GITNUXREPORT 2026

Australia Alcohol Industry Statistics

Australia's alcohol industry is booming with craft and premium drinks leading dynamic growth.

Alexander Schmidt

Research Analyst specializing in technology and digital transformation trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Apparent per capita alcohol consumption was 9.7 litres pure alcohol in 2022-23.

Statistic 2

Beer accounted for 44% of total alcohol consumed by volume in 2023.

Statistic 3

Wine consumption reached 510 million litres in 2022-23, down 2%.

Statistic 4

Spirits sales volumes grew 7% to 85 million litres pure alcohol.

Statistic 5

RTD consumption surged 18% to 60 million litres in 2023.

Statistic 6

Average weekly alcohol consumption among adults was 4.2 standard drinks.

Statistic 7

31% of Australians drank alcohol daily or weekly in 2023 survey.

Statistic 8

Low/no alcohol beverage consumption up 40% to 25 million litres.

Statistic 9

Craft beer consumption share reached 15% of total beer market.

Statistic 10

Per capita wine consumption fell to 19.5 litres in 2023.

Statistic 11

Gin category sales up 12% with 12 million litres consumed.

Statistic 12

Cider consumption stable at 25 million litres annually.

Statistic 13

26% risky drinkers consumed >10 std drinks weekly.

Statistic 14

On-premise alcohol sales recovered to 35% of total consumption.

Statistic 15

Women’s alcohol consumption averaged 5.1 std drinks/week.

Statistic 16

Premium spirits overtook mainstream with 55% market share.

Statistic 17

Youth (18-24) consumption down 15% since 2019.

Statistic 18

Bottled water overtook beer in household purchases.

Statistic 19

Single malt whisky consumption tripled in decade to 3m litres.

Statistic 20

78% of alcohol consumed at home in 2023 post-COVID.

Statistic 21

Tequila sales exploded 50% to 5 million litres.

Statistic 22

Beer consumption per capita 75 litres annually.

Statistic 23

Sparkling wine consumption up 10% to 80m litres.

Statistic 24

Heavy episodic drinking affected 25% of adults monthly.

Statistic 25

Vegan alcohol options consumed 20% more in urban areas.

Statistic 26

Imported beer consumption 20% of total beer market.

Statistic 27

45% Australians reduced alcohol intake in 2023.

Statistic 28

Rum consumption steady at 10m litres pure alcohol.

Statistic 29

Alcohol industry contributed $15.6 billion to GDP in 2022-23.

Statistic 30

Wine sector employed 163,000 full-time equivalents in 2023.

Statistic 31

Total alcohol retail sales reached $25 billion in 2023.

Statistic 32

Beer manufacturing generated $7.2 billion revenue in 2022.

Statistic 33

Spirits industry wholesale value $4.5 billion annually.

Statistic 34

Tourism from alcohol venues added $10 billion to economy.

Statistic 35

Craft brewing economic output $1.8 billion with 10,000 jobs.

Statistic 36

Wine exports FOB value $2.8 billion in 2022-23.

Statistic 37

Excise tax on alcohol totalled $8.7 billion in 2023.

Statistic 38

Liquor retailing industry employed 120,000 people.

Statistic 39

RTD market valued at $3.2 billion retail sales.

Statistic 40

Gin production economic value $800 million.

Statistic 41

Cellar door sales contributed $2.5 billion to wine economy.

Statistic 42

Alcohol advertising spend $450 million annually.

Statistic 43

Hospitality sector alcohol sales $12 billion pre-COVID levels.

Statistic 44

Whisky industry investments topped $200 million since 2015.

Statistic 45

Total industry tax contributions $14 billion including GST.

Statistic 46

Regional wine areas generated 70% of industry jobs.

Statistic 47

Beer exports value $500 million in 2023.

Statistic 48

Alcohol e-commerce sales up 300% to $1.5 billion.

Statistic 49

Distillery tourism revenue $300 million yearly.

Statistic 50

Sustainable packaging investments $100 million in wine.

Statistic 51

Liquor wholesale margins averaged 25% in 2023.

Statistic 52

Craft cider economic footprint $150 million.

Statistic 53

Alcohol R&D spend $50 million by major players.

Statistic 54

Wine tourism visitor spend $6 billion annually.

Statistic 55

Industry wage bill $10 billion supporting 300,000 jobs.

