Which sectors of the alcohol market are set to grow and which will suffer from the slowdown in alcohol consumption in the UK? - UK - March 2008

Abstract

This report examines the extensive market for alcoholic drinks in the UK. In particular it focuses on the long-term implications of the recent decline in alcohol consumption as well as how wider changes in drinking habits may impact on the alcohol market. A key feature of the report is its identification of those categories within the alcohol sector that are set to grow and those which are expected to suffer from this forecast slowdown in alcohol consumption.

Key themes of the report:

• How the current and proposed government and trade initiatives are both set to play a major part in changing consumers' perception of alcohol.
• The raising of alcohol as a political discussion point with the likelihood that there will be further restrictions on alcohol promotion and consumption in the coming years.
• The impact of a general move towards higher prices brought about by factors such as premiumisation and more recently rising raw material costs.
• Which sub-categories of the alcoholic drinks have already suffered from the slowdown in alcohol consumption.
• How cider- already by far the largest increase in any category- will keep the momentum and ensure a promising future?
• The impact of lifestyle changes on the consumers' attitudes and habits towards alcohol.
• How the smoking ban and the mass-discounting in the grocery multiples have encouraged consumers to drink at home.
• The rise of the promiscuous drinker who increasingly enjoys a variety of alcoholic products.
• Targeting of new groups of drinkers, such as women, as well as attempts to encourage those already drinking to trade up and/or broaden their tastes.