Alcoholic Drinks

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has triggered the most severe global recession since World War II. In Q4 2020, the end of the pandemic started as countries began administering effective vaccines among the population; however, vaccine distribution…

As the end of 2021 approaches, almost two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, the emergence and rapid spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant has increased uncertainty and weakened the momentum of the global recovery. This series of quarterly reports…

This report considers what socialising will look like in a post-COVID-19 era, focusing on several key questions. A return to the “Roaring Twenties” in the beverages space or a continuing decimation of the on-trade? How has socialising changed (eg…

RTDs continue to occupy a niche position within alcoholic drinks in Azerbaijan, with a particular focus on attracting young consumers. Historically perceived as an economical drink, RTDs were revitalised in 2022-2023 with the introduction of the new…

RTDs in China maintained strong growth in both off-trade volume and current value terms in 2023, with both increasing by double digits, with on-trade sales also rising. Generally, younger consumers of legal purchasing age in China are gradually…

RTDs in Hong Kong recorded significant on-trade volume growth as pandemic restrictions were fully removed in early 2023, leading to an increasing number of consumers visiting bars and clubs to socialise. At-home parties also remained popular as a…

During 2022, India continued to witness a growing preference for low-calorie alcoholic beverages, as well as those with a lower alcohol content. This was driven by growing levels of health-consciousness and changing lifestyles post-COVID-19.…

In 2023, RTDs witnessed much lower volume growth in Indonesia. This modest growth reflects the normalisation of consumer demand following the sharp increase in 2022. Increasing competition from similar-tasting beverages like shochu/soju, cider, and…

In 2022, RTDs in Japan experienced a total volume decline for the first time in 15 years, as a result of a decrease in demand for home consumption in a rebound after off-trade sales surged during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in 2023, RTDs in Japan…

Volume sales continued to be low for RTDs in 2023, and registered only minimal volume growth. Younger adult consumers of legal drinking age are the target audience, and these younger consumers are now more looking for alcoholic drink as an…

RTDs is a relatively small category within alcoholic drinks in Malaysia with sales largely focused on spirit-based RTDs. Like most other categories of alcoholic drinks, sales of RTDs dropped sharply in 2020 and 2021 due to the impact of COVID-19 and…

On-trade volume sales of RTDs witnessed further dynamic growth in 2022. Sales were impacted by the removal of capacity limits on nightlife establishments as COVID-19 safe management measures continued to ease. Efforts by operators to encourage…

RTDs in South Korea saw exceptional total volume growth in 2023, mainly driven by off-trade growth, although on-trade sales also saw a double-digit increase. Growth was primarily driven by an increase in light home drinking, and a rise in young…

Much like the previous year of the review period, RTDs saw modest off-trade and current value growth in 2023 but a decline in on-trade sales.

RTDs saw volume sales increase in Thailand in 2023. Consumers have been increasingly consuming the product since the end of the COVID-19 crisis, thanks largely to RTDs’ potential for on-the-go consumption. Consumers have returned to their normal…

Following a three-year period of decline, RTDs registered positive growth in volume terms in 2023, with sales increasingly in both off-trade and the on-trade channels. Spirit-based RTDs saw especially strong growth in on-trade outlets, bolstered by…

Vodka continues to dominate spirits in Azerbaijan, accounting for over 88% of total volume sales in 2023, thus shaping the overall development of the spirits category. With vodka sales in decline, volume sales of spirits were pushed further into…

Spirits in China showed different trends in total volume and total current value terms in 2023. Total volume sales declined both off-trade and on-trade, primarily due to the continued decrease in sales of Chinese spirits. Although the lifting of…

Total volume sales of spirits in Hong Kong continued to rise in 2023, as tourists and expatriates gradually returned to the city, while an increase in the number of banquets hosted and public festivals, concerts, and events helped to drive up demand.…

United Spirits continued to lead the overall market for spirits in India in 2022, being the local representative of global player Diageo Plc. However, the company witnessed a significant decline in volume share during the year, as it shifted its…