Marketing

Average Irish consumption now approaching European norms – ABFI

The drinks industry is to review the findings contained in the Health Research Board’s recent report on trends in treated alcohol use in Ireland 2005-2010.

However Alcohol Beverage Federation Director Kathryn D’Arcy emphasised that overall alcohol consumption has been declining steadily in Ireland since its peak in 2001.

In a statement released following the publication of the Health Research Board’s report, she added that consumption had declined dramatically between 2008 and 2010 to the extent that average Irish consumption is now approaching European norms.
 
She said that this trend appears to be reflected in the report with a slower rate of new cases reported in the last two years.
 
In this context there is a real opportunity to introduce targeted measures to specifically address alcohol misuse, she stated, adding  that the Drinks Industry continues to support all evidence-based solutions to address alcohol misuse and will continue to work with Government in partnership to identify the appropriate policies that will promote a more responsible attitude to alcohol among the population.
 
“The Drinks Industry firmly supports the responsible consumption of our products and fully endorses the Department of Health’s recommended weekly guidelines.
 
“We also continue to support the ongoing investment in highly visible and effective education campaigns such as www.drinkaware.ie while continuing to comply with the most stringent regulations on alcohol marketing, sponsorship and advertising anywhere in the world.
 
“We recognise, however, the need to reduce alcohol misuse and as a major employer and contributor to the economy we will continue to engage with the Government and relevant agencies on all such evidence-based solutions.”

 


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