Beer volumes back to pre-COVID levels

The Brewers Association says that new data from Statistics New Zealand shows the volume of beer available for consumption has rebounded to pre-COVID levels in the year ended December 2024.

It also says that it reflects a shift in consumer preferences towards traditional, lower-alcohol beer brands and the increasingly popular lower carb varieties.

According to the latest data, the total volume of beer available for consumption rose by 5.4% to 296 million litres, marking a significant recovery after declines in previous years.

The Brewers Association says the this resurgence in beer available for consumption stands in contrast to other alcoholic beverage categories, which have seen declines. Wine volumes fell by 4.1% to 95 million litres, while spirits and spirit-based drinks dropped by 5.5% to 92 million litres. The total volume of alcoholic beverages available for consumption increased slightly by 1.2% to 482 million litres.

The data indicates a notable trend towards lower-alcohol beer products, with beer containing 2.5- 4.35% alcohol by volume (ABV) experiencing a 34% increase in volume.

“The rise in lower-alcohol beer consumption reflects a broader cultural shift towards moderation and low carb traditional beers,” says Dylan Firth, Executive Director of the Brewers Association of New Zealand. “This may also be influenced by economic factors, as consumers seek value for money during challenging financial times.”