Shift in Drinking Habits Wipes $830 Billion Off Alcohol Stocks

Shares of the world’s top listed beer, wine and spirits makers have shed a combined $830 billion in a little more than four years as the industry grapples with monumental change.

That’s the total loss in market value, as a Bloomberg gauge of some 50 companies stands 46% below its June 2021 record high.

Shifting drinking patterns and rising health concerns have hit earnings, compounded by US tariffs, the impact of buoyant interest rates on consumer spending and even elevated commodity prices. In China, weak household confidence and a booze ban for official functions have added fuel to the downtrend. ...