The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a significant cultural shift in the way people consume alcohol, particularly in terms of at-home drinking. With bars and restaurants closed or limiting capacity due to government restrictions, many people have turned to drinking at home as a way to socialize and relax. This shift in consumption habits has led to a surge in sales of alcohol for home consumption, as well as the growth of online alcohol delivery services.
According to a report by Nielsen, off-premise alcohol sales in the U.S. (such as sales at liquor stores, supermarkets, and online) increased 55% for the four weeks ending May 2, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. Additionally, online alcohol sales saw a significant increase, with a 243% increase in sales for the same period.
Furthermore, research by the market research firm IWSR suggests that the global market for at-home alcohol consumption is set to grow by around 5% in 2020, and will continue to grow in the coming years. This suggests that the trend of at-home drinking is here to stay, even as restrictions are lifted and bars and restaurants begin to reopen.
This shift in consumption habits has also led to the emergence of new business models and services catering to at-home drinkers. For example, many bars and restaurants have pivoted to offering cocktail kits, wine subscriptions, and online alcohol delivery services to their customers. Additionally, online alcohol delivery services, such as Drizly and Minibar, have seen significant growth in business during the pandemic.
In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a significant shift in the way people consume alcohol, with many turning to at-home drinking as a way to socialize and relax. This shift in consumption habits has led to a surge in sales of alcohol for home consumption, as well as the growth of online alcohol delivery services. Research suggests that the trend of at-home drinking is here to stay, even as restrictions are lifted and bars and restaurants begin to reopen.
Sources:
- “Off-Premise Alcohol Sales Surge 55% in Four Weeks Ending May 2: Nielsen,” Nielsen, May 13, 2020, https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/news/2020/off-premise-alcohol-sales-surge-55-in-four-weeks-ending-may-2-nielsen/
- “COVID-19: The Impact on the Global Alcoholic Drinks Market,” IWSR, https://www.theiwsr.com/covid-19-the-impact-on-the-global-alcoholic-drinks-market/
