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Vancouver Sun
05-07-2025
- Health
- Vancouver Sun
Drinking on the rise among Canada's Gen Z: international survey
Drinking among Gen Zers is on the rise in many major markets throughout the world, including Canada, according to IWSR , a British-based firm that analyzes drinking patterns. Previous research about Gen Z alcohol consumption that painted them as abstainers. For example, in 2020, researchers from the University of Michigan reported that abstention was steadily increasing among college-age Americans. In August 2024, a Gallup study found 65 per cent of U.S. adults under 35 considered drinking unhealthy. An IWSR research survey conducted in March has turned that picture of Gen Z on its head. 'The idea that Gen Z drinkers are moderating significantly more than other generations isn't backed up by the data in our latest survey,' says Richard Halstead, IWSR's COO Consumer Insights. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. IWSR interviewed 1,374 Canadian adults in total for its spring survey. This number was determined to be a representative sample of the national population of adults of legal drinking age in Canada. The percentage of Canada's Gen Z legal drinking-age (LDA) population who reported drinking rose from 56 per cent in spring 2023 to 69 per cent in spring 2025. Gen Z drinking more 'is based on what we call 'participation rate,'' says Halstead. To be considered a drinker, respondents must have had one or more drinks in the past six months, he wrote to National Post in an email. The Canadian data for the other generational cohorts shows a small increase among Millennials: 71 per cent (April 2023) to 75 per cent (March 2025). However, alcohol consumption fell for Gen Xers (77 per cent in 2023 to 76 per cent in 2025) and Boomers (76 per cent in 2023 down to 72 per cent in 2025). IWSR defines these age cohorts as follows: Gen Z (18−27); Millennials (28−43); Gen X (44−59); Boomers (60+). Increasing income played a role in alcohol consumption among Gen Z drinkers, says Halstead. 'As more Gen Z LDA drinkers approach their mid-twenties, their disposable income is increasing, and that generally correlates with increased alcohol purchases.' IWSR research says cost-of-living pressures have meant most consumers focused more on buying essentials and staying home, rather than going out drinking. Otherwise, Halstead says the impact of demographic factors such as gender and household income has 'been fairly consistent in Canada.' Instead, he adds, an increasing number of people are reaching legal drinking age within Gen Z, boosting consumption for that cohort. Gen Z alcohol consumption is also growing in other key markets. In the U.S., consumption among Gen Z consumers rose from 46 per cent to 70 per cent over the same time-period. In the U.K. it jumped from 66 per cent to 76 per cent, in India up from 60 per cent to 70 per cent and in Australia up from 61 per cent to 83 per cent. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
Edmonton Journal
05-07-2025
- Health
- Edmonton Journal
Drinking on the rise among Canada's Gen Z: international survey
Drinking among Gen Zers is on the rise in many major markets throughout the world, including Canada, according to IWSR, a British-based firm that analyzes drinking patterns. Article content Previous research about Gen Z alcohol consumption that painted them as abstainers. For example, in 2020, researchers from the University of Michigan reported that abstention was steadily increasing among college-age Americans. In August 2024, a Gallup study found 65 per cent of U.S. adults under 35 considered drinking unhealthy. Article content Article content Article content An IWSR research survey conducted in March has turned that picture of Gen Z on its head. 'The idea that Gen Z drinkers are moderating significantly more than other generations isn't backed up by the data in our latest survey,' says Richard Halstead, IWSR's COO Consumer Insights. Article content Article content IWSR interviewed 1,374 Canadian adults in total for its spring survey. This number was determined to be a representative sample of the national population of adults of legal drinking age in Canada. Article content The percentage of Canada's Gen Z legal drinking-age (LDA) population who reported drinking rose from 56 per cent in spring 2023 to 69 per cent in spring 2025. Article content Gen Z drinking more 'is based on what we call 'participation rate,'' says Halstead. To be considered a drinker, respondents must have had one or more drinks in the past six months, he wrote to National Post in an email. Article content Article content The recent survey found a third of Canadian Gen Z drinkers reported that the last time they drank it was at a bar, restaurant or club — significantly higher than Canadian drinkers as a whole. Nearly four in five reported consuming spirits, which is higher overall than all drinkers in Canada. Article content How does Gen Z compare to the other generational cohorts? Article content The Canadian data for the other generational cohorts shows a small increase among Millennials: 71 per cent (April 2023) to 75 per cent (March 2025). However, alcohol consumption fell for Gen Xers (77 per cent in 2023 to 76 per cent in 2025) and Boomers (76 per cent in 2023 down to 72 per cent in 2025). Article content IWSR defines these age cohorts as follows: Gen Z (18−27); Millennials (28−43); Gen X (44−59); Boomers (60+). Article content Increasing income played a role in alcohol consumption among Gen Z drinkers, says Halstead. 'As more Gen Z LDA drinkers approach their mid-twenties, their disposable income is increasing, and that generally correlates with increased alcohol purchases.'
