The annual New Zealand Health Survey* continues to show changes in the way Kiwis drink, reflecting global trends towards the increasing popularity of non-alcoholic drinks.
The survey found that hazardous or harmful alcohol consumption among adults was the same as last year, dropping 4.7 percentage points over the past four years to 16.6%.
Young New Zealanders aged 18 to 24 saw the biggest decline in harmful drinking over the past five years, dropping 13.2 percentage points to 22.6 per cent.
“This decline in dangerous drinking signals a change in the way we drink,” says Virginia Nicholls, executive director of the Alcoholic Beverages Council of New Zealand.
The amount of alcohol consumed by young people under the age of 18 is decreasing, and the risk of drinking among young people who do drink is also lower. The legal age to buy alcohol in New Zealand is 18, but 51 per cent of 15-17 year olds have consumed alcohol in the past year. This percentage has decreased by 8.9 percentage points since the survey began in 2011-2012. Statistics New Zealand’s per capita alcohol consumption has also fallen by 29% since 1986.
“When we compare how much we drink with other OECD countries, Kiwis drink less than the OECD average. This includes countries that drink less than the US, UK, Australia, Germany, France and Ireland. Included.
“These trends are positive, but to continue accelerating these changes we need to invest more in education, both in secondary school and in the workplace,” Nichols says.
The New Zealand Ministry of Health’s low-risk drinking guidelines recommend two standard drinks per day for women, three standard drinks per day for men, and at least two alcohol-free days per week.
Global increase in non-alcoholic/low-alcohol beverages
The global non-alcohol/low alcohol category totaled $13 billion, up 5% year over year (*IWSR 2023). In New Zealand, this is reflected in the growth of no/low and alcohol-free brands, such as the popular AF brand, which has a 40% market share in New Zealand. New Zealand AF has grown rapidly in less than three years, outpacing global brands (*IRI scan data October 2023).
Normalize an alcohol-free lifestyle
AF Drinks was founded in 2020 by Lisa King, known for her work with Kiwi social enterprise Eat My Lunch. After reducing her own alcohol intake in early 2020, Lisa recognized the challenges many people face when exploring a different relationship with alcohol. AF Drinks does this by fostering a community for the curious, normalizing an alcohol-free lifestyle, and providing delicious and sophisticated alternatives to those who choose not to drink alcohol. We aim to encourage exploration.
This summer, New Zealanders are embracing the growing trend of alcohol-free sparkling wines, offering a sophisticated and comprehensive option for those seeking a mindful drinking experience. As demand for low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages soars, winemakers are responding with innovative creations that maintain the elegance and complexity of traditional sparkling wine.
From alcohol-free Prosecco-style fizz to fruity sparkling rosé, these drinks cater to the growing number of Kiwis looking for health, moderation or simply refreshing alternatives. Crafted using advanced dealcoholization techniques and carefully blended ingredients, these sparkling wines deliver lively flavor and celebratory effervescence without the fuss.
Perfect for summer gatherings, these non-alcoholic sparklers are appearing on restaurant menus and store shelves across the country, and are often paired with gourmet dishes. Whether enjoyed at a picnic, party or at the dinner table, it reflects New Zealand’s evolving drinks culture while allowing everyone to join in on the toast.
methodology
*2023/24 New Zealand Health Survey data was collected over a 12-month period from 13 July 2023 to 24 July 2024. Data collection was slower than pre-COVID-19 due to ongoing operational issues and weather events. As a result, Q4 was only partially open and the sample size for 2023/24 was smaller than in the pre-COVID-19 survey. Methodology-Report-2023-24-New Zealand-Health Survey-nov24.docxP 36, accessed November 24, 19.
(1) Hazardous drinking refers to an Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score of 8 or higher, indicating unsafe or harmful alcohol consumption.minhealthnz.shinyapps.io/nz-health-survey-2023-24-annual-data-explorer/_w_9aa69646/#!/explore-topicsaccessed November 19, 2024.
