Alcoholic Beverage Preference Research Articles

Tito’s Goa: deciding the growth strategy for India?

Learning outcomes The case study aims to provide students with an understanding of the challenges a business faces when operating in India. In conclusion of this study, students should be able to know why franchising is such a common way of delivering services to end users, describe the “place” decisions of physical channels, and be familiar with the strategic and tactical location considerations and devise a growth strategy to expand the business. Case overview/synopsis Situated at Tito’s Lane in North Goa, Tito’s was the discotheque founded by Tito Henry D’Souza in 1971. The company offered restaurant, concert space and nightclub services to music and party lovers from diverse locations. Ricardo D’Souza and David D’Souza (both brothers) spearheaded the business. Ricardo understood the growth of markets and the factors driving the growth in India. The key factors driving the Tito’s and pub, bar, café and lounge business in India were rising disposable incomes among Indians, nightlife parties by young individuals and preference for quality food and alcoholic beverages among the customers. By seeing the opportunities in 2022, Ricardo considered expanding its business across India. How should Ricardo move to expand its business and offerings? What strategies should they devise for the growth of the business? Complexity academic level This case study is designed for use in undergraduate programs like Bachelor of Business Administration. It is ideal for strategy and services marketing. Theoretical frameworks like the Ansoff matrix are suitable for analyzing the case study to understand the growth of the business. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 8: Marketing.

Socio-demographic Profiles of Customers’ Food Preferences at Ecotourism Destinations in South Western, Nigeria

The travel and tourism industry in the twentieth century has changed its eating patterns and meal preferences. Food to an extent is a reflection of social status and individual identification, hence, an explicit way of understanding customer's food consumption behaviour is to study their food preference. The provision of meals is one of the key determinants of meeting customers' expectations and satisfaction at destinations, hence, this study assessed the Socio-demographic profiles of customers' food preferences at ecotourism destinations in South Western, Nigeria. An exploratory research approach was conducted through the use of structured questionnaires for data gathering. The data were collected from a purposely selected population comprising both customers and staff of Ikogosi Warm Spring and Olumo Rock Resorts. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The Chi-Square results on meal preferences concerning age shows a significant influence of age on soup and starchy morsel, Assorted rice dishes, Yam and potato dishes, Beans and Beans products and Non-Alcoholic beverages, a significant association and influence was shown among genders for beans and beans products, customers income and education has no influence on their preference for alcoholic beverages and a significant relationship between food choices of customers and marital status was noticeable. The research findings reveal that customers' food preferences are shaped by Socio-demographic influences. This study concluded that the dimensions of customers' food preferences are majorly tilted towards Socio-demographic variables of age, gender, marital status, income and educational qualifications. It is recommended that customers' Socio-demographic characteristics should be a key indicator in food and beverage planning, preparation and marketing at ecotourism destinations.

Alcohol consumption patterns and adherence to the Mediterranean diet in the adult population of Spain

PurposeThe objective is to evaluate the association between various indicators of alcohol consumption and the degree of adherence to the Mediterranean diet among the Spanish adult population.MethodsA cross-sectional study including 44,834 participants ≥ 15 years of age from the 2017 National Health Survey and the 2020 European Health Survey in Spain. Alcohol patterns were defined based on (1) average intake: individuals were classified as low risk (1–20 g/day in men and 1–10 g/day in women) and high risk (> 20 g/day in men or > 10 g/day in women), (2) binge drinking, and (3) alcoholic beverage preference. Non-adherence to the Mediterranean diet was defined as scoring < 7 points on an adapted Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener index (range 0–10). Odds ratios (OR) were estimated using logistic regression models adjusted for relevant covariates.ResultsCompared to non-drinkers, low and high-risk drinkers were more likely to report non-adherence to the Mediterranean diet: ORs 1.35 (95% CI 1.23; 1.49) and 1.54 (95% CI 1.34; 1.76), respectively. Similarly, reports of binge drinking less than once a month was associated with higher likelihood of non-adherence (OR 1.17; 95% CI 1.04; 1.31). Individuals reporting no preference for a specific beverage and those with a preference for beer or for spirits had lower adherence: ORs 1.18 (95% CI 1.05; 1.33), 1.31 (95% CI 1.17; 1.46), and 1.72 (95% CI 1.17; 2.54), respectively, while a preference for wine showed no association (OR 1.01; 95% CI 0.90; 1.13).ConclusionAlcohol consumption, even in low amounts, is associated with lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Therefore, alcoholic beverages should not be included in measures that define the Mediterranean diet.

Gender Differences in Body Satisfaction Perception: The Role of Nutritional Habits, Psychological Traits, and Physical Activity in a Strength-Training Population.