New York Post
04-07-2025
- Business
- New York Post
No longer sober: Gen Z has become a boozy generation— this is to blame, study says
They're Gen Boozey. Zoomers have historically been labeled a fairly abstinent generation. But now, the generation born between 1997 and 2012 are bucking their party pooper stereotype by increasing their alcohol consumption as cost of living pressures ease, per a buzzy study by global beverage market research firm IWSR Bevtrac. 'The idea that Gen Z LDA+ (legal drinking age) drinkers are choosing to moderate significantly more than other generations doesn't hold up,' Richard Halstead, IWSR's chief operating officer of consumer insights, told Newsweek. This shocking study contrasts with prior data over the past several years, which found that Gen Z was drinking far less alcohol than previous generations. Their Z-totalling ways famously prompted an increase in sober gatherings and alcohol-free bars across New York City. Zoomer boozers were more likely to imbibe spirits, consume a wider variety of alcoholic beverages, and also drink at bars, restaurants or clubs than the other generations. Jacob Lund – To determine the rates of hooch intake across generations, the researchers surveyed more than 26,000 people across the 15 biggest alcoholic drink markets: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, France, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain, South Africa, Taiwan, the UK and the US. The survey found that 73% of Gen Zers aged 21-27 had admitted to consuming alcohol in the past six months, compared to 66% two years prior — the biggest increase of any generation, The Financial Times reported. This uptick was magnified in the US, soaring from 46% to 70%. 'The idea that Gen Z LDA+ (legal drinking age) drinkers are choosing to moderate significantly more than other generations doesn't hold up,' Richard Halstead, IWSR's chief operating officer of consumer insights Ðвгений ÐеÑÑинин – What prompted Gen Z's increased fascination with libations? Halstead claimed that Zoomers didn't suddenly acquire the taste, but rather they now have more disposable income to burn on booze than in years prior — when they were more cash-strapped due to inflation and the fact that fewer were employed. 'We know that beverage alcohol consumption correlates with disposable income, and Gen Z came of age during a cost-of-living crisis, he explained, per the Times Of London. 'Rising prices have been especially acute in bars and restaurants — places that appeal most to Gen Z drinkers.' Halstead added, 'With every year that passes, more Gen Z drinkers are entering the workforce, and those already in the workforce are typically earning more.' That being said, 20-somethings remain marginally less likely to drink than most other generations. By contrast, the so-called booziest generation, the Baby Boomers, appear to be cutting back. The proportion of 60-and-over respondents who admitted to consuming booze over the past six months dropped to 72% — a one percent decrease from two years ago. In addition, Zoomer boozers were more likely to imbibe spirits, consume a wider variety of alcoholic beverages, and also drink at bars, restaurants or clubs than the other generations. According to the study, millennials — those aged between 28 and 44 — were the most likely to booze with 83% admitting to touching the bubbly over the past half-year. Gen Xers — those born between 1965 and 1980 — came in second at 79%.
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Business Standard
02-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Gen Z defies 'sober generation' label, alcohol consumption picking up
For years, Gen Z has been known for embracing sobriety or drinking in moderation. But a new survey suggests that trend may be shifting. According to recent findings by the IWSR, a global firm that tracks beverage alcohol trends, Gen Z are showing renewed interest in drinking. The study surveyed more than 26,000 people across 15 global markets, including India. It highlights that Gen Z legal drinking age (LDA+) consumers are now engaging with alcohol at rates approaching those of older generations. It found that the proportion of Gen Z adults who reported consuming alcohol in the past six months rose from 66 per cent in March 2023 to 73 per cent in March 2025. While still slightly below the 78 per cent participation rate of all adults, Gen Z's consumption behaviour now mirrors that of previous generations more closely than before. India, in particular, stands out as a key market, where younger drinkers are not only participating but also influencing the wider industry with their preferences. But why were they drinking 'less'? Richard Halstead, Chief Operating Officer of Consumer Insights at IWSR, said that the less drinking could have been due to the 'cost-of-living' crisis. 'We know that beverage alcohol consumption correlates with disposable income, and Gen Z came of age during a cost-of-living crisis. Rising prices have been especially acute in bars and restaurants – places that appeal most to Gen Z drinkers,' Halstead. 'With every year that passes, more Gen Z consumers are entering the workforce, and those already in the workforce are typically earning more. I think we should expect that, as their incomes rise, they will drink more often – just as millennials did before them,' he said. India bucks global alcohol slowdown While much of the global alcohol industry faces cyclical declines, India remains one of the few bright spots, with Gen Z playing a significant role. 'India remains the only market with all three indicators – consumer sentiment, recalled volume and recalled spend – in positive territory, as upper-middle-class consumers continue to drink and spend more,' Halstead said. 'The clearest signs of robust growth come from India and Brazil: India is continuing to power ahead, with that momentum set to continue and younger drinkers to the fore,' the survey mentioned. Cyclical dip, not structural decline It further suggests that the current downturn in consumption is temporary rather than permanent — and that generational change is not to blame. 'According to this evidence, much of the recent decline is cyclical, not structural – and is definitely not the 'fault' of Gen Z,' Halstead said. The Bevtrac survey also highlights that Gen Z drinkers are more experimental in their approach to alcohol. On average, Gen Z drinkers consumed over five beverage categories in the past six months, compared to just over four among Boomers. They are also more likely to favour spirits and visit bars, restaurants or clubs for their last drinking occasion.
