Alcohol consumption
The world’s drinkers are moderating the growth in their consumption. Global wine and spirits sales rose by only 0.5% in 2013, to around 60 billion litres, according to IWSR, a market-research company. This was a marked slowdown compared with the 4% annual average growth rate between 2007 and 2012. The choice of tipple is changing too. Younger drinkers are keener on whisky; baby boomers prefer vodka and beer. New flavoured whiskies are particularly popular. Whisky consumption grew faster than that of other drinks in all parts of the world. Drinks firms are paying more attention to the emerging middle classes in Africa: many have announced ambitious investment plans in the region.
This article appeared in the Economic & financial indicators section of the print edition under the headline "Alcohol consumption"