The objective of this study is to examine gender disparities in body satisfaction perception, emphasizing the influence of nutritional habits, psychometric assessments, levels of physical activity, and health-related metrics. Employing a sample of 605 strength-trained participants (385 males and 224 females), aged between 20 and 35 years, and regularly engaged in strength training, we conducted a thorough analysis using Google Forms. We evaluated variables including age, anthropometric data, resistance training frequency, food consumption patterns, and psychological profiles. Our findings indicate significant gender-based differences in body satisfaction perception. Females tend to overestimate their muscular size and express heightened concern regarding gluteal shape, while males exhibit a more realistic self-perception, primarily focused on hip width. Dietary patterns also display gender-specific tendencies; females prefer healthier options like vegetables, whereas males consume more milk, fermented products, and carbohydrates. Hydration practices diverge as well, with females showing higher water intake in contrast to males' preference for alcoholic and carbonated beverages. Psychologically, males demonstrate greater extroversion, while females exhibit higher conscientiousness, openness, and a tendency toward negative thoughts and anxiety. Regarding physical activity, females engage in training sessions with greater volume compared to males. This study highlights the intricate interplay of social, cultural, and personal factors shaping gender-specific perceptions of body satisfaction and their subsequent impact on health and lifestyle choices. These insights pave the way for future specialized interventions and research, underscoring the importance of understanding gender-specific nuances to promote healthy body satisfaction and self-perception.

The Impact of Taste Preference-Related Gene Polymorphisms on Alcohol Consumption Behavior: A Systematic Review.

Unhealthy alcohol consumption is recognized as a leading contributory factor to mortality and disability. In addition to other factors, taste sensation also mediates alcohol intake. The orosensation provoked by alcoholic drinks may vary across individuals and may be responsible for differences in preference for alcoholic beverages. Thus, individual genetic variability of taste preference may have an impact on alcohol consumption practices. The present review aimed to explore the associations between different taste preference polymorphisms and alcohol consumption behavior. Based on the PRISMA statement, the three databases PubMed, Web of Science and ProQuest Central were searched to identify articles and the Q-Genie tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Among the 17 studies included in this review, 5 and 12 were of good and moderate quality, respectively. Most of the studies analyzed TAS2R38 (taste 2 receptor member 38) rs713598, rs1726866, rs10246939 polymorphisms. Due to the inconclusive findings on these variants and the very limited number of studies on other polymorphisms, additional extensive research is recommended to replicate the existing findings, to generate new knowledge to enhance our understanding of the complexity of alcohol consumption behavior and to aid the development of personalized recommendations on unhealthy alcohol use.

Dietary patterns and alcoholic beverage preference in relation to 10-year cardiovascular disease, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes mellitus incidence in the ATTICA cohort study

Literature highlights the need for adjustment for diet quality when the effect of alcohol consumption on health is investigated. We sought to define—a-posterior—dietary patterns according to various drinking preferences as well as to evaluate their combined effect against 10-year cardio-metabolic incidence. During 2001–2002, 3042 CVD-free adults consented to participate in the ATTICA study; of them, 2583 completed the 10-year follow-up (85 % participation rate), but precise information about cardio-metabolic incidence was available in 2020 participants (overall retention rate 66 %). Intake per type of alcoholic beverage was assessed and “a posterior” dietary patterns were defined. Results showed that among participants not drinking alcoholic beverages, women adhering more to a healthier dietary pattern had 25 % lower CVD risk within the 10-year study follow-up, while men adhering more to an unhealthy dietary pattern had almost two times higher CVD risk (p-values &lt; 0.05). Among beer drinkers, both men and women adhering more to a healthier dietary pattern were found to have at least 26 % lower risk of developing hypertension and at least 15 % lower risk of developing hypercholesterolemia, while men adhering more to a healthier dietary pattern were also found to have 29 % lower CVD risk (all p-values &lt; 0.05). Similarly, among wine drinkers, women adhering more to a healthier dietary pattern were found to have a 16 % and 52 % lower risk of developing hypertension and diabetes mellitus, respectively, whereas men adhering more to a healthier dietary pattern had 22 % lower CVD risk (all p-values &lt; 0.05). Finally, among spirit drinkers, higher adherence to an unhealthy dietary pattern in both genders had an aggravating effect on cardio-metabolic risk. It seems that the quality of dietary pattern stands out as a critical confounding factor in studies assessing the effect of alcohol consumption on cardio-metabolic risk. A Phytochemical-Rich Dietary Pattern is suggested, particularly among drinkers.

