Australia: More Australians choose mid-strength beers over full-strength options

More and more Aussie drinkers are choosing mid-strength beers and non-alcoholic beverages over full-strength brews, according to a new study.

Sales of non-alcoholic drinks have risen 57 percent in the past five years, according to the Euromonitor International’s Alcoholic Drinks In Australia report.

Mid-strength beer is also now among one of the fastest growing in popularity, making up 14.1 percent of the total beer market.

Euromonitor predicts brewing of non-alcohol beers will quadruple from the 2003 figure of two million litres to 12 million litres by 2022.

The report also shows the average national amount of alcohol consumed per person has fallen from 157.5 litres to 153 litres in 2017.

The interest in less strong beers and non-alcoholic beverages reflects a trend towards healthier living and better value by consumers between the ages of 18 to 34, Nielson reported last year.

"Millennials look for value but they also rate health factors such as low carb, calories, vitamin-fortified and organic as very important," the report said.

Sixty-two percent of Millennials also avoid certain products over concerns regarding environmental impact. Boomers on the other hand choose based on value and price.

The market has recently shifted to accommodate the trend towards lower- or no-alcohol beverages, with a number of major beer brands offering non-alcoholic alternatives.

12 August, 2018