Beer drinking in Australia hits 60-year low; quality not quantity the issue

Australian beer consumption has hit a 60-year low as part of a shift from quantity to quality, experts say.

The Daily Telegraph reports that beer consumption in the country has reached 1950s levels, as Aussies opt for quality over quantity when it comes to the nation's favourite drop.
 
The Herald Sun said today national consumption of the amber brew sank to 4.49 litres (9.5 pints) per person in the year to June 30, 2009, according to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

That's the lowest since the 1950s. Per-capita beer consumption has been steadily dropping off since its peak of 6.4 litres (13.5 pints) per year in 1979 - partly thanks to the introduction of tighter drink-driving laws.

CommSec chief economist Craig James said Aussies were cutting back on mainstream beers in favour of fancy imported and craft brews.

"Wine hasn't yet overtaken beer, but the gap has certainly narrowed," Mr James said.

James Tait, corporate affairs director at brewer Lion Nathan, said Aussies were tailoring the types of beer they drank to different occasions.