Increased sales of wine led to a growth in the overall amount of alcohol consumed in the year the smoking ban was introduced, according to data released today.
The Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) said wine took a 19.3 share of the €6.4 billion alcohol market last year. Beer sales accounted for 53.3 per cent, with spirits taking a 18.6 per cent share of the market in 2004.
Based on data from the Revenue Commissioners and the Central Statistics Office, DIGI points out that sales of wine grew its market share by 14.3 per cent between 2003 and 2004, with sales of beers falling 0.9 per cent over the same period.
The amount of alcohol consumed per capita grew by 1 per cent between 2003 and 2004.
DIGI chairman Dick Dunne said the research showed Ireland was moving towards a more European-style market for alcohol.
He also claimed the figures "highlight that the problem of excessive alcohol consumption is reducing with per capita consumption figures already below those recorded four years ago".
The Drinks Industry Group of Ireland comprises the Beverage Council of Ireland, the Cider Industry Council, Diageo Ireland, Irish Brewers Association, Irish Distillers Group plc, Irish Hotels Federation, Licensed Vintners Association, National Offlicence Association, Restaurants Association of Ireland, Vintners Federation of Ireland and the Wine & Spirits Association of Ireland.