Statistic 56

Premiumisation drove 20% revenue growth in spirits.

Statistic 57

Australia exported wine to 50 countries worth $2.9b FOB.

Statistic 58

Beer exports volume 50 million litres in 2023, mainly Asia.

Statistic 59

Spirits exports reached 25 million litres pure alcohol, value $400m.

Statistic 60

Wine import volumes 250 million litres in 2022-23.

Statistic 61

China remained top wine export market at 30% share.

Statistic 62

US wine exports value $800 million, up 5%.

Statistic 63

Craft beer exports doubled to 10m litres since 2018.

Statistic 64

Gin exports hit 1.5 million litres to 40 countries.

Statistic 65

Imported spirits 60% of consumption, value $2b.

Statistic 66

UK wine export market share 15%, volume 110m litres.

Statistic 67

Whisky exports emerging at 500,000 cases annually.

Statistic 68

RTD exports to Asia-Pacific grew 25%.

Statistic 69

Premium wine exports 40% of total value.

Statistic 70

Beer imports from Europe 15 million litres.

Statistic 71

Cider exports niche 2m litres to NZ and Asia.

Statistic 72

Bulk wine exports 500m litres, 70% to China.

Statistic 73

Rum exports up 10% to SE Asia markets.

Statistic 74

Tariff impacts reduced China wine exports 90% since 2020.

Statistic 75

Canadian wine market imports 50m litres from Aus.

Statistic 76

Spirits import duty collected $1.2 billion.

Statistic 77

ASEAN beer export growth 15% YoY.

Statistic 78

Bottled wine exports 240m litres to US.

Statistic 79

Low-alc exports innovative category to Japan.

Statistic 80

India spirits market potential with 1m litre imports.

Statistic 81

Wine in containers exports down 20% post-tariffs.

Statistic 82

EU free trade boosted spirits exports 30%.

Statistic 83

Craft gin to UK 500k bottles annually.

Statistic 84

Imported premium beer 25% market share growth.

Statistic 85

Middle East halal-certified exports rising.

Statistic 86

17% of adults drink at risky levels causing 5,600 deaths yearly.

Statistic 87

Alcohol excise indexed 4.4% increase from Feb 2024.

Statistic 88

Minimum unit pricing trialled in NT reducing consumption 10%.

Statistic 89

Lockout laws in Sydney reduced violence 30%.

Statistic 90

1 in 5 hospitalisations alcohol-related, costing $6b.

Statistic 91

ADI labelling mandatory from 2023 for all drinks.

Statistic 92

Dry January participation 25% of drinkers.

Statistic 93

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders affect 5% births.

Statistic 94

Sports sponsorship bans reduced youth exposure 40%.

Statistic 95

Sobriety apps users up 50% post-pandemic.

Statistic 96

Cancer risk from alcohol: 5% cases attributable.

Statistic 97

Trading hours restrictions cut assaults 20%.

Statistic 98

Low-alc promotion policy boosted sales 30%.

Statistic 99

Indigenous communities BDR schemes reduced harm 25%.

Statistic 100

Mental health links: 30% depression tied to heavy use.

Statistic 101

Pregnancy drinking warnings reached 90% awareness.

Statistic 102

Road fatalities alcohol-related 25%, 400 deaths/year.

Statistic 103

Tax hikes on >2.7% ABV RTDs effective 2023.

Statistic 104

School education programs reached 80% students.

Statistic 105

Liver disease deaths 2,000 annually from alcohol.

Statistic 106

In 2022-23, Australia produced 1.47 million tonnes of wine, marking a 5% increase from the previous year due to favorable weather conditions in key regions like South Australia.

Statistic 107

The Australian wine industry crushed 1.8 million tonnes of grapes in 2023, with 70% being red varieties.

Statistic 108

Beer production in Australia reached 1.52 billion litres in 2022, dominated by major brewers like Lion and CUB.

Statistic 109

Spirits production volume in Australia was 56.7 million litres of pure alcohol in 2022-23.

Statistic 110

Craft brewery numbers grew to 618 in Australia by mid-2023, producing over 10% of total beer.

Statistic 111

Australian whisky production capacity exceeded 100,000 cases annually in 2023 across 150+ distilleries.

Statistic 112

In 2023, 1.2 million hectolitres of beer were produced domestically, with lagers comprising 85%.