Business Wire
19-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Genasys Inc. Reports Increasing Demand for CONNECT in Wake of 'Signalgate'
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Genasys Inc. (NASDAQ: GNSS), the global leader In Protective Communications, today announced increasing interest and orders for CONNECT, the company's fully compliant, mission-critical communications platform for government and law enforcement. 'Greater demand for CONNECT has been spurred by the 'Signalgate' controversy, where several members of the federal government used the Signal messaging app for sensitive information sharing,' said Chief Jeff Halstead (Ret.), Genasys Senior Director of Strategic Accounts. 'Since the controversy, we are experiencing increasing demand for CONNECT information, demonstrations and orders from public safety leaders in small towns and large metro areas across the United States.' To date, strong order demand and contract renewals have grown CONNECT coverage in 41 states and more than 500 agencies, with other states and multiple agencies in deployment trials. 'Many public safety leaders now understand the importance and legal requirements of owning and controlling Interactions when planning and responding to crisis events,' Chief Halstead continued, 'During the last two weeks of national protests, I was contacted by more than a dozen police chiefs thanking me for helping them elevate their communication networks. Through CONNECT, many of them were able to regionally respond to mass protests in just a few minutes.' CONNECT Platform Advantages Heavily encrypted messaging from any device to all devices All messages and data are fully owned and controlled by the agency (Genasys has no access to data, chats, or information) Fortified Team chats where it is impossible for any person to be mistakenly added Nothing can be deleted or altered to maintain compliance Unlimited data sharing, photos, videos and documents Screenshot protection No push/share features prevent secure communications from being posted on social media All persons added to CONNECT are logged and tracked (they can only be added by sending an encrypted invitation directly to them) All data, chats and attachments are owned by the agency and can be easily reviewed in 30 seconds Complete transparency and accountability from all elected officials and law enforcement agencies Full compliance with FOIA, CJIS/FBI, public records retention laws and HIPAA Encrypted communications platforms like Signal are designed to allow users to hide or delete communications. Using CONNECT, a fully compliant encrypted communications platform specifically created for governmental operations, local, state, and federal governments/agencies can avoid the problems and fallout created by using non-FOIA-compliant consumer apps. About Genasys Inc. Genasys Inc. (NASDAQ: GNSS) is the global leader in Protective Communications. Incorporating the most comprehensive portfolio of preparedness, response, and analytics software and systems, as well as the Company's Long Range Acoustic Devices® (LRAD®) the Genasys Protect platform is designed around one premise: ensuring organizations and public safety agencies are 'Ready when it matters™.' Protecting people and saving lives for over 40 years, Genasys covers more than 155 million people in all 50 states and in over 100 countries worldwide. For more information, visit Forward-Looking Statements Except for historical information contained herein, the matters discussed are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the 'safe harbor' provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. We base these statements on particular assumptions that we have made in light of our industry experience, the stage of product and market development as well as our perception of historical trends, current market conditions, current economic data, expected future developments and other factors that we believe are appropriate under the circumstances. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested in any forward-looking statement. The risks and uncertainties in these forward-looking statements include without limitation the business impact of geopolitical conflicts and other causes that may affect our supply chain, and other risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond the Company's control. Risks and uncertainties are identified and discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements are based on information and management's expectations as of the date hereof. Future results may differ materially from our current expectations. For more information regarding other potential risks and uncertainties, see the 'Risk Factors' section of the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. Genasys Inc. disclaims any intent or obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements, except as otherwise specifically stated.
