Spirits market in Finland - statistics & facts
While exports are rising, Finland's domestic spirits consumption has shown a different trend. The per capita consumption of spirits decreased slightly between 2017 and 2023, with Finns consuming 1.6 liters of spirits per capita in 2023, measured in liters of pure alcohol among individuals aged 15 or above. To be called a spirit or liquor, an alcoholic beverage must have an ABV (alcohol by volume, i.e., the percentage of alcohol, or ethanol, present in a certain volume of liquid) above 20 percent. They are produced by distilling grains, fruits, or vegetables that have undergone alcoholic fermentation. The higher the ABV, the stronger the liquor.
With a constantly growing export market, Finnish spirits are gaining more popularity on an international level. However, with more consciously drinking habits, the consumption of strong alcoholic beverages in Finland might decline further in the future.
Retail sales of spirits decreased in Finland
Retail sales of distilled beverages in Finland totaled roughly 69 million liters, accounting for around 15 percent of the total retail sales volume of alcoholic beverages. On the other hand, restaurant sales of distilled beverages amounted to approximately 12.3 million liters, while the restaurant sales volume of alcoholic beverages totaled over 69 million liters in 2023. The decline in domestic consumption is further reflected in the sales volume of vodka and spirits in Alko stores, which decreased overall in recent years. In 2023, the Finnish alcohol monopoly sold 11.8 million liters of vodka and spirits.Imports and exports show contrasting trends
While domestic consumption of strong alcohol has decreased, Finland's international trade in spirits and liqueurs presents a mixed picture. The value of spirits and liqueurs imported to Finland declined from 2013 to 2020 but rebounded in 2022, reaching 110.17 million euros. In contrast, the export value of these products has shown more stability, fluctuating between 85 and 143 million euros from 2013 to 2023, with a rise in recent years and a peak of 142.55 million euros in 2023.With a constantly growing export market, Finnish spirits are gaining more popularity on an international level. However, with more consciously drinking habits, the consumption of strong alcoholic beverages in Finland might decline further in the future.
