Britons consumed more alcohol-free alternatives this Christmas, suggests recent figures from a supermarket showing a surge in demand for such products over the festive period.
Sales of low alcohol drinks at Waitrose was up by a third (+31 per cent) in the past week, as people prepared to see in the New Year with wine sales up by 46 per cent, doubling figures from 2020. Spirits and beers have also enjoyed a boost at +31 per cent and +25 per cent respectively.
“Whether it’s a long term choice, or simply because you’re the designated driver, the market has come a long way in recent years, so it no longer needs to feel like a compromise,” reports quoted wine buying manager for Waitrose Jamie Matthewson, as saying.
“While there’s a noticeable trend amongst younger people, it certainly isn’t exclusive to any age bracket.
“It’s about drinking responsibly and finding what works for you. Some people may choose to forgo it completely, while others may opt for lighter options during the week. We’re also seeing people mix and match in the same evening; raising a traditional glass or two, before switching to alcohol-free drinks later in the night," he added.
