Australians Drink Less as Wine Leads Purchases
A Vypr and Shop! ANZ report finds 41% of Australians are drinking less than a year ago or have stopped altogether.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Cocktails
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Have you been drinking less alcohol than you were a year ago?
Wine is the most widely purchased alcohol category in Australia at 55%, ahead of spirits at 46% and beer at 44%. The report found 41% of Australians are drinking less than a year ago or have stopped altogether, while 6% are drinking more.
Why it matters
The findings point to a clear shift in drinking habits that matters for retailers, producers and shoppers planning for the coming holiday season. Purchase patterns also vary sharply by age group.
Wine purchase reaches 71% among 35-44-year-olds and beer purchase reaches 64% among 18-24-year-olds. Spirits purchase reaches 68% among 25-34-year-olds, while 74% of alcohol buyers primarily shop in-store.
The players
Vypr
Vypr is an Australian and New Zealand market research organisation that conducts consumer and shopper behaviour studies.
Shop! ANZ
Shop! ANZ is an Australian and New Zealand organisation focused on shopper marketing and retail insights.
The details
The report, produced by Vypr and Shop! ANZ from survey data on Australian alcohol shoppers, shows wine remains the most bought category. Shoppers are also spending more per visit, with 48% typically spending over $40 per liquor-store trip, and 63% notice special price tickets.
Timeline
Year-ago comparison period: baseline for the reported drinking decline.
Christmas season: 52% of consumers say Christmas Day influences their alcohol purchases.
Market Landscape
The findings suggest a softening in Australia's alcohol category as more consumers reduce or stop drinking. Wine's lead in purchasing shows the category still holds the largest share of shopper spending.
Shoppers planning Christmas purchases may find wine, spirits and beer each feature in many households' buying choices. Watching for special price tickets could help manage spending on alcohol.
The takeaway
Australian drinking habits are changing, so shoppers may find value in comparing prices and buying only what suits their needs.
Further reading
Explore more on Cocktails for context on how Australians are choosing their drinks.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Winetitles.
Live Poll
Have you been drinking less alcohol than you were a year ago?
