There is a definite trend during normal times towards low and no - alcohol consumption. It is reported that wine with less than 8% alcohol by volume is one of the fastest growing sectors in the wine trade. Prior to lockdown it was estimated a third of drinkers were cutting down on their alcohol consumption for health reasons with nearly a quarter of drinkers aged between 18 – 24 completely abstaining.
There are some excellent flavoured and non - flavoured distilled spirits which are completely alcohol free, which are becoming increasingly popular. It is estimated that low and no-alcohol beer will grow from a 2 per cent market share to a 6 per cent share in the next five years. A recent report suggested that more than one in three people surveyed, had either stopped drinking during lockdown or reduced how often they drink, with over 5 per cent stopping drinking entirely.
Of course there is the other side of the coin regarding excessive drinking during lockdown, with a reported one in five people (over eight million) drinking more frequently.
But for now let’s dwell on the positive.
