"The inclusion reflects a marked rise in demand for low- and no-alcohol alternatives, with the ONS citing increased sales volumes, wider product ranges and greater shelf space dedicated to alcohol-free options across UK retailers. The move is widely seen as recognition of a broader cultural shift, particularly among younger consumers and professionals prioritising wellbeing."
"Alongside alcohol-free beer, hummus and pet grooming have also been added to the basket, highlighting how evolving lifestyle choices are reshaping the cost-of-living calculation. The ONS said hummus had gained prominence due to its growing popularity among health-conscious consumers, with UK spending on the product estimated to have reached around £170 million in 2024."
"The annual update to the basket is designed to ensure inflation data remains aligned with real-world spending patterns. Items that decline in relevance are removed to make room for emerging trends. This year, bottled premium lager purchased in pubs and restaurants has been dropped, alongside traditional sheets of wrapping paper."
The Office for National Statistics has added alcohol-free beer to the UK's official inflation basket used to calculate Consumer Prices Index, Retail Prices Index, and CPIH measures. This inclusion reflects increased sales volumes, wider product ranges, and greater retail shelf space for alcohol-free options, particularly among younger consumers and professionals prioritizing wellbeing. Hummus and pet grooming services were also added to the basket, demonstrating how evolving lifestyle choices reshape cost-of-living calculations. The annual basket update ensures inflation data aligns with real-world spending patterns by removing declining items and adding emerging trends. Bottled premium lager and traditional wrapping paper were removed, replaced by products better reflecting modern purchasing habits.
Read at Business Matters
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