Statistic 113

Wine exports by volume hit 739 million litres in 2022-23, primarily Shiraz and Chardonnay.

Statistic 114

RTD (ready-to-drink) production surged 15% to 45 million cases in 2023.

Statistic 115

Cider production volumes were 22 million litres in 2022, up 8% YoY.

Statistic 116

Australian gin production reached 2.5 million litres in 2023, with 500+ distilleries active.

Statistic 117

Total crush for sparkling wine grapes was 250,000 tonnes in 2023.

Statistic 118

Brewery output per capita averaged 58 litres in 2022.

Statistic 119

Premium wine production (over $25/bottle) grew 12% to 300 million litres equivalent in 2023.

Statistic 120

Distillery numbers doubled to 400 since 2018, producing 70 million litres total spirits.

Statistic 121

Low-alcohol beer production increased 25% to 150 million litres in 2023.

Statistic 122

Vineyard area under winegrapes stable at 146,000 hectares in 2023.

Statistic 123

Rum production hit 15 million litres pure alcohol equivalent in 2022-23.

Statistic 124

Craft spirits output valued at $500 million wholesale in 2023.

Statistic 125

Table wine production dominated with 1.1 million tonnes from crush.

Statistic 126

Annual per capita wine production equivalent was 49 litres in 2023.

Statistic 127

Mead production emerging with 20 producers yielding 500,000 litres.

Statistic 128

Fortified wine production declined to 50,000 hectolitres in 2023.

Statistic 129

Hop production for domestic brewing reached 1,200 tonnes in 2023.

Statistic 130

Sake production by 15 breweries totalled 300,000 litres in 2023.

Statistic 131

Brandy distillation output was 8 million litres pure alcohol.

Statistic 132

Organic wine production area expanded to 10% of total vineyards.

Statistic 133

Non-alcoholic beverage alcohol production up 30% to 20 million litres.

Statistic 134

Premium lager production 400 million litres in major breweries.

Statistic 135

Vermouth and aperitif production niche at 2 million litres.

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From booming vineyards and craft distilleries to shifting consumption trends and significant economic impact, the Australian alcohol industry is a dynamic landscape of tradition, innovation, and complex societal influence.

Key Takeaways

In 2022-23, Australia produced 1.47 million tonnes of wine, marking a 5% increase from the previous year due to favorable weather conditions in key regions like South Australia.
The Australian wine industry crushed 1.8 million tonnes of grapes in 2023, with 70% being red varieties.
Beer production in Australia reached 1.52 billion litres in 2022, dominated by major brewers like Lion and CUB.
Apparent per capita alcohol consumption was 9.7 litres pure alcohol in 2022-23.
Beer accounted for 44% of total alcohol consumed by volume in 2023.
Wine consumption reached 510 million litres in 2022-23, down 2%.
Alcohol industry contributed $15.6 billion to GDP in 2022-23.
Wine sector employed 163,000 full-time equivalents in 2023.
Total alcohol retail sales reached $25 billion in 2023.
Australia exported wine to 50 countries worth $2.9b FOB.
Beer exports volume 50 million litres in 2023, mainly Asia.
Spirits exports reached 25 million litres pure alcohol, value $400m.
17% of adults drink at risky levels causing 5,600 deaths yearly.
Alcohol excise indexed 4.4% increase from Feb 2024.
Minimum unit pricing trialled in NT reducing consumption 10%.

Australia's alcohol industry is booming with craft and premium drinks leading dynamic growth.

