# New Zealand alcohol consumption trends

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/new-zealand-alcohol-consumption-trends
> Updated: 2026-08-31T21:43:38.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

New Zealand’s per capita alcohol consumption reached a record low of 6.98 litres of pure alcohol for the year ending June 2026, positioning the country among the lowest consumers in the OECD. This reflects a decline of approximately one-third since 2011.

While the overall market is shrinking, beer remains the most popular adult beverage, accounting for 59.7% of consumption in 2026. This share has been largely stable since 2020. Conversely, wine’s market share fell from 23.3% to 19.9% over that same period, with spirits absorbing the difference.

Economic data indicates that beer contributed 36.3% of the NZD 1.246 billion collected in total alcohol excise and import duties. The beer sector is heavily tied to domestic production, with 85% of its NZD 452.1 million in excise generated by locally brewed products, whereas 59% of excise from the spirits market is derived from imported goods.

## Claims

- Total alcohol consumption per capita in New Zealand fell to 6.98 litres of pure alcohol for the year ended June 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- New Zealand's per capita alcohol consumption is among the lowest in the OECD. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Beer accounted for 59.7% of all alcohol available for consumption in 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Wine's share of alcohol consumption fell from 23.3% to 19.9% between 2020 and 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Beer contributed 36.3% of the NZD 1.246 billion collected in alcohol excise and import duty. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- 85% of the NZD 452.1 million collected in beer excise and import duty came from beer brewed in New Zealand. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- 59% of spirits excise was generated by imported products. (corroborated by 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. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: New Zealand alcohol consumption hits record low

New Zealand's per capita alcohol consumption has hit a record low, yet beer remains the most popular beverage, accounting for nearly 60% of the shrinking market.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-zealand-alcohol-consumption-hits-record-low

### 2026-08-09: New Hampshire and Delaware lead US alcohol consumption rates

New Hampshire and Delaware report the highest per capita alcohol consumption in the US, driven by tax-free status and low prices that attract out-of-state buyers despite a national decline in drinking.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-hampshire-and-delaware-lead-us-alcohol-consumption-rates

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Cite as: New Zealand alcohol consumption trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/new-zealand-alcohol-consumption-trends