Wine's Fine But Lager Sales Go Flat

Wine's Fine But Lager Sales Go Flat

Updated: 11:30, Friday August 10, 2007

Lager is suffering a dip in popularity as drinkers choose more "sophisticated" alternatives, a report has said.

The amount sold in the UK is down 5% compared to 2005, according to market analysts Mintel.

That figure is expected to fall by another 8% by 2012 to 3.65 billion litres.

This means the average lager drinker will get through 19 fewer pints in 2012 than they do today, the analysts predicted.

Around 30% of lager is now bought in supermarkets, off-licences and other shops - compared to 70% bought in pubs, bars and clubs.

This compares to 2002 when up to 80% of lager was bought in pubs, bars and clubs.

"The traditional lager lout, with his beer belly and pint in hand, may be becoming a rarer breed here in the UK as the lager market has well and truly lost its head," Mintel's Katy Child said.

"UK drinkers are becoming much more sophisticated when it comes to alcohol and this trend looks set to continue."

By contrast, cider sales have surged by 14% in the past two years while wine is up 6%.