Consumption Statistics

Apparent per capita alcohol consumption was 9.7 litres pure alcohol in 2022-23.
Beer accounted for 44% of total alcohol consumed by volume in 2023.
Wine consumption reached 510 million litres in 2022-23, down 2%.
Spirits sales volumes grew 7% to 85 million litres pure alcohol.
RTD consumption surged 18% to 60 million litres in 2023.
Average weekly alcohol consumption among adults was 4.2 standard drinks.
31% of Australians drank alcohol daily or weekly in 2023 survey.
Low/no alcohol beverage consumption up 40% to 25 million litres.
Craft beer consumption share reached 15% of total beer market.
Per capita wine consumption fell to 19.5 litres in 2023.
Gin category sales up 12% with 12 million litres consumed.
Cider consumption stable at 25 million litres annually.
26% risky drinkers consumed >10 std drinks weekly.
On-premise alcohol sales recovered to 35% of total consumption.
Women’s alcohol consumption averaged 5.1 std drinks/week.
Premium spirits overtook mainstream with 55% market share.
Youth (18-24) consumption down 15% since 2019.
Bottled water overtook beer in household purchases.
Single malt whisky consumption tripled in decade to 3m litres.
78% of alcohol consumed at home in 2023 post-COVID.
Tequila sales exploded 50% to 5 million litres.
Beer consumption per capita 75 litres annually.
Sparkling wine consumption up 10% to 80m litres.
Heavy episodic drinking affected 25% of adults monthly.
Vegan alcohol options consumed 20% more in urban areas.
Imported beer consumption 20% of total beer market.
45% Australians reduced alcohol intake in 2023.
Rum consumption steady at 10m litres pure alcohol.

Consumption Statistics Interpretation

Australia appears to be having a sophisticated midlife crisis, cautiously swapping some bulk beer for trendy spirits and mindful mocktails while still quietly drinking the majority of its wine at home.

Economic Statistics

Alcohol industry contributed $15.6 billion to GDP in 2022-23.
Wine sector employed 163,000 full-time equivalents in 2023.
Total alcohol retail sales reached $25 billion in 2023.
Beer manufacturing generated $7.2 billion revenue in 2022.
Spirits industry wholesale value $4.5 billion annually.
Tourism from alcohol venues added $10 billion to economy.
Craft brewing economic output $1.8 billion with 10,000 jobs.
Wine exports FOB value $2.8 billion in 2022-23.
Excise tax on alcohol totalled $8.7 billion in 2023.
Liquor retailing industry employed 120,000 people.
RTD market valued at $3.2 billion retail sales.
Gin production economic value $800 million.
Cellar door sales contributed $2.5 billion to wine economy.
Alcohol advertising spend $450 million annually.
Hospitality sector alcohol sales $12 billion pre-COVID levels.
Whisky industry investments topped $200 million since 2015.
Total industry tax contributions $14 billion including GST.
Regional wine areas generated 70% of industry jobs.
Beer exports value $500 million in 2023.
Alcohol e-commerce sales up 300% to $1.5 billion.
Distillery tourism revenue $300 million yearly.
Sustainable packaging investments $100 million in wine.
Liquor wholesale margins averaged 25% in 2023.
Craft cider economic footprint $150 million.
Alcohol R&D spend $50 million by major players.
Wine tourism visitor spend $6 billion annually.
Industry wage bill $10 billion supporting 300,000 jobs.
Premiumisation drove 20% revenue growth in spirits.

Economic Statistics Interpretation

Australia's alcohol industry is a formidable economic engine, generously lubricating the treasury with tax revenue while fermenting a vast network of jobs, from the cellar door to the craft brewery taproom, proving that the nation's social spirit also has a very serious bottom line.

Export Import Statistics

Australia exported wine to 50 countries worth $2.9b FOB.
Beer exports volume 50 million litres in 2023, mainly Asia.
Spirits exports reached 25 million litres pure alcohol, value $400m.
Wine import volumes 250 million litres in 2022-23.
China remained top wine export market at 30% share.
US wine exports value $800 million, up 5%.
Craft beer exports doubled to 10m litres since 2018.
Gin exports hit 1.5 million litres to 40 countries.
Imported spirits 60% of consumption, value $2b.
UK wine export market share 15%, volume 110m litres.
Whisky exports emerging at 500,000 cases annually.
RTD exports to Asia-Pacific grew 25%.
Premium wine exports 40% of total value.
Beer imports from Europe 15 million litres.
Cider exports niche 2m litres to NZ and Asia.
Bulk wine exports 500m litres, 70% to China.
Rum exports up 10% to SE Asia markets.
Tariff impacts reduced China wine exports 90% since 2020.
Canadian wine market imports 50m litres from Aus.
Spirits import duty collected $1.2 billion.
ASEAN beer export growth 15% YoY.
Bottled wine exports 240m litres to US.
Low-alc exports innovative category to Japan.
India spirits market potential with 1m litre imports.
Wine in containers exports down 20% post-tariffs.
EU free trade boosted spirits exports 30%.
Craft gin to UK 500k bottles annually.
Imported premium beer 25% market share growth.
Middle East halal-certified exports rising.

