Lager sales in UK down

Lager is suffering a popularity dip in the UK as drinkers choose more “sophisticated” alternatives, a report out today says.

The amount sold in the UK is down 5% compared to 2005, according to market analysts Mintel.

That figure is expected to fall by another 8% by 2012 to 3.65 billion litres.

This means the average lager drinker will get through 19 fewer pints in 2012 than they do today, Mintel predicts.

Around 30% of lager is now bought in supermarkets, off-licences and other shops compared to 70% bought in pubs, bars and clubs.

This compares to 2002 when up to 80% of lager was bought in pubs, bars and clubs.

Mintel senior market analyst Katy Child said: “The traditional lager lout, with his beer belly and pint in hand, may be becoming a rarer breed here in the UK as the lager market has well and truly lost its head.

“UK drinkers are becoming much more sophisticated when it comes to alcohol and this trend looks set to continue.”

By contrast, cider sales have surged by 14% in the past two years while wine is up 6%.

Rose wine has enjoyed the greatest sales boom – up 188% since 2005 to hit 49 billion litres this year.

Both cider and rose have done well in the past couple of years as consumers pick lighter, refreshing drinks which they think are lower in calories, Mintel’s lager report says.