Supermarkets and off-licences now account for 33% of all alcohol sales

CONSUMERS are buying more alcohol in supermarkets and off-licences, both of which now account for a third of all alcohol sales.

Also for the first time beer’s share of the alcohol market has fallen below 50%. Cider’s percentage of the drinks market also fell last year from 2009, from 9% to 8%. Wine however increased its share from 23% to 26% as did spirits from 18% to 19%.

A report from the Irish Brewers Association found that the share of beer sold in Irish pubs fell significantly last year. Although there were signs of stabilisation this was due to a shift from pubs and more sales in supermarkets and off-licences.