Beer and cider sales losing their appeal

People are drinking less alcohol, according to a new industry report.

The annual International Wine and Spirits Record tracked global alcohol consumption in 2016.

It found beer sales on the slide, as well as cider.

The global market for all alcoholic drinks decreased by 1.3 per cent in 2016, driven by a 1.8 per cent fall in beer sales.

Cider sales were down 1.5 per cent after several years of growth.

Theoveralldecreaseofinternational alcohol sales is far greater than the average dip of 0.3 per cent in the previous five years. The IWSR market report for 2016 found global wine sales to be relatively flat, down 0.1 per cent. UK gin-makers could be boosted as the so-called gin revival continued, with sales of the iconic British tipple up 3.7 per cent globally.