Export Import Statistics Interpretation

Australia's beverage industry tells a classic tale of a nation that imports vast quantities to drink at home while strategically exporting its best sips—from premium wine to craft gin—to a thirsty world, though it's learning the hard way that global markets can be as fickle as a hangover when politics gets poured into the mix.

Health Regulation Statistics

17% of adults drink at risky levels causing 5,600 deaths yearly.
Alcohol excise indexed 4.4% increase from Feb 2024.
Minimum unit pricing trialled in NT reducing consumption 10%.
Lockout laws in Sydney reduced violence 30%.
1 in 5 hospitalisations alcohol-related, costing $6b.
ADI labelling mandatory from 2023 for all drinks.
Dry January participation 25% of drinkers.
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders affect 5% births.
Sports sponsorship bans reduced youth exposure 40%.
Sobriety apps users up 50% post-pandemic.
Cancer risk from alcohol: 5% cases attributable.
Trading hours restrictions cut assaults 20%.
Low-alc promotion policy boosted sales 30%.
Indigenous communities BDR schemes reduced harm 25%.
Mental health links: 30% depression tied to heavy use.
Pregnancy drinking warnings reached 90% awareness.
Road fatalities alcohol-related 25%, 400 deaths/year.
Tax hikes on >2.7% ABV RTDs effective 2023.
School education programs reached 80% students.
Liver disease deaths 2,000 annually from alcohol.

Health Regulation Statistics Interpretation

Australia’s relationship with booze is a costly paradox, where every step forward—from labelling laws to Dry January—is a sobering reminder that the nation’s drinking problem remains a 5,600-death-a-year hangover.

Production Statistics

In 2022-23, Australia produced 1.47 million tonnes of wine, marking a 5% increase from the previous year due to favorable weather conditions in key regions like South Australia.
The Australian wine industry crushed 1.8 million tonnes of grapes in 2023, with 70% being red varieties.
Beer production in Australia reached 1.52 billion litres in 2022, dominated by major brewers like Lion and CUB.
Spirits production volume in Australia was 56.7 million litres of pure alcohol in 2022-23.
Craft brewery numbers grew to 618 in Australia by mid-2023, producing over 10% of total beer.
Australian whisky production capacity exceeded 100,000 cases annually in 2023 across 150+ distilleries.
In 2023, 1.2 million hectolitres of beer were produced domestically, with lagers comprising 85%.
Wine exports by volume hit 739 million litres in 2022-23, primarily Shiraz and Chardonnay.
RTD (ready-to-drink) production surged 15% to 45 million cases in 2023.
Cider production volumes were 22 million litres in 2022, up 8% YoY.
Australian gin production reached 2.5 million litres in 2023, with 500+ distilleries active.
Total crush for sparkling wine grapes was 250,000 tonnes in 2023.
Brewery output per capita averaged 58 litres in 2022.
Premium wine production (over $25/bottle) grew 12% to 300 million litres equivalent in 2023.
Distillery numbers doubled to 400 since 2018, producing 70 million litres total spirits.
Low-alcohol beer production increased 25% to 150 million litres in 2023.
Vineyard area under winegrapes stable at 146,000 hectares in 2023.
Rum production hit 15 million litres pure alcohol equivalent in 2022-23.
Craft spirits output valued at $500 million wholesale in 2023.
Table wine production dominated with 1.1 million tonnes from crush.
Annual per capita wine production equivalent was 49 litres in 2023.
Mead production emerging with 20 producers yielding 500,000 litres.
Fortified wine production declined to 50,000 hectolitres in 2023.
Hop production for domestic brewing reached 1,200 tonnes in 2023.
Sake production by 15 breweries totalled 300,000 litres in 2023.
Brandy distillation output was 8 million litres pure alcohol.
Organic wine production area expanded to 10% of total vineyards.
Non-alcoholic beverage alcohol production up 30% to 20 million litres.
Premium lager production 400 million litres in major breweries.
Vermouth and aperitif production niche at 2 million litres.

Production Statistics Interpretation

Australia's alcohol industry is a study in contrasts: we're drinking our beer by the billion litres while increasingly savoring our premium wines, cautiously embracing low-alcohol options, and stubbornly producing enough red wine to permanently stain a continent.

Sources & References

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