Statistics on alcohol sales, Q2 2004

The decrease is divided between 4.0 million litres in the first quarter and 2.5 million litres in the second quarter. From 1 January 2003 grocery stores were allowed to sell alcopops, and as a result sales of alcopops were particularly high in 2003. A comparison between the first six months of 2004 and the same period in 2002 shows an increase of 28.6 per cent or 825 000 litres.

The figures are calculated on the basis of registered import and figures reported to the Directorate of Customs and Excise (TAD) by businesses that pay tax on alcohol sales. The figures do not include Norwegian citizens' purchase of alcohol abroad.

Increased beer consumption

The registered consumption of beer increased by 12.5 per cent or 13.5 million litres in the first six months of 2004 compared to the same period last year. Total registered consumption during this period was 121.5 million litres according to figures from Statistics Norway.

More spirits and wine

The registered consumption of spirits was almost 5 million litres in the first six months of 2004. This is an increase of 175 000 litres or 3.7 per cent compared to the same period last year. The registered consumption of wine was 27.1 million litres, an increase of 806 000 litres or 3.1 per cent from to the same period last year.

2.94 litres of pure alcohol per person

Measured in pure alcohol, each person over the age of 14 drank 2.94 litres of alcohol during the first six months of 2004. This is an increase of 0.12 litres or 4.3 per cent of pure alcohol compared to the same period last year. The registered consumption of pure alcohol in this period was almost 10.8 million litres, divided between 5.4 million litres of beer, 3.3 million litres of wine, 2.0 million litres of spirits and 0.2 million litres of alcopops.

Tables:

• Table 1 Turnover of spirits, wine and bear. 1 000 litres
• Table 2 Turnover of spirits, wine and bear per capita 15 years and over. Litres