Lager is the nation’s favourite beer variant according to a new online survey conducted by the Irish Brewers Association (IBA), with 45% of respondents saying it is their preferred choice. IPAs are the nation’s second favourite beer variant with a 22% share while stout received an 11% share.
The survey was conducted on thetaste.ie on behalf of the IBA, with over 1,300 respondents taking part, and aimed to explore the drinking preferences of beer consumers in Ireland, including where they drink and what they drink.
According to the research, 51% of beer drinkers either always or often pair beer with food when eating out. There is also demand for more beer options to be available in restaurants, with 45% of beer drinkers saying there is not enough choice of beer on restaurant menus.
The survey found that 40% of people say their favourite beer drinking experience is in a pub with friends. Meanwhile, almost 16% prefer drinking at home with family and 15% prefer drinking at a BBQ.
Product Preferences
The research showed that many consumers change their beer of choice throughout the year. Some 45% of beer drinkers either always or often change beer preferences, with 43% changing preferences due to seasonal factors.
There is also a demand for more choice when it comes to low and non-alcohol beer options, with 57 per cent of respondents saying they’d like to see more availability of non-alcoholic beer.
“Increasing Diversity”
Jonathan McDade, head of the Irish Brewers Association, commented, “Beer remains Ireland’s favourite alcohol beverage, accounting for just under 45% market share of all alcohol consumed in 2017.
“What’s really exciting to see is the increasing diversity in the sector. There is a huge amount of Irish-made beer products now available on the market and in our pubs and off-licences across the country. It’s also interesting to see how consumers are becoming more sophisticated in their beer choices and are often pairing their beer with food in restaurants.
“Like the French with wine and the Germans with beer, we should be proud of this homegrown sector. I hope to continue to see plenty of new beer products come to the market in 2019 and continue to offer beer drinkers a wide range of choice.”
© 2018 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
