78% of kiwis choose to have two alcohol-free nights

Media Release
29 March 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

78% OF KIWIS GO ALCOHOL-FREE TWO NIGHTS A WEEK
An independent survey has revealed that 78% of kiwis regularly choose to have two alcohol-free nights, a week.

The survey by Canstar Blue revealed that Wellingtonians (84%) are the most likely to choose not to indulge for 48 hours, closely followed by Dunedin residents at 78%. Women (81%) were more likely than men (75%) to take an alcohol-free break.

Despite favouring alcohol-free days, choosing low alcohol beer for health reasons receives limited support at 17% overall, and is most favoured by Aucklanders at 23%. Dunedin residents at 10% are the least likely to reach for a low alcohol beer.

The survey also revealed that craft beers are gaining in popularity, with 54% of respondents saying they like to try beer made by small producers. Wellingtonians (58%) are the most likely to enjoy a craft beer. Those in the Gen X age bracket are also happy to tempt their tastebuds with a craft beer.

Derek Bonnar CANSTAR – New Zealand National Manager said the survey also rated how satisfied consumers were with the beer they had most recently purchased. Steinlager received five star ratings for: overall satisfaction, packaging, image and availability. Stella Artois was also awarded five stars for its image. Fellow beer producers Monteith and Mac’s both scored a five star rating for the taste of their beer. Speights received five stars for the availability of their beer for consumers.

“Our findings also showed that 38% of the 1437 kiwis, who completed the survey, regularly have five or more standard alcoholic drinks, at one sitting on the weekend. The biggest drinkers are in Dunedin at 42%, closely followed by Christchurch residents at 40%. Out of the four main centres, Auckland residents (37%) were the least likely to indulge in more than five drinks at one time.

Kiwis have also come out in support of the suggestion to lower the alcohol limit for drivers. Seventy-six percent of those surveyed said they’d support the change. The biggest supporters live in Dunedin and Wellington at 80% each. Support of the change was fairly even across the age groups with 78% of Gen Y and Gen X and 74% of Baby Boomers giving it the thumbs up.

Canstar Blue commissions Colmar Brunton Australia to survey 2,500 New Zealand consumers each month to measure their satisfaction across a range of products and services. The outcomes reported here are the results from a survey of consumers who purchased beer within the last 12 months, within the survey group - in this case, 1437 people. Beer producers must receive at least 30 responses to be included.

Canstar Blue is a division of financial research and ratings company, CANSTAR which has been operating in New Zealand for nearly a decade.

Canstar Blue provides New Zealanders with the latest customer satisfaction ratings on products and services free of charge via the website www.canstarblue.co.nz.

“Consumers will undoubtedly feel more confident about a purchase if hundreds of other kiwis rate it highly,” said Derek.

To view the full results of the Canstar Blue survey go to: www.canstarblue.co.nz
ENDS

About Canstar Blue:
Canstar Blue New Zealand was launched by CANSTAR, New Zealand and Australia’s premier researcher of retail finance information for more than 350 institutions across the finance sector. Canstar Blue will release regular surveys to measure and track New Zealand customer satisfaction to help consumers make the best purchasing decisions for their needs. Canstar Blue also provide customer satisfaction ratings in Australia.

About CANSTAR:
Founded in 1992, CANSTAR Pty Limited is Australia and New Zealand's premier researcher of retail finance information for over 350 institutions such as banks, building societies, credit unions, finance companies, brokers, mortgage originators, life companies and finance related internet portals. CANSTAR customers use the extensive database for competitor analysis as well as a means of disseminating their product range. This information is also distributed to print and electronic media for publication and to agents, accountants, brokers and internet portals for use in advising their clients.

What are the Canstar Blue ratings?
Canstar Blue uses market research to determine customer satisfaction ratings across a range of products and services including banking, telecommunications and electronics in Australia and New Zealand. Results are freely available to consumers who are encouraged to use the ratings as a guide to product excellence. The results can be seen at www.canstarblue.co.nz . New ratings are added regularly.

Beer Results:

© Scoop Media