Dry January
January is the month for making lifestyle changes and no change is as popular as Dry January. We’re going to delve into why this lifestyle change has become so popular across the UK and the reasons you should be going Alcohol-free in 2023.
This rings especially true this year with the percentage of participants up 15% according to a YouGov survey. Known for its long-term benefits such as improved insulin, decreased weight, and a decrease in cancer-related growth factors, the reasons to take part in Dry January are life-changing and that’s why Alcohol change UK has been so successful.
A change in mindset in 2023
As a whole, the attitude towards alcohol in the UK has shifted with on-trade drinking not only seen as unappealing but also financially unviable for many individuals. This could be due to rising costs or just people being more aware of the negative health effects of alcohol. As a result, people are now more hesitant to spend their money on products that they don’t feel are a necessity. With more than one-third of the population increasing their alcohol intake during the pandemic, the general consensus has switched to avoiding consuming alcohol so regularly.
An alcohol-free solution
The rise in popularity of alcohol-free in 2023 has been vital for helping pubs and Bars during this notoriously difficult month. Not only are they still retaining their regular patrons but they are ordering low-alcohol or even alcohol-free alternatives to their regular drinks. The low or no alcohol sector has grown by more than 7% globally and could be worth £450m by 2024. These changes make Dry January much more accessible for those who enjoy the pub or bar atmosphere but want to cut back on the quantity of alcohol they consume.
The Effect of a crisis
The cost of living crisis is a prominent issue with businesses and families up and down the country affected. A pint in 2018 would cost £2.30, a shocking difference from the 70% increase to £3.95 that it would set you back today. Across the board, alcohol is rapidly rising in price and is becoming a non-essential luxury that people can no longer afford, so movements like Dry January become much more appealing after an expensive Christmas period.
New year, New me
The power of a new year’s resolution cannot be underestimated as 67% of people are still drinking less after completing the month. Dry January and the general improvement of health accrued almost 45% of UK resolutions leading to many people showing interest in going alcohol-free in 2023 which only has had positive effects.
To conclude, the combined effects of an alcohol-free alternative, the current economic climate of the UK, and the willpower of the British people have caused this month to become the driest January in history and is surely a trend that will grow over the next few years.
Check out our other blogs such as the rise of Aldi: https://logicalfmcg.co.uk/all-posts/insights/rise-of-the-german-discounter/
Source: https://alcoholchange.org.uk/help-and-support/managing-your-drinking/dry-january
