Half of Australians have consciously taken a break from drinking over the past year, while 42 per cent plan to reduce their consumption further, according to Vypr’s Australian Consumer Horizon report.
The survey of more than 3600 consumers found that moderation is becoming more common, with Australians aged 25 and over reporting lower alcohol consumption than a year earlier.
Australians aged 25 to 34 recorded the largest reduction in alcohol consumption. Some 31 per cent said they drank less than a year ago, while 49 per cent said they intended to cut back further.
Despite leading this shift, they remained the most likely age group to purchase alcohol in pubs and bars. The findings suggest Australians are changing when and how much they drink rather than giving up alcohol altogether.
Consumers aged 45 to 54 recorded the highest rate of taking breaks from alcohol, with 59 per cent reporting they had done so during the past year. Vypr said the result suggests people in this age group are more likely to adopt structured breaks and reset periods.
In contrast, those aged 18 to 24 were the only age group to report higher alcohol consumption than a year earlier. The result points to differences in drinking behaviour across age groups.
Consumers identified sleep, gut health, stress reduction, immune function and energy levels as outcomes associated with drinking less alcohol. Responses varied by age group, with sleep cited by 59 per cent of people aged 45 to 54, the highest proportion of any age group.
People aged 25 to 34 were the only age group in which more than 30 per cent of respondents selected all three outcomes of sleep, gut health and energy levels.
Sam Gilding, chief revenue officer at Vypr, said the findings show that many Australians continue to value drinking occasions while adjusting their alcohol consumption.
“Many still want the ritual, occasion and experience of having a drink, but they’re increasingly looking for ways to participate without consuming alcohol at the same level.”
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