Drinks Ireland has released new Nielsen data that indicates that the total volume of alcohol sales in Ireland in April of 2020 was 35.6% less than the figure for the same month last year.
The data indicates that while alcohol sales increased in the off-trade in April, the closure of the on-trade resulted in a fall in the total amount of alcohol consumed in Ireland.
The data shows that 24 million fewer pints were consumed in Ireland in April of 2020 compared to April of 2019. There was a 58% increase in the volume of beer and cider sold in the off-trade, but overall sales of beer and cider fell by 36% due to pubs being closed. According to Drinks Ireland, it is estimated that generally approximately 60% of beer and cider sales take place in the on-trade.
Meanwhile, 4.9 million fewer 35.5ml serves of spirits were sold in April 2020 compared to the same month last year. There was a 24% increase in the volume of off-trade sales, but a 13% overall decrease in the volume of spirits sold in Ireland.
"Changes In The Way People Drink"
Drinks Ireland director Patricia Callan commented, "There has been a perception that people are drinking more as a result of the COVID-19 restrictions, but these figures clearly show that this is not the case, with overall sales down by just under 36%.
"With pubs, restaurants and hotels closed and government restrictions in place, there's been not only a fall in the amount of alcohol consumed, but changes in the way people drink.
"Many people have taken part in a virtual drink with family or friends, but we're also seeing an array of online wine and drink tastings, and cocktail making events. People are also enjoying a drink in the garden in the sun, or with dinner at home after work, allowing for a little bit of normality at this time.
"It's important that people maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle at this time, and this includes not drinking to excess. For anyone looking for more information about alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 crisis or for information about low risk consumption guidelines, we'd urge them to visit Drink Aware."
© 2020 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
