (NZABC).
An annual survey found that 56 per cent tried a low-alcohol drink last year – up 9 per cent compared to 2021 while 69 per cent tried a premium drink such as spirits, wine or liqueur which is an increase of 13 per cent.
About 45 per cent of consumers said they chose premium drinks for special occasions while only 28 per cent said they chose them for taste.
Robert Brewer, NZABC’s deputy chair, said consumers are “actively choosing” to slow down when they drink and opting for lower-alcohol options.
“Drinking higher strength options or choosing lower alcohol options are great trends and mirror the overall decline in drinking over the last couple of decades.
“We’re drinking approximately 25 per cent less per capita than we did in the early ’80s and we’re drinking less harmfully as well,” said Brewer.
He added the stats were “not surprising” as the most common reason given for choosing low-alcohol drinks was health (40 per cent), driving (28 per cent) and avoiding intoxication (27 per cent).
- Further reading: Curious AF to open New Zealand’s first alcohol-free ‘liquor store’.
