Alcohol consumption in the United Kingdom (UK) - Statistics & Facts
Although the United Kingdom has a long and deep connection to alcohol due to its history in brewing and distilling, consumption in the country is declining like it is in many places across the world. Due to both rising costs and increased concern about the health impacts of alcohol, more consumers are interested in cutting back or abstaining from consumption altogether. By the end of 2024, it is expected that per capita consumption of alcohol in the UK will have declined by 20 percent compared to 2019.
Despite this relative increase recorded in the most recent health surveys, many in the UK are interested in moderating their alcohol consumption. In 2022, the highest share of both men and women was recorded for non-drinkers, 17 percent of men and 21 percent of women. Moderation attempts were most common among alcohol consumers between the ages of 22 to 44, with those aged 35 to 44 being the most interested. The most common ways to moderate alcohol intake were drinking less at drinking occasions and drinking less frequently. If consumers continue their interest in the sober curious trend, all segments of the alcoholic beverages industry are likely to continue facing growth difficulties. It's no wonder that many companies in the industry have expanded their offerings to include products in the no and low-alcoholic drinks segment.
Consumption across industry segments
In terms of sheer volume, beer is the drink of choice for consumers in the United Kingdom. Total consumption volume has reached over 4.5 billion liters . Although this is significant, it still stands below pre-pandemic values. In 2018, consumption reached nearly 4.8 billion liters . The UK was second only to Germany in consumption volume of beer in Europe. Wine is the second most consumed alcoholic beverage, with still wine being by far the largest segment. Like beer, wine consumption in the UK has been in a slump. Consumption of still wine stood at 930 million liters in 2023 and is expected to decline to 805 million liters by 2029. The price of wine has risen dramatically in recent years, impacting consumption. In October 2019, a glass of wine cost an average of four British pounds. By October 2023 the price had increased to an average of 4.83 pounds or 21 percent. Spirits have comparatively lower consumption compared to beer and wine, reaching just under 300 million liters in 2023.Consumption highs and lows
Gender is a great differentiator of alcohol consumption in the United Kingdom. In England, men consumed nearly double the amount of alcohol per week compared to women. The disparity in alcohol intake was similar in Scotland. Consumption had been trending down in both countries among men and women, with 2021 registering the lowest values, presumably because of the circumstances of the pandemic. Consumption rebounded across all groups in 2022 but was most pronounced among English men where it hit the highest value in a decade.Despite this relative increase recorded in the most recent health surveys, many in the UK are interested in moderating their alcohol consumption. In 2022, the highest share of both men and women was recorded for non-drinkers, 17 percent of men and 21 percent of women. Moderation attempts were most common among alcohol consumers between the ages of 22 to 44, with those aged 35 to 44 being the most interested. The most common ways to moderate alcohol intake were drinking less at drinking occasions and drinking less frequently. If consumers continue their interest in the sober curious trend, all segments of the alcoholic beverages industry are likely to continue facing growth difficulties. It's no wonder that many companies in the industry have expanded their offerings to include products in the no and low-alcoholic drinks segment.
