As challenges persist in the alcohol market, the role of India is becoming even more vital, the IWSR has said.  According to the insights company, domestic products still dominate the spirits and beer categories. However, imports are also gaining traction, with spirits growing at a CAGR of 16% between 2019 and 2024, with a projected 9% gain in 2025.  IWSR projections…

Following the UK-India trade deal agreed in July 2025, more alcohol news has emerged from India.  Set to begin in April 2026, India’s Karnataka state has announced plans to get rid of alcohol price control, in which the Government fixed retail prices of alcoholic beverages.  The new system will allow greater price freedom in one of India’s largest alcohol markets, likely…

Almost three-quarters of all alcohol sold in the UK is now purchased through supermarkets and convenience stores, underlining the long-term shift of drinking from pubs and bars into the home. New research from Drinkaware shows that 73% of all alcohol sold in 2023 was bought in the off-trade, up from just over half (53%) in 2000. The data reflects a structural…

UK adults are twice as likely to drink at home as they are in pubs, bars or restaurants, according to the latest Drinkaware report, released today.  The charity said that this represents a wider shift in which alcohol consumption has moved decisively into the home, with 73% of all alcohol bought in supermarkets and convenience stores drunk in this setting.  Within this, data from…

Virgin Wines has reported a strong Christmas trading performance, with revenue rising 5% year on year over the seven weeks to 26 December 2025, supported by a sharp uplift in customer acquisition. The AIM-listed direct-to-consumer wine retailer said customer acquisition increased by 40% over the festive period, helping return the overall customer base to growth while also significantly outperforming the wider…

While the majority of alcohol categories saw a slight decline this Christmas period compared to last, there were a few notable exceptions, found Worldpanel.  In data provided to Drinks Retailing, Worldpanel explained that in the four weeks to 28 December, the RTD sector grew to £1.7m, up 4.5% from the same period last year.  At the same time, shoppers spent nearly £5m more this…

Alcohol spending remains “stubbornly low”, according to the latest IWSR Bevtrac consumer research, undertaken in 15 leading markets.  The IWSR said that people continue to prioritise spending on necessities such as food and personal care, amid continued economic pressures.  It added that there are some signs the situation is starting to steady. Nonetheless, spending remains net negative, even among higher-income…