Spirits set to overtake wine as global drinking habits change

More cases of spirits such as vodka and whisky than of wine are set to be sold globally, a report from the World Spirits Alliance predicted on Wednesday, as drinking preferences have shifted.

The report, whose predictions came from Oxford Economics and alcohol market research firm IWSR, said 2.67 billion cases of spirits were sold in 2022, almost as many as the 2.8 billion cases of wine sold that year.

"Should current trends in both categories continue, spirits volumes will soon surpass those of wine," it said.

Trends, including a shift towards drinking fewer, more expensive drinks, notably a growing range of cocktails, have seen spirits displace wine.

The wine industry has faced a global supply glut, difficult weather and falling demand, which has hit a 27-year low. Beer companies are also grappling with a shift to spirits in some markets.

By the numbers

• Beer accounted for 75.2 per cent of total beverage alcohol volumes in 2022, followed by wine at 10.4 per cent and spirits at 9.9 per cent
• In terms of the value of sales in 2022, spirits accounted for 40 per cent of total beverage alcohol sales followed by beer at 38.1 per cent and wine at 17.6 per cent
• Indian whisky is set to be the fastest growing spirits category between 2022 and 2027, growing by 50 million cases, with tequila, rum and gin all expected to rise between 10 and 20 million cases. Cognac and armagnac are set to grow the least in the spirits market.
• The production and sale of spirits contributed some $730 billion to the global economy in 2022, when activity ranging from farming and manufacturing to shipping and sales in shops, bars and restaurants is included.