New Zealand alcohol consumption hits record low

alcohol consumption beer industry New Zealand economy excise duty OECD statistics

New Zealand's per capita alcohol consumption has reached a record low of 6.98 litres of pure alcohol for the year ending June 2026, placing the nation among the lowest consumers in the OECD. This figure represents a decline of approximately one-third compared to 2011.

Despite the shrinking market, beer remains the country's most popular adult beverage, accounting for 59.7% of all alcohol consumed in 2026. This share has remained largely stable since 2020. In contrast, wine's market share decreased from 23.3% to 19.9% over the same period, with spirits capturing the difference.

Economic data from NZ Customs shows that beer contributed 36.3% of the NZD 1.246 billion collected in total alcohol excise and import duties. The beer sector shows strong domestic ties, with 85% of the NZD 452.1 million in beer-related excise generated by locally brewed products. This contrasts with the spirits market, where 59% of excise is derived from imported goods.

Entities

Brewers Association of New Zealand · Dylan Firth · NZ Customs · New Zealand · Statistics New Zealand

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] Beer contributed 36.3% of the NZD 1.246 billion collected in alcohol excise and import duty. www.theshout.co.nz · restaurantandcafe.co.nz · supermarketnews.co.nz
[● 3 SOURCES] New Zealand's per capita alcohol consumption is among the lowest in the OECD. www.theshout.co.nz · restaurantandcafe.co.nz · supermarketnews.co.nz
[● 3 SOURCES] 59% of spirits excise was generated by imported products. www.theshout.co.nz · restaurantandcafe.co.nz · supermarketnews.co.nz
[● 3 SOURCES] Total alcohol consumption per capita in New Zealand fell to 6.98 litres of pure alcohol for the year ended June 2026. www.theshout.co.nz · restaurantandcafe.co.nz · supermarketnews.co.nz
[● 3 SOURCES] Dylan Firth, Executive Director of the Brewers Association of New Zealand, stated that while New Zealanders are drinking less overall, beer remains their clear favourite. www.theshout.co.nz · restaurantandcafe.co.nz · supermarketnews.co.nz
[● 3 SOURCES] Wine's share of alcohol consumption fell from 23.3% to 19.9% between 2020 and 2026. www.theshout.co.nz · restaurantandcafe.co.nz · supermarketnews.co.nz
[● 3 SOURCES] Beer accounted for 59.7% of all alcohol available for consumption in 2026. www.theshout.co.nz · restaurantandcafe.co.nz · supermarketnews.co.nz
[● 3 SOURCES] 85% of the NZD 452.1 million collected in beer excise and import duty came from beer brewed in New Zealand. www.theshout.co.nz · restaurantandcafe.co.nz · supermarketnews.co.nz

Sources

Beer remains New Zealand's favourite adult beverage - The Shout Magazine (New Zealand) [www.theshout.co.nz]

12 days ago

Strong Beer Sales Need Strong Venues - Restaurant & Café [restaurantandcafe.co.nz]

12 days ago

Beer Remains Kiwis’ Favourite Adult Beverage [supermarketnews.co.nz]

12 days ago