NZ: Skills, social change and sustainability driving innovation in alcohol industry

Local skills, social change and sustainability have been the key drivers for the New Zealand alcohol industry’s contribution to the local economy, an NZ Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) report shows.

The report says the sector contributes NZ$1.92 billion to GDP, pays $1.819 billion in excise tax and GST, spends $2.02 billion on local goods and services and generates $2.09 billion in exports.

This is against a backdrop where government statistics show alcohol consumption has fallen around 25 per cent since the 70s and 80s, says the NZ Alcohol Beverages Council (NZABC).

“The report shows that the 1,865 beer, wine, and spirits businesses employ around 10,200 people from boutique distilleries in rural areas, specialty production in the regions to head offices in city centres,” NZABC executive director said Bridget MacDonald.

“In addition, another 20,900 are employed indirectly from businesses in the supply chain, from yeast producers and hops growers to packaging, logistics and shipping.

“As a supplier itself, the industry connects to the hospitality industry, which employs around 172,000 in cafes, bars, restaurants, hotels and events businesses.”

“Working in a restaurant or harvesting grapes are often first jobs where young Kiwis develop skills that are transferable to other industries or where they discover their passion that leads to a lifelong career.”

The report also details how the industry and society have changed over the last couple of decades.

 

“Times are changing, people are drinking less, and the industry is changing with those times. People are drinking less and becoming more moderate consumers,” MacDonald continued.

“It’s more about socialising with family and friends over food and a drink––and if people choose not to drink, that’s okay too. We are seeing a shift toward more mindful drinking where consumers sip and savour higher quality beverages or choose no- and low-alcohol options.

“There’s also a definite shift, as in most western countries around the world, to supporting local producers. We’re appreciating locally-sourced talent and goods, which is sustaining the growth of our boutique wineries, distilleries and breweries.

“It’s an exciting time for our industry––we are diversifying our product ranges in response to consumer demands and trends.

“The challenges of today are becoming the opportunities for tomorrow, and this encourages innovation and investment in research and development right throughout the industry––from developing unique hops varieties for beer, embracing indigenous ingredients for spirits to refining viticulture practices to create lower alcohol wines.

“The conscious consumer is not just looking for lower carb but also lower carbon. Industry’s commitment toward carbon-zero and sustainability targets is driving innovation across all aspects of business from sustainable supply chains, recyclable packaging, refining manufacturing processes, zero waste initiatives, reusing byproducts, reducing water and supporting local goods and services.

“At the heart of it is people––from those who grow grapes, grains and hops to our customers who enjoy a drink and convivial times with family and friends. The pandemic has been challenging for most businesses, including our industry.

However, it is resilient and dynamic and will continue to play its part in making a positive contribution to New Zealand’s financial, environmental and social economies as we work through the uncertainty that lies ahead.”

 

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