Latest news with #RichardHalstead
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
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. 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%. 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%. Solve the daily Crossword
The Independent
5 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
The real reason Gen Z have stopped being ‘sober curious'
Hold the kombucha and pour me a pint! It seems that Gen Z are actually drinking alcohol, and I'm not surprised one bit. I wish I'd made a note of the number of wine tastings, seminars, meetings and dinners where the seemingly existential crisis of Gen Z not drinking was discussed. Not to mention the thousands of entries on a brief Google search to see how much it's been written about. It was going to be the death knell of the wine industry. But I never really believed it was going to stay that way. People change, after all. And, it seems I was right. New data released by IWSR shows that the situation is altogether far more nuanced. I mean, aren't most things in life? It seems the ' sober curious ' generation have become curious about booze. IWSR's Bevtrac findings show a marked increase in 'alcohol participation levels' compared with two years ago. In research carried out in the top 15 markets (including the UK, North America and Australia) in April 2023, 66 per cent of Gen Z consumers said they had consumed alcohol in the past six months, this figure rose to 73 per cent in March 2025. And interestingly, the trend is especially strong in some key global markets, including the UK, where participation increased from 66 per cent to 76 per cent, Australia, where there was a staggering leap from 61 per cent to 83 per cent, and the US, with a huge bump from 46 per cent to 70 per cent. As Richard Halstead, COO of consumer insights at IWSR, says: 'There is evidence that the propensity to go out and spend more is recovering among this group – challenging the received wisdom that this generation is 'abandoning' alcohol.' Issues such as consumer confidence around inflation has had a huge cross-generational impact when it comes to purchasing, with the cost of living crisis having been brutal for many. But Gen Z have especially suffered, maturing in a period where they're met with soaring costs and stagnant salaries, not to mention the global pandemic and the impact it had on hospitality and real-life socialising. Further research published by Rabobank in April supports this notion, with data showing that Gen Z's drinking is actually on par with previous generations. And that in the US, the proportion that each generation spends of their after-tax income on alcohol is exactly the same – boomer, millennial and Gen Z'er alike. The headlines were misleading. We were being told that it's a generation obsessed with 'wellness', but it turns out they're just skint! And my God, we have all been there (I mean, I still mostly am, aren't you?). It's just that when I was starting out on an incredibly meagre salary, I was propping it up with a hefty overdraft and a plethora of credit cards. Banks were falling over themselves to give people like me credit cards and overdrafts without any checks as to whether you could actually afford them. My Egg card was well and truly funding my millennial avo and egg habit to the max. Want to go shopping? Get a store card. Want to go out for a drink? Put it on your credit card. I was a fully signed up card-carrying millennial who definitely drank above the recommended weekly allowance. Boozy Thursdays spread effortlessly into Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. I was the queen of knowing a little late-night drinking den that was still serving in the early hours of the morning. But I'm delighted that most of my Gen Z friends appear to be far more sensible and financially astute. Believe me, I learn a lot from them. And I'm thankful that personal finance isn't so readily available; it crippled me for many years. And looking at this situation from someone who makes a living from tasting and talking about drinks, with a heavy leaning on wine, I think the alcohol industry should be pleased with this emerging picture. The days of excessive underage drinking are hopefully dwindling and people are being more cautious with the amount they drink. Both of these are excellent outcomes. And there's a genuine interest in premium products too. Drinking less, but better, has never been an easier or cooler thing to do. Nothing stays the same forever. And the wine industry for the most part reflects this, showing a keen and energetic desire to welcome new consumers. In many ways, I feel nothing but excitement about these latest figures. It's one of my greatest pleasures to help people find the wine that sparks their love of this wondrous product that has endured for thousands of years. Wine and the world that surrounds it really is a beautiful thing, so here's to the latest generation of wine lovers, I can't wait to share a glass with you.
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.'
National Post
05-07-2025
- Health
- National Post
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 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 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 What is contributing to increased Gen Z alcohol consumption? 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.' Article content IWSR research says cost-of-living pressures have meant most consumers focused more on buying essentials and staying home, rather than going out drinking. Article content 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. Article content 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. Article content
