The latest data from Circana has revealed that alcohol sales are falling in the UK. 

The market research company revealed that the total volume of alcohol sold in retail has dropped by 2.3% in the previous year, the equivalent of 90 million fewer litres. 

At the same time, retail value sales were also down by 1.1% in the same period. 

However, retail sales of non-alcoholic beverages were up by 5.5% on last year, with volume rising 2.3%, the equivalent of 1.5 billion litres. 

Within this, value sales of no and low-alcohol spirits rose by an impressive 16.1%. 

“In the UK, the appetite for moderation is clear: from after-work mocktails to mindful weekend serves, consumers are curating their drinking occasions,” Circana noted. 

Health-based drinks also experienced a significant spike, with consumers generally veering away from sugar. 

“Zero sugar drinks are leading the charge,” said Circana, particularly if they have prebiotics, vitamins and/or gut-friendly ingredients. 

On the health kick, Alex Lawrence, senior strategic insight director at Circana, said: “Wine and spirit brands are following the lead of more established beer and cider low/no-alcohol brands as they look to tap into younger consumers who are seeking healthier and more functional drinks.”