Australia's Thirst For Beer: How Much Is Consumed?

Australia's beer consumption has been a topic of interest for many, with sources providing varying statistics on the matter. In 2018, Australians consumed 64.4 litres of full-strength beer and 18.75 litres of mid-strength beer per capita. This equates to approximately 4 litres of beer per capita per year, according to a source. Another source claims that Australians drink about 680 bottles of beer per adult per year, which is equivalent to 5 beers per week. In 1973, Australia was ranked first in the world for beer consumption per capita, with 9.59 litres. However, by 2018, the country didn't make the list.

Beer consumption per capita in 2018

In the 2018 financial year, Australians consumed 64.4 litres of full-strength beer per capita. This is in addition to the 18.75 litres of mid-strength beer also consumed per capita in the same year. In total, this amounts to approximately 4 litres of beer per capita for the year.

To put this into context, the average age at which Australians aged 14 years and older consumed their first alcoholic drink was 17 years in 2019. This figure decreases to 16 years for those aged 14-24. Furthermore, beer is the most commonly consumed alcoholic beverage among Australian men, whereas women prefer bottled wine.

In terms of national consumption, there were approximately 72 million litres of beer made available in Australia in 2018-19. This is a significant amount, but it is worth noting that this figure also includes wastage and alcohol used for cooking.

Beer consumption in litres in 2019-20

Beer consumption in Australia has changed over the years. In 2019-20, there was a total of 72,416,000 litres of beer available for consumption in Australia. This amounts to 3.49 litres of beer available for consumption per person per year.

This figure represents a decrease in beer consumption from previous years. In 2016, for example, the average person in Australia consumed 9.7 litres of pure alcohol, which included beer, wine, spirits, and cider. This was an increase from 2015, when the average consumption was 9.52 litres.

While beer consumption may have decreased in recent years, it is important to note that historically, Australia has had a high beer consumption rate. In 1973, Australia was the top country in the world for beer consumption per capita, with 9.59 litres.

It is worth noting that these figures represent the amount of beer available for consumption and may not accurately reflect the actual amount consumed by individuals, as they do not account for wastage or other factors such as alcohol used in cooking.

Beer consumption by state

Australia's financial years run from July to June of the following year. In the 2018 financial year, Australians consumed 64.4 litres of full-strength beer per capita and 18.75 litres of mid-strength beer per capita. This equates to approximately 4 litres of beer per capita per year, or about 680 bottles of beer per adult per year.

In 2019-20, there were approximately 72 million litres of beer available for consumption in Australia, a 0.7% decrease from 2018-19. This equates to approximately 3.49 litres of beer per capita per year for those aged 15 and over.

A separate study by Torrens University found that Western Australians are the biggest drinkers by state, with people aged 15 and over consuming more than two standard alcoholic drinks per day on average. The study found that 20.3%, or one in five, drank more than two standard drinks a day. The Northern Territory was second with 19.5%, followed by New South Wales (18.8%), Tasmania (18%), Queensland (17.9%), South Australia (16.8%), Victoria (16.4%), and the Australian Capital Territory (15.4%).

While beer consumption has decreased in Australia in recent years, it is still a popular alcoholic beverage, especially among men. Beer was the drink of choice in Australia 50 years ago, representing almost three-quarters of all alcohol sales (73.5%). Now, it accounts for 39% of alcohol sales, with wine rising to almost 39% as well.

Beer consumption by gender

Beer consumption in Australia varies by gender, with men and women drinking different types of alcoholic beverages. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare's 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey, men are more likely to consume regular-strength beer, while women are more likely to drink bottled wine. This survey also revealed that overall consumption patterns differ between younger and older Australians. Those aged 14-17 are most likely to drink pre-mixed spirits, while the popularity of bottled wine increases with age, with those aged 30 and older being the most likely to consume it.

In terms of overall alcohol consumption, Australians had access to approximately 209 million litres of pure alcohol in 2019-20, a slight decrease from the previous year. This amount comprised 72 million litres of beer, resulting in an average per capita consumption of 4 litres of beer for those aged 15 and older. However, when considering the total alcohol consumption per person, including wine, spirits, and cider, the average Australian consumed 10 litres of pure alcohol per capita in 2019-20.

The average number of beers consumed by Australians per week is also notable. According to data from finder.com.au, the average Aussie consumes five beers, a bottle of wine, three mixed drinks, and half a cider each week. This equates to approximately 680 bottles of beer per adult per year, as stated by Bessie Hassan, a money expert from finder.com.au.

While beer consumption in Australia has fluctuated over the years, it is important to note that the country topped the list of beer consumption per capita globally in 1973, reaching 9.59 litres. However, by 2018, Australia was no longer among the top beer-consuming nations.

Beer consumption by age

Beer consumption in Australia varies by age, with a range of factors influencing drinking habits.

The average age for Australians to have their first alcoholic drink is 17, with the average age for 14-24-year-olds being slightly lower at 16. While the legal drinking age in Australia is 18, those under 18 can drink alcohol in private premises with parental supervision.

In terms of beer consumption, males are more likely to drink beer than females, and this trend is reflected across all age groups. Beer is the most commonly consumed alcoholic beverage among males, while bottled wine is preferred by females.

Among craft beer drinkers, the highest proportion is in the 30-39 age group, making up around 31% of craft beer consumers. In contrast, only 13% of craft beer drinkers are in the younger 18-29 age bracket.

When it comes to exceeding the Australian Adult Alcohol Guideline, young adults aged 18-24 are more likely to do so than other age groups, with over one-third (36.1%) exceeding the guideline in 2022. This guideline recommends no more than 10 standard drinks per week and no more than 4 standard drinks on any given day to reduce the risk of alcohol-related harm.

Overall, the per capita consumption of beer in Australia has been declining over the years, with a 0.7% decrease from 2018-2019. However, beer remains the leading source of alcohol in the country, contributing significantly to the overall alcohol consumption.

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