FINLAND: Alcohol consumption slides - figures

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 20 February 2007

Alcohol consumption in Finland has fallen for the first time in ten years, according to recent figures.

The country's National Product Control Agency for Welfare and Health noted yesterday (19 February) that, in 2006, per capita alcohol consumption slid year-on-year by 0.2 litres of 100% alcohol to 10.3 litres.

The head of the agency, Ilkka Suojasalmi, added, however, that the slide came mainly from alcohol imports, following Finland's lowering of the tax on alcohol last year.

Although beer continued to be the largest category, the agency said that wine consumption had risen at beer's expense. Spirits, meanwhile, accounted for almost one third of total consumption.

Sectors: Beer & cider, Spirits, Wine