Spirits: general view of consumption

61.5% of world consumption of spirits is in the Asia-Pacific region where, however - after the sharp increase between 2007 and 2011 (+74.31%) - growth should slow down, stabilizing from now to 2016 at the figure of +13.63%.

It must be stated: the Baijiu, or an white sorghum, wheat or rice based spirit, that is all the rage in China (the most consumed spirit of the planet), alone accounts for more than a third of world consumption of spirits. These estimates are drawn from a study of the market for wines and spirits, commissioned by the authoritative International Wine and Spirit Research Association by the fair Vinexpo (Bordeaux, 16th-20th June 2013). Here though is what is happening to some famous products. World consumption of vodka has stabilised: between 2007 and 2011 it decreased by 4.93% but is expected to again move forward 1,56% between 2012 and 2016. The demand for brandy has increased by an average of 23.24%, with the important exception of cognac and armagnac that between 2007 and 2011 remained almost unchanged (-0.92%) but which, in turn, are expected to recover (+12,22% up to 2016). Still between 2007 and 2011 the figures for rum increased by 22.32% in volume and 43% in turnover; Asia absorbs 48.6%, with an acceleration of the phenomenon of "premiumisation" also on the Chinese market.

And in Italy? In 2011, the Italian consumption of spirits stood about 15,75 million 9- litre crates (amounting to 141.75 billion litres), a drop of 6.85% on 2007, and is expected to further decrease by 4.7% between 2012 and 2016. Vodka in turn is seen to be opposing this trend, that between 2007 and 2011 increased by 27.51% and should still go on up to 2016 (+18,25%), showing a growth in consumption of 9%.