Australians are drinking less alcohol overall than any time in the previous 50 years, according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
"Across all alcoholic beverages, there were 9.7 litres of pure alcohol available for consumption in 2013-14 for every person in Australia aged 15 years and over," said Louise Gates from the ABS. "This is the lowest level since the early 1960’s."
"The pattern of alcohol consumption has changed significantly over this period.
"Fifty years ago, beer made up three quarters of all alcohol consumed, but now makes up under half at 41 percent.
"Wine's share has increased over the same period from 12 percent to 38 percent."
Australians currently consume more white wine than red wine – 270 million litres of white wine compared with 190 million litres of red wine in 2013-14, while full strength beer remains the most popular type of beer, accounting for around three quarters of all beer in 2013-14.
"Over the past decade we have seen the popularity of mid strength beer grow at the expense of low strength beer," Gates said. "Mid-strength beer now makes up 19 percent of all beer consumed in Australia, while low strength beer accounts for five percent.
"Spirits including Ready to Drink (pre-mixed beverages) increased from 13 percent of all pure alcohol consumed in 1963-64 to 19 percent in 2013-14. Cider accounted for a small but growing proportion, at two percent in 2013-14."
The ABS’ estimates of 'apparent consumption' are obtained from information related to supply and do not represent actual consumption. These figures will overestimate the true level of alcohol consumed as beverages, as adjustments cannot be made for wastage and other factors such as for alcohol used in cooking.
No account is taken of changes in stocks, duty-free alcohol imported by individual overseas travellers, or for alcohol that has been stored or cellared.
All alcohol available for consumption in a particular year is assumed to have been consumed in that year.