Wine consumption jumped by more than 14 per cent between 2003 and 2004, according to a review of the drinks market by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland.
It found that wine accounted for 19.3 per cent of the alcohol market in 2004, up 14.3 per cent. Beer still accounted for the giant's share - at 53.3 per cent - but it saw a decline in its market share of just under 1 per cent.
Alcohol consumption rose by 1 per cent between 2003 and 2004, the review found, but when compared with 2000, per capita it had fallen by 3 per cent.
The volume of bar sales was down by 4.4 per cent and off-licence sales volumes increased by an estimated 13 per cent.
Last year the value of the alcohol market grew by about 4.5 per cent to €6.4 billion, with VAT and excise accounting for about €2 billion of this.
The review was based on data collected from the Revenue Commissioners and the Central Statistics Office. The share of the market held by spirits and cider grew by 2.8 per cent and 2 per cent respectively last year, compared with 2003.
The Drinks Industry Group of Ireland said the major jump in the market share of wine was "an exceptional performance".
The group represents companies involved in the manufacture, distribution and sale of drink products.
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