Key Horeca Results in Summer 2025

Alcoholic Beverage Consumption Trends in 2024

During the first half of 2024, the relevance of alcoholic beverages in Spanish restaurants has decreased by 2.64%, according to a recent study carried out by experts from Delectatech

This analysis is based on digital channel feedback from the live bar and restaurant census of more than 250,000 establishments, revealing significant shifts in drinking preferences. 

This decline in the popularity of traditional alcoholic beverages can be attributed to several factors, including rising prices and a growing concern for health and wellness among younger consumers.

Change in Consumption Preferences

One of the main reasons behind this decline is the fall in beer consumption, traditionally the most popular alcoholic beverage in Spain. This decline may be related to price increases during 2023 and a growing concern for health and wellness among younger consumers. 

Instead of the traditional options, consumers are showing an increasing interest in low-alcoholic beverages, such as egg whites, which have a low alcohol content.which has gained popularity during these months. This shift suggests a trend towards lighter and more refreshing options, with less alcohol along the lines of the new consumer trends in healthy products andin 2024

In contrast to the general decline in alcohol consumption, there has been an increase in demand for sparkling beverages such as cava and champagne, typically associated with celebrations and festivities.

In addition, during this first part of the year, sangria has emerged as a winner, driven by the boom in tourism in Spain. This drink has shown growth, especially in regions with a high concentration of tourists, such as Catalonia and Andalusia.

Sparkling Drinks and Sangria on the Rise

Despite the overall decline in alcohol consumption, there has been an increase in the an increase in demand for festive beverages such as cava and champagne. These beverages, typically associated with celebrations and festivities, have shown significant growth in 2024. Cava registered an increase of 3.12%, while champagne stood out with growth of 10.16%. This increase reflects a preference for more sophisticated and celebratory options, despite the general trend towards lower alcohol consumption.

The sangría has also emerged as a winner during this first half of the year, especially in the first half of the year. in tourist areas. The popularity of this drink has increased significantly, with growth of 19.36% in Catalonia and 4.87% in Andalusia. This increase can be attributed to the boom in tourism in Spain, as sangria is a drink traditionally associated with foreign tourists.

Wines and Spirits: Mixed Trends

The wine category maintained its relevance in the first half of 2024with a slight variation in consumption. Red wine has experienced an increase of 3.49%, while white wine has shown a slight decrease of 1.04% in its relevance in online comments. These changes reflect a general stability in wine consumption, with a slight preference for red wine.

En el ámbito de los espumosos, tanto el cava como el champagne han mostrado incrementos significativos. Además, las bebidas espirituosas han experimentado una caída general del 3,92%, con descensos en el consumo de ron (-4,03%) y vodka (-6,63%). Sin embargo, bebidas menos tradicionales en la hostelería española, como el pisco (+37,69%) y el tequila (+7,97%), han ganado relevancia, indicando una diversificación en las preferencias de los consumidores.

Decline of Traditional Cocktails

As for cocktails, some traditional beverages have seen a decline in their popularity. The mojito (-17.47%), the caipirinha (-14.32%), the cubalibre (-5.72%) and the piña colada (-3.95%) experienced a drop in relevance. On the other hand, the Cosmopolitan and the Daiquiri have stood out for their increase in relevance in online comments, with 11.14% and 3.29% respectively, being the only traditional cocktails to show growth. This shift suggests a possible evolution in preferences towards less traditional and more sophisticated cocktails.

Beer: La Clara Gains Ground

The beer segment has registered a decrease in relevance in online comments during the first half of the year. More traditional options such as cane (-14.03%) and craft beers (-14.40%) have lost popularity. In contrast, clara, a refreshing mix of beer and lemon, has seen an increase of 35.40%. This change suggests that consumers are opting for lighter drinks, with less alcohol content, especially in tourist communities such as the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Catalonia and Andalusia.

Expectations for the Future

Despite the decline in informal beer consumption in bars during the first half of the year, is expected to rebound with the arrival of the summer and significant events such as the European Championship and the Olympics. The combination of a festive atmosphere, higher temperatures and summer celebrations could revitalize beer consumption. However, the trend towards more balanced consumption and the preference for lower-alcohol options will continue, offering new opportunities to diversify market offerings.

It is important to note that consumers are increasingly interested in lower-alcohol options, reflecting a trend toward more balanced consumption and a greater concern for health and wellness. This shift in preferences provides an opportunity for the market to diversify its offerings and focus on more varied and experiential options.

In conclusion, the Delectatech study provides a detailed overview of current trends in beverage alcohol consumption in Spanish foodservice, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities for manufacturers and distributors in the sector. With an increasing focus on health and wellness, as well as lighter and more festive beverage options, the market is adapting to new consumer demands and behaviors.

Discover the Trends with FoodRadar

If you want to know in which shops these products are in trend, go to Finder of FoodRadar, our advanced market intelligence tool. With it, you can significantly reduce your efforts in prospecting and brand strategy. Register for free and discover all that this tool can offer you to keep you at the forefront of gastronomic trends.


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