Liquor Industry Struggles as Changing Consumer Habits and Economic Pressures Weigh on Sales

December 30, 2024 01:00 PM GMT | By Team Kalkine Media
 Liquor Industry Struggles as Changing Consumer Habits and Economic Pressures Weigh on Sales
Image source: shutterstock

Highlight Summary:

  1. Changing Consumer Preferences: Younger generations are shifting away from alcohol, prioritizing health-conscious, low-alcohol options, and non-alcoholic experiences. The proportion of 18-24-year-olds abstaining from alcohol has risen significantly, contributing to a decline in overall liquor sales.
  2. Economic Pressures Impacting Sales: Higher cost-of-living and inflation have led consumers to limit discretionary spending, including on alcohol. As a result, both independent and large liquor retailers are seeing lower sales, with consumers opting for cheaper options.
  3. Challenges for Major Liquor Retailers: Companies like Endeavour Group (ASX:EDV) and Coles (ASX:COL) are facing reduced earnings in their liquor divisions, with forecasts indicating a difficult year ahead for the industry. Consumers are spending less on premium alcohol, which is impacting both independent and large-scale retailers.

The Australian liquor industry is experiencing a significant downturn as evolving consumer preferences and broader economic pressures dampen alcohol sales. Andrew Crompton, owner of Act of Wine in Melbourne, has felt the effects of a declining market, with sales decreasing over the past 18 months. Operating his store alone, Crompton notes that younger generations are increasingly choosing low-alcohol and non-alcoholic alternatives, a trend further fueled by the cost-of-living crisis.

Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare highlights a long-term shift, with 23% of 18-24-year-olds now abstaining from alcohol, up from 13.1% in 2007. This reflects a broader cultural shift, as young people increasingly prioritize spending on essentials and experiences over alcohol.

Liquor sales are also down due to economic pressures, with consumers cutting back on discretionary purchases. Both independent retailers and large chains like Endeavour Group (ASX:EDV) and Coles (ASX:COL) are seeing the impact. In August, Endeavour Group flagged weaker market conditions, and Coles reported a 6.5% decline in earnings from its liquor division, reflecting a broader trend of reduced spending on alcohol.

This decline in alcohol consumption and sales points to a challenging year ahead for the liquor industry, as shifting consumer habits and economic pressures combine to create a tough environment for retailers.


Disclaimer

The content, including but not limited to any articles, news, quotes, information, data, text, reports, ratings, opinions, images, photos, graphics, graphs, charts, animations and video (Content) is a service of Kalkine Media Limited, Company No. 12643132 (Kalkine Media, we or us) and is available for personal and non-commercial use only. Kalkine Media is an appointed representative of Kalkine Limited, who is authorized and regulated by the FCA (FRN: 579414). The non-personalised advice given by Kalkine Media through its Content does not in any way endorse or recommend individuals, investment products or services suitable for your personal financial situation. You should discuss your portfolios and the risk tolerance level appropriate for your personal financial situation, with a qualified financial planner and/or adviser. No liability is accepted by Kalkine Media or Kalkine Limited and/or any of its employees/officers, for any investment loss, or any other loss or detriment experienced by you for any investment decision, whether consequent to, or in any way related to this Content, the provision of which is a regulated activity. Kalkine Media does not intend to exclude any liability which is not permitted to be excluded under applicable law or regulation. Some of the Content on this website may be sponsored/non-sponsored, as applicable. However, on the date of publication of any such Content, none of the employees and/or associates of Kalkine Media hold positions in any of the stocks covered by Kalkine Media through its Content. The views expressed in the Content by the guests, if any, are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Kalkine Media. Some of the images/music/video that may be used in the Content are copyright to their respective owner(s). Kalkine Media does not claim ownership of any of the pictures displayed/music or video used in the Content unless stated otherwise. The images/music/video that may be used in the Content are taken from various sources on the internet, including paid subscriptions or are believed to be in public domain. We have used reasonable efforts to accredit the source wherever it was indicated or was found to be necessary.


Sponsored Articles


Investing Ideas

Previous Next