Total consumption of alcoholic beverages decreased by 1.2 percent in 2022
In 2022, the total consumption of alcoholic beverages in Finland equated to 8.9 litres of 100% alcohol per capita, aged 15 and over. Compared to 2021, total consumption saw a decrease of 1.2%.
Total alcohol consumption has been declining since 2007, with 2018 being the only exception to this overall trend.
"The long-term reduction in alcohol consumption is a good thing, and it is highly likely to promote the health and work ability of Finns. It is worth supporting the continuation of this downward trend by refraining from policy decisions that would cause it to reverse," emphasises Thomas Karlsson, Chief Specialist at THL.
Total consumption of alcoholic beverages consists of retail sales and licensed serving in Finland, alcohol imports by Finnish passengers, and online purchases of alcohol.
Increased passenger imports and consumption of alcoholic beverages in restaurants – decreased retail sales and online purchases
The end of coronavirus restrictions, and specifically the return to normal restaurant services and removal of travel restrictions abroad, can be clearly seen in the breakdown of alcoholic beverage consumption for 2022.
Compared to 2021, licensed consumption of alcoholic beverages in restaurants increased by around 34% and passenger imports by 172% per capita aged 15 and over. At the beginning of the coronavirus epidemic, in 2020, licensed consumption decreased by around 41% and passenger imports by around 52%.
The purchase of alcoholic beverages from retail outlets, such as food stores and Alko, decreased by 10.1% compared to 2021. Retail consumption accounted for a significant share of total consumption, totalling 75%. Its decrease therefore had a greater impact on total consumption than the increases in passenger imports and licensed consumption.
Purchases of alcoholic beverages from foreign online shops decreased by around 22% compared to 2021.
"The removal of coronavirus restrictions in early 2022 led to major changes in the procurement channels of alcoholic beverages. In particular, there were increases in passenger imports of alcohol from abroad and licensed serving. Decreases were seen, on the other hand, in domestic retail sales of alcoholic beverages from shops and Alko and in online purchases from abroad," explains Thomas Karlsson.
Consumption decreased for all beverage groups
The largest decrease for 2022 was seen in the consumption of cider, while the smallest decrease was for strong beers. Consumption of cider decreased by around 9% in 2022, while consumption of beer of more than 4.7% alcohol by volume decreased by around 2%.
46% of total consumption, beers were still the largest beverage group. Spirits accounted for 21% of consumption.
Read more about the consumption of alcoholic beverages (in Finnish)
Further information
Thomas Karlsson
Chief Specialist
tel. +358 29 524 7021
[email protected]
Hanna Koskinen
Senior Planning Officer
tel. +358 29 524 7025
[email protected]
