Alcohol consumption in Switzerland declines: report

A report published by the Swiss Alcohol Board (SAB) on Monday revealed that on average 8.1 liters of pure alcohol were consumed per person over the course of 2014 in Switzerland, down from 8.3 liters two years ago.

According to SAB, this drop can mainly be attributed to the decline of wine consumption, with an average of 35.1 liters drunk last year in the confederation compared to 36.1 liters in 2013.

SAB indicated that the decrease of Swiss red wine consumption is particularly noticeable, while the declining consumption of spirits (passing from 3.8 liters per person in 2013 to 3.7 liters a year later) further compounded these decreasing drinking habits.

Amid these dropping consumption trends, SAB nonetheless reported that the average amount of beer drunk by the Swiss population remained stable, with 55.8 liters consumed per person in 2014.

Figures reveal that over the 2013-2014 period, 11,498 hectoliters of pure alcohol were distilled in Switzerland, 1 percent less than the worst results recorded to date over the 2012-2013 period.

SAB furthermore reported that while alcohol imports dropped 5 percent last year, reaching their lowest levels since 2009, foreign alcoholic beverages continue to dominate the Swiss market, with 84,892 hectoliters of pure alcohol imported last year.

According to statistics, whiskey remained Switzerland's favorite spirit last year. Endit