Ireland alcohol consumption drops 4.5 percent to 20-year low

According to the latest data from Ireland's Drinks Industry Group (DIGI), the country's annual alcohol consumption per adult has dropped to 9.49 liters, down 4.5 percent from the previous year and 34.3 percent from the 2001 peak, reflecting a continued trend toward moderation. Notably, beer remains the most popular alcoholic beverage with a 43.3 percent market share, while Guinness parent company Diageo has adjusted draft beer prices four times recently. Wine consumption has grown significantly, rising from 13.2 percent in 2001 to 28.2 percent, with premium non-alcoholic sparkling brands like Wild Idol also gaining traction in the hospitality sector.

Spirits and cider consumption saw minor declines of 0.4 percent and 0.1 percent, respectively, with market shares of 22.3 percent and 6.1 percent, leaving some traditional distilleries struggling. Ireland's alcohol consumption now matches the European average, trailing countries like France and Spain. DIGI spokesperson Donall O’Keefe noted this shift reflects a move away from negative stereotypes but urged the government to lower alcohol taxes to aid industry recovery.

Statistics show 2,054 pubs have closed since 2005 (a 24 percent decline in licensed venues), with an average of 144 closures annually between 2019 and 2023. O’Keefe warned that rising labor and energy costs are severely impacting the hospitality sector and called for urgent tax reforms to preserve these vital community hubs.

2025-06-09

Source - https-//www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/06/ireland-sees-4-5-drop-in-alcohol-consumption/