The alcoholic drinks market has seen a number of changes in consumption patterns since the turn of the millennium. They have arisen from a variety of push and pull factors which are tending to drive consumers away from the on-trade channel towards the off-trade.

The market is also experiencing considerable pressure from legislators and other interested parties because of a number of social and health problems associated with excessive alcohol consumption, and these have become increasingly prominent during the past decade.

A further potential issue on the horizon is the impending smoking ban, due to be introduced in 2007 in England & Wales (a similar ban is already in place in Scotland), which is expected to result in a downturn in on-trade alcohol sales.

This report looks at the overall alcohol market and the factors that influence it, and looks to address a number of prevalent issues.

 Why is there such a gulf between consumer ‘attitudes’ towards drinking and the raw data showing alcohol consumption and alcohol related issues on the rise?

 Will the wider health issue that is having such a dramatic impact on the food market begin to impact the drinks market?

 Will the quantity of alcohol being consumed decline, and if so, will the value in the market be sustained by a rise in sales of premium products?

 What is potential risk of continued non regulation in the market?