07.05.2021
Alcohol consumption in Ukraine
- According to a survey conducted by Rating Group, 66% of Ukrainians consume alcoholic beverages. One third drink less than once a month, 26% drink several times a month, 7% drink several times a week, and 1% consume alcohol daily. Despite this, 32% report that they do not drink alcohol at all. Alcohol consumption is more common among men, younger and middle-aged respondents, and people with higher incomes.
- Across all gender and age groups, men consume alcohol more frequently than women, and young people drink more often regardless of whether they live in cities or rural areas. In urban areas, younger and middle-aged respondents consume alcohol at similar rates.
- Among those who drink, wine (36%) and beer (29%) are the most popular beverages. Vodka is consumed by 20%, cognac by 17%, homemade wines and infusions by 14%, sparkling wines by 12%, whiskey by 7%, and samohon by 6%. Drinks such as cider, rum, vermouth, cocktails, gin or liqueurs are consumed by only 1–2%.
- Wine is more widely consumed in the western and central regions. Western regions also show higher consumption of homemade wines, infusions and samohon, while vodka is more common in the East. Young people prefer beer and wine, whereas older adults are more inclined toward vodka, cognac, homemade beverages and samohon. Wine, however, remains popular across all age categories. Women consume wine twice as often as men, and also drink homemade and sparkling wines more frequently. Men most often choose beer (40%) and vodka (31%), and they also consume more cognac, whiskey and samohon.
- Within gender-age groups, beer consumption is highest among young men, while vodka consumption peaks among older men. Among women, beer is likewise most popular among younger age groups. Stronger drinks such as vodka and cognac, along with homemade beverages, are more common among middle-aged and older respondents. Interestingly, older men and older women consume cognac at similar rates.
- People most often drink alcohol to mark a holiday or special occasion (67%). Thirty percent drink to enjoy time with close ones, and 24% to relax or lift their mood. Less common reasons include enjoying the taste (9%), pairing with food (8%), perceived health benefits (7%), or help with falling asleep (4%).
- A majority of respondents (54%) believe that safe, non-harmful doses of alcohol exist, while 45% disagree. Men are more likely to believe in the existence of safe doses. One in three respondents considers wine the least harmful alcoholic drink, and one in five believes homemade wines are less harmful. Only 10% consider vodka less harmful, 8% say beer, and 6–7% name cognac or samohon. A quarter of respondents are convinced that all alcoholic beverages are harmful, a view more common among younger people. Women most often name wine and homemade infusions as less harmful, while men more frequently point to vodka, beer and samohon.
Methodology
- Audience: Ukrainian citizens aged 18 and older in all regions except the temporarily occupied territories of Crimea and Donbas. The sample is representative in terms of age, gender and type of settlement.
- Sample size: 1,500 respondents.
- Survey method: CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing). Based on a random sample of mobile phone numbers.
- The margin of error for the study with a confidence level of 0.95 is no more than 2.5%.
- Fieldwork dates: 25-27 April 2021.
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