The map of alcohol consumption in France has been published. Which region stands out the most?
Although overall alcohol consumption in France has seen a decline since the 1960s, notably with a significant drop in daily wine consumption, France remains one of the largest consumers of alcohol in the world. Indeed, it ranks sixth among consumer countries within the OECD.
The regional mapping unveiled by Public Health France shows significant variations in alcohol consumption. Ile-de-France, Normandy, Pays de la Loire and all of the DROMs show consumption levels lower than the national average. On the other hand, Hauts-de-France, Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Occitanie are distinguished by a more pronounced daily consumption of alcohol.
Weekly alcohol consumption among young adults is also revealing. It is highest in Brittany (43.5%), followed by Pays de Loire, Martinique and Guyana. Conversely, it is the lowest in Hauts de France, at 23.2%.
Monthly heavy occasional drinking, defined by the consumption of 6 drinks or more on a single occasion, shows that Brittany is the region where this type of consumption is most frequent, with a notable increase since 2005. However, despite these local trends , a harmonization of behavior is taking shape on a European scale. The Latin model of regular alcohol use tends to merge with the Nordic and Anglo-Saxon model, where consumption is less frequent but greater.
The nature of alcohol consumed also varies from region to region. The north and east are more inclined towards beer, while the south favors wine. For its part, the west has a predilection for strong alcohol.
However, although France remains a major consumer of alcohol, the trend is downward and awareness is increasing. Regional disparities are notable, but excessive alcohol consumption is a public health issue that concerns the entire territory.