The Portman Group has called on the UK government to do more to encourage the uptake of low and no alcohol drinks and launch its long-awaited consultation on low-alcohol descriptors.
The consultation, which has been delayed for almost two years, would seek views on updating the terminology around the various ways in which products below 1.2% ABV are marketed – a key source of confusion for UK consumers.
New YouGov research has found that over one quarter (29%) of alcohol drinkers now also often or sometimes drink low- or no-alcohol alternatives.
One in six (17%) of those who have tried low and no drinks say their alcohol consumption has reduced since first trying them, demonstrating their role in encouraging moderate and responsible drinking.
Those that plan to reduce alcohol consumption in 2023 said they will drink fewer alcoholic drinks at home (37%), have more alcohol-free days (30%) and a further quarter (25%) said they plan to stop drinking at home altogether.
Portman Group CEO Matt Lamber said: “The variety and availability of low and no alcoholic drinks has never been stronger, reflecting a huge increase in consumer popularity.
“The vast majority of consumers already drink responsibly within the Chief Medical Officer guidelines, but it is particularly pleasing to see evidence that low and no options are playing a role in encouraging people to moderate their drinking.
“We are calling on the government to launch the low-alcohol descriptors consultation this year to give further support to the low and no alcohol sector. It has been expected for nearly two years but, given the turbulent political year, this hasn’t been prioritised. This is an important review which should see alignment with global descriptors and give another push to this innovative category which is an active substitute for alcohol and supports moderate drinking.”
