Alcopops - Press Release
Press Release 7 March 2008
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TORIES STATEMENT ON ALCOPOPS IS MISLEADING
The attack on alcopops by George Osborne is counter-factual.
Alcopops - known to many as Ready to Drink (RTDs) beverages or Designer Drinks - account for less than 2% of total alcohol consumed in terms of pure alcohol and for around 2% of expenditure.
There has already been a 65% increase in Excise duties on spirits-based RTDs in the 2002 Budget.
In any case, the category is in decline so RTDs on their own are not the cause of any increase in so called binge drinking.
Government figures show a drop in spirits RTDs of 19% in the last twelve months and 24% in the year before that.
One contributing factor has been the reduction in strength of a number of RTDs.
RTDs are on average produced at a lower strength than directly competing bottled products such as beer, lager and cider but are significantly more expensive on a pro rata basis.
Note to Editors. The Gin and Vodka Association represents producers, brand owners and importers of gin, vodka and associated products. We speak for the largest sector in the UK spirits market.
For further information contact Edwin Atkinson, Graham Bateman at
THE GIN AND VODKA ASSOCIATION OF GREAT BRITAIN
Cross Keys House, Queen Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 1EY
Telephone: 01722 415892 Fax: 01722 415840 Mobile: 07867 513409