Everyone knows Australians love a drink. It’s embedded in our culture. From Australia Day harbour celebrations to sporting grand finals and everywhere in between.
It’s just who we are and that’s that.
But is it really? Extensive recent studies are proving that this attitude to drinking is becoming old hat, showing Australia’s drinking culture shifting as more and more people take a positive, and mature, attitude towards drinking. Results from a 10 year study by DrinkWise have shown that Australians who drink weekly is down from 47 percent in 2007 to 37 percent in 2017, and those abstaining from alcohol all together is up from 11 percent in 2007 to 20 percent in 2017. The report also found personal health, lifestyle factors and a focus on moderation are some of the reasons behind people’s decision to drink less. DrinkWise Ambassador Dr Andrew Rochford recognises that while drinking too much is a significant health concern for many Australians, there are other worries that are taking priority. “ Generally speaking, Australians are interested in leading a healthy lifestyle – issues including weight management and getting enough exercise are of higher concern to most Australians than their drinking,” Dr Rochford said.“ The DrinkWise report has demonstrated that the Australian drinking culture is maturing. Aussies are changing where and what we drink. Most people are drinking at home, typically while enjoying a meal, and socialising with friends and family. Our tastes are changing too, and we’re opting for lower alcohol alternatives.”
The recent release of a report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) on the drinking habits of nearly 24,000 Australians, mirror similar positive findings to those highlighted by DrinkWise, indicating that the Australian drinking culture is continuing to shift. These two recent studies highlight the need for more drinking options for people who don’t want to over indulge, or who want to remove alcohol from their lives all together, without losing the social aspect that is paired with the ritual of a glass of wine with a partner or friends. The peer pressure around drinking has often been the downfall of many who weaken in their resolve not to drink once they arrive at the party or social event. Too long have people been made to feel out of place or awkward if they don’t have a drink in their hand. Edenvale customer, Pam, told us that when she made the choice to reduce her alcohol intake it had a big impact on her experience at family events, as the options for a sophisticated alternative were really limited.
“ Family events are the centrepiece of my life and I cherish the anticipation and memories of each one. However, since limiting my alcohol use I feel I’m not as involved, and not getting the full experience. The overly sweet alternatives of soft carbonated drinks, apple and grape juice substitutes are not sympathetic to the rich savoury elements of our meat and seafood-based meals, so I‘ve resigned myself to drinking plain water with meals. However even in a beautiful crystal glass, toasting with plain water feels less than celebratory.”
Another customer, Amanda told us about missing the wonderful ritual of wine.
“ I gave up drinking nearly two years ago because I loved it all a little “too” much. The most heartbreaking thing for me really was missing the wonderful ritual of wine. It also compliments food like nothing else and I love food “a lot”. “Not drinking is hard, but now with Edenvale the stress is off greatly. I take a bottle to parties and bbq’s and I enjoy it with friends.”
This summer, Edenvale has launched the Thanks for the Memories campaign.
This campaign aims to highlight that you can savour precious moments in your life with Edenvale Alcohol Removed Wine, enjoying the full flavour and ritual of wine but without the effects of alcohol. Edenvale Alcohol Removed Wine is a high quality, sophisticated drink that gives people the freedom to live in the moment without having to have a drink. Other findings from the National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2016, by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
Nearly half (48 percent) of recent drinkers were motivated to reduce their alcohol consumption, with 50 percent changing their drinking behaviour for health reasons.Younger people aged 25–29 are the most likely to take any action to reduce their alcohol use.
Those aged 25–29 were most likely to reduce the number of occasions in which they drank, and those in their 30s were most likely to reduce the amount they drank per session.
https://drinkwise.org.au/media-releases/media-releases-2017/ten-year-study-finds-australians-drink-more-responsibly/#
https://drinkwise.org.au/media-releases/media-releases-2017/ten-year-study-finds-australians-drink-more-responsibly/#
https://www.beerandbrewer.com/australian-drinking-culture-changing/
https://www.hospitalitymagazine.com.au/health-concerns-driving-change-drinking-culture/