Mintel has examined the UK drinks market in a large number of previous reports, some of which concentrated on specific sectors, while others take an overview of the total drinks market (including soft drinks). This report concentrates solely on the alcoholic drinks market, analysing its size, trends, structure and consumers while also updating a number of findings from Mintel’s February 2002 publication, Is Britain a Nation of Drinkers.

Mintel's exclusive research confirms that the majority of adults, three quarters in the 2003 survey, believe that there is nothing wrong with drinking in moderation, and far more people drink occasionally - and mostly at home - than do so on a regular basis outside the home. However, health professionals and the government continue to express concerns about the amount of alcohol consumed in Britain, and its related health problems. In September 2003, it was widely reported that 70% of weekend admissions to hospital casualty units after 10pm are alcohol-related, and alcohol-related accidents, violence and health problems cause 30,000 premature deaths a year. Mintel believes that regular and excessive problem-related drinking is confined to a relatively small group of consumers, while the majority continue to enjoy drinking in moderation.

Designed to inform and focus marketing activity towards key target groups, Mintel’s exclusive consumer research and authoritative market analysis provide insight into all the key industry issues, including:

Changing demographics and the impetus for drinking

Increasing consumption and expenditure

What makes people change their drinking habits?

Alcohol purchasing habits

Drinking at home vs drinking out

Consumer’s drinking repertoire

The typical British drinker – four distinct typologies to be marketed to

How future socio-economic developments are expected to provide boost for on-trade sales