Global alcohol markets: evolving consumption patterns, regulations and industrial organizations

Kym Anderson, Giulia Meloni and Johan Swinnen

No 616908, Working Papers of Department of Economics, Leuven from KU Leuven, Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Department of Economics, Leuven

Abstract: For millennia alcoholic drinks have played an important role in food security and health (both positive and negative), but consumption patterns of beer, wine and spirits have altered substantially over the past two centuries. So too have their production technologies and industrial organization. Globalization and economic growth have contributed to considerable convergence in national alcohol consumption patterns. The industrial revolution contributed to excess consumption by stimulating demand and lowering the cost of alcohol. It also led to concentration in some alcohol industries, expecially brewing. In recent years the emergence of craft producers has countered firm concentration and the homogenization of alcoholic beverages. Meanwhile, governments have intervened extensively in alcohol markets to reduce excessive consumption, raise taxes, protect domestic industries and/or ensure competition. These regulations have contributed to, and been affected by, evolving patterns of consumption and changing structures of alcohol industries.

Keywords: Globalization of preferences; Convergence of national beverage consumption mix; Alcohol and health; Restrictions on alcohol consumption and production; Beverage firm concentration (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018-02
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Published in LICOS Discussion Paper Series 401/2018 , pages 1-52

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https://lirias.kuleuven.be/retrieve/500209 (application/pdf)

Related works:
Chapter: Global Alcohol Markets: Evolving Consumption Patterns, Regulations, and Industrial Organizations (2019)
Journal Article: Global Alcohol Markets: Evolving Consumption Patterns, Regulations, and Industrial Organizations (2018)
Working Paper: Global Alcohol Markets: Evolving Consumption Patterns, Regulations and Industrial Organizations (2018)
Working Paper: Global Alcohol Markets: Evolving Consumption Patterns, Regulations and Industrial Organizations (2018)
Working Paper: Global alcohol markets: evolving consumption patterns, regulations and industrial organizations (2018)
Working Paper: Global Alcohol Markets: Evolving Consumption Patterns, Regulations and Industrial Organizations (2018)
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