Decline in alcohol and tobacco sales in Denmark

Denmark experienced a drop in the sales of alcohol and cigarettes in 2023 compared to the previous year, according to new figures from Statistics Denmark. Cigarette sales have been declining since 2018, with a 32% reduction during that period, reaching 3852 million pieces in 2023—equivalent to 804 cigarettes per adult over 18 years old, down from 854 in 2022. Alcohol sales also decreased, with spirits falling by 7.8%, beer by 5.3%, and wine by 0.9%. Danes over 18 still purchased an average of 11.9 alcoholic beverages per week, exceeding the National Health Authority’s recommended limit of 10 drinks per week and four in a single day. This decline is part of a 30-year trend, yet consumption levels remain concerningly high, with a significant portion of the population consuming more than the advised limit, according to Professor Janne Tholstrup from the University of Southern Denmark. Additionally, sales of smoking tobacco decreased by 58 tons in 2023.