New research from the drinks industry shows that wine is the fastest growing product category.
According to figures from the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI), based on data from the Revenue and Central Statistics Office, wine accounted for 19.3% of the total alcohol market in 2004. Its market share grew by more than 14% from 2003. Beer had a 53.3% share, but this represented a slight fall from 2003. Spirits took 18.6%, while cider had 8.8%.
The research found that alcohol consumption per head rose by just 1% between 2003 and 2004, but the level was still 3% below that recorded in 2000.
DIGI chairman Dick Dunne said the research showed that Ireland was moving towards a more European style alcohol market with strong growth in off-licence sales and an increase market share for wine.
The group released the figures to coincide with the launch of a new website called www.drinksindustry.ie.
