Cross-promotional alcohol discounting in Australia's grocery sector: a barrier to initiatives to curb excessive alcohol consumption?
OBJECTIVE
Excessive alcohol consumption is an increasing issue internationally. Pricing strategies, including discount restrictions, have been identified as one of the most effective policy means by which to reduce heavy alcohol consumption. In Australia, cross-promotional alcohol discounts are increasingly used by supermarket chains as a marketing tool. The purpose of the present study is to provide preliminary data on the nature and extent of cross-promotional alcohol discounting in the Australian grocery sector.


METHODS
A purposive sample of 34 supermarkets in Australia's three largest cities was selected and minor grocery purchases made to uncover the prevalence and level of cross-promotional alcohol discounting.


RESULTS
Cross-promotional 'bundled' discounts were very common with 33 of the 34 supermarkets offering a 'two for one' discount on bottles of wine. Even with minor purchases (mean purchase $1.35), the mean value of discounts received was substantial ($16.23).


CONCLUSIONS
These results appear to be consistent with claims that major supermarket chains are using alcohol discounts as loss leaders to entice new consumers.


CONCLUSIONS
These strategies are antithetical to public health strategies aimed at reducing excessive alcohol consumption. Further examination of the impact of major retailers on public health initiatives is warranted, particularly in light of increasing retailer concentration.
Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, New South Wales.
Jonathan L
JL
Wardle
Sungwon
S
Chang
D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000191:economics* / Q000517:prevention & control; D000434:Alcoholic Beverages / Q000191:economics*; D001315:Australia; D003132:Commerce / Q000191:economics*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D033161:Government Regulation; D006801:Humans; D040541:Marketing / Q000379:methods*; D011050:Policy Making
alcohol; alcohol promotion; bundled discounts; public health; retail sales