Sales of non-alcoholic beer continued to grow last year, while beer remained Ireland’s favourite alcoholic drink, a new report from Drinks Ireland has revealed.
Beer in Ireland held 42.9% of drinks’ market share in 2023, as domestic beer production saw a slight increase of 1.6%.
This continued its recovery from a significant 110% surge in 2022, following pandemic restrictions.
Sales of non-alcoholic beer grew last year, by 18%, as production surged by 50%, in response to rising consumer demand.
Non-alcoholic beer’s market share is now over 2% – an almost 100% increase over the last four years.
This is on the back of strong consumer-driven demand, linked to the ongoing trend of moderation and sober curiosity.
‘Availability And Awareness’
The new market category is catching up with European averages and global trends – a momentum that Drinks Ireland recommends should be supported by both industry and government.
Non-alcoholic products have proven hugely popular with consumers seeking to moderate their consumption.
On an overall EU level, 7% of drinks sold are non-alcoholic alternatives.
In Spain alone, non-alcoholic beer has reached nearly 14% market share, and Irish producers are confident that Ireland is on course to see similar market figures of non-alcoholic products.
This supports both industry and government aims of increasing moderation.
Commenting on the report, the director of Drinks Ireland, Cormac Healy, said, “The growth of 0.0% beer in Ireland is a direct result of investment and innovation by the industry, reacting to consumer demand.
“This growth is driven by increased availability and awareness of non-alcohol beers, as well as consumer demand for moderation and balance.
“This continues to be a positive trend within the industry that needs ongoing support to grow.
“We are continuing to see a drop in alcohol consumption in Ireland, aligning with other European countries in this regard.
“While consumption continues to decrease, beer exports are consistently increasing.
“Beer reached an impressive €330 million in export value in 2023 – an 11% increase from 2022.
“The industry’s growth will rely on the support shown to it by the government through reasonable policies that reflect our changing relationship with alcohol.”
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