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How the alcohol industry is navigating the UK’s perfect storm – Market Intel

Joe Bates
Last updated: 27/04/2026 at 2:14 PM
By Joe Bates
16 April 2026
16 Min Read

New regulations, changing consumer habits and rising costs are just some of the many headwinds battering beverage alcohol in the UK.


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Credit: Anatolii Hrytsenko/Pexels
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The UK drinks market is navigating aggressive taxation, record pub closures (366 closed their doors in 2025) and new environmental packaging feesCost-savvy consumers are increasingly recreating premium bar experiences at home to save money without sacrificing qualityIn 2025, scotch exports declined by 4.3% in value and gin volumes continued to fall, but categories like tequila (+14% 2019-24) and no- & low-alcohol are thrivingBrands are pivoting towards sustainable lightweight bottles and convenient single-serve cansThe beleaguered UK beverage alcohol market is being assailed on all sides.

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Joe Bates
ByJoe Bates
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Joe has been a business journalist for over 20 years, specialising in the drinks, aviation and Global Travel Retail sectors; Duty-Free News International, IWSR Magazine, Drinks International and Whisky Magazine, among others.
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