Drinks

Alcohol Sales up in 2014

By Publications Checkout
Alcohol Sales up in 2014

Sales of alcohol rose in 2014, according to CSO figures, with sales of beer and wine being the largest contributor to the increase.

The statistics come from analysis compiled by the CSO on population and consumption data. The results show that there was a 2.5 per cent increase in consumption levels compared to 2013.

Per capita, alcohol consumption levels were up to 11 litres last year. Although this is still nearly two litres above the EU average, there was decrease of five per cent in in heavy drinking in the 20 to 29-year-old age group.

The biggest jumps were in the beer and wine categories, showing a consumption increase of four and seven per cent increase, respectively. Cider showed a slight increase of 0.4 per cent while spirits decreased 0.9 per cent.

Despite the increase in 2014, consumption levels are down by over a litre since 2012 and 3.5 litres since 2001. Recent campaigns such as the Stop Out-of-Control Drinking, increased excise and planned minimum pricing are all designed to bring Ireland's alcohol consumption closer to the EU average of 9.11 litres per person.

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