Half of consumers are actively reducing their alcohol intake, with 40% of those surveyed stating that their change in habit comes as a result of health concerns, reports Kerry Taste and Nutrition.

Consumers evolving attitudes towards health has led to this reduction in alcohol consumption, causing a demand for both low alcohol drinks and adult soft drinks. 40% of respondents indicated that they are choosing alcohol with lower ABV (Alcohol by Volume). The same number of people would like to see an increase in the number of lower alcohol options available. However, three in ten respondents equate lower alcohol drinks with poorer taste. This is particularly noteworthy as the most important attribute for consumers when choosing alcoholic products is taste.

The new health conscious consumer prefers to see all nutritional information on pack, as many make their beverage choices based on this data. Calorie content influences over 30% of a consumers choice of drink, yet seven out of ten consumers dont understand that lower ABV also means lower calories. Kerrys research has also shown that there is a demand for natural ingredients and botanicals; one in two consumers would like to see more alcoholic drinks with natural ingredients and are willing to pay more for them, while four in ten consumers indicated that they were interested in botanicals.

Commenting on the rise in moderate alcohol consumption and subsequent opportunities, Leigh-Anne Vaughan, Kerrys marketing director, explains, "With the emergence of a much more health conscious consumer a trend of moderate alcohol consumption has developed right across Europe. This change in habits has created an opportunity for both low alcohol drinks and adult soft drinks. While the demand for these type of drinks has increased in recent years, traditionally there has been a perception that low or no alcohol drinks have poorer taste. As market leaders in brewing ingredients and taste solutions, Kerry has created solutions for the alcohol market which meet the needs of the modern health conscious consumer; low or no ABV, great taste and lower calories through natural ingredients and botanicals."