The high prices, the Breathalyzer tests and now the war create a cocktail that has changed consumers’ drinking habits.
The fear of even greater inflation, that goes hand-in-hand with the conflict in the Middle East, has been evident in recent consumer surveys, albeit smaller than during the pandemic or the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Combined with the prospect of shortages in the supply chain, this also leads consumers to commodity stockpiling.
All this has had an effect on the food service industry, that had already suffered a 3.4% annual turnover decline in 2025, the first after the pandemic.
On top of that comes the new traffic code, with the heavy penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol, and, above all, the strict controls of drivers’ alcohol consumption. Therefore, Greek consumers are discovering “early drinks” and “happy hour,” returning to local bars after years, or adopting the habits of Northern Europeans by choosing to consume more alcohol at home than on night outs.
According to NielsenIQ data, presented on Wednesday at the annual Shopper Trends conference, seven out of 10 consumers have changed their habits after the start of the war. The reaction for 35% was to reduce spending, mostly cutting on entertainment outside the home.