Changes in alcohol consumption in Spain between 1990 and 2019.

Spain is one of the countries of the European Union in which alcohol consumption has decreased in the past decades. The aim of this paper is to distinguish different phases of the level of alcohol consumption in Spain since 1990. Adult alcohol consumption per capita data between 1990 and 2019 were analysed for temporal trends using the Joinpoint regression model. An additional analysis using interrupted time-series between 1962 and 2016 was performed using data from Global Information System on Alcohol and Health. Data from the survey on alcohol and other drugs in Spain were collected and a narrative review was conducted to identify possible reasons for the trends found. Five point changes were identified on the timeline between 1990 and 2019, including: a decrease of 3.2% per year from 1990 to 1995, an increase of 1.1% per year from 1995 to 2000, a period of stability from 2000 to 2006, a decrease of 4.5% per year from 2006 to 2011, and a period of stability from 2011 onwards. These changes can largely be explained by the different public health measures carried out by the Spanish government, as well as the change in the pattern of consumption in society, which shifted its alcoholic beverage preference from wine to beer, and increased its binge-drinking behaviour. Further studies such as interrupted time-series analyses should test if indeed the hypothesized measures on public health have been effective; this could inform future policies in Spain and in other countries.

Dietary and lifestyle habits of drinkers with preference for alcoholic beverage: does it really matter for public health? A review of the evidence

Although the detrimental effects of heavy drinking in terms of health are well-documented in the literature, there are inconsistent findings regarding the safety of light-to-moderate alcohol consumption. In particular, little is still known about the consumption of specific alcoholic beverages in combination with dietary habits and lifestyle, which in turn could influence health status. Thus, the aim of this review is to summarise and critically evaluate the evidence of a relationship between preference for alcoholic beverages and consumer dietary and lifestyle habits. A literature search retrieved 3,887 articles. By removing duplicates and articles which were not relevant, the final number of articles was 26. The adherence to a healthier diet and lifestyle was generally observed in light-to-moderate alcohol consumers, especially when wine was the preferred beverage. Considering the potentially strong impact of drinking patterns on health and the risk of developing chronic diseases, the data summarised in this review highlight that alcoholic beverage preferences, drinking patterns, dietary patterns and lifestyle should be studied together. Any future epidemiological studies should analyse the relationship between alcohol consumption and the abovementioned correlations with respect to impact on health.

Self-Rated Aversion to Taste Qualities and the PROP Taster Phenotype Associate with Alcoholic Beverage Intake and Preference

Consumers often identify “taste” as an important factor when selecting alcoholic beverages. Although it is assumed that reduced alcohol consumption in PROP super-tasters is due to a greater dislike of the nominally aversive sensations that they experience more intensely (e.g., bitterness) when compared to PROP non-tasters, this question has not been specifically asked to them. Therefore, we examined consumers’ self-reported aversion towards specific sensory attributes (bitter, hot/burn, dry, sour, sweet, carbonation) for four alcoholic beverage types (white wine, red wine, beer, spirits) using a convenience sample of U.S. wine consumers (n = 925). Participants rated 18 statements describing different combinations of sensory attributes and alcoholic beverages on a 5-point Likert scale (e.g., Beer tastes too bitter for me). Individuals who tended to agree more strongly with the statements (i.e., they were more averse; p(F) &lt; 0.05) tended to (i) consume less of all beverage types, (ii) consume a higher proportion of white wine (p(r) &lt; 0.05), and (iii) were more likely to be female or PROP super-tasters. The results suggest that self-reported aversion to specific sensory attributes is associated with not only lower overall intake of alcoholic beverages, but also a shift in the relative proportions of beverage type consumed; a key finding for studies investigating how taste perception impacts alcohol consumption.

Demographical, personality, alcohol use, and mental health characteristics associated with different alcoholic beverage preferences among students

The study investigates correlates (i.e. demographics, personality, alcohol use and alcohol-related harm, alcohol expectancies, and mental health) of different alcoholic beverage preferences (i.e. b...

Profiling Individual Differences in Alcoholic Beverage Preference and Consumption: New Insights from a Large-Scale Study.

Alcoholic beverage consumption plays an important role in European culture, and in many contexts drinking alcohol is socially acceptable and considered part of the diet. Understanding the determinants of alcohol preference and consumption is important not only for disease prevention, intervention, and policy management, but also for market segmentation, product development, and optimization. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of individual responsiveness to various oral sensations on self-reported liking and intake of 14 alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (including beers, wines, spirits, and cocktails) considering gender, age, and oral responsiveness (measured through response to 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil -PROP, basic tastes, astringency, and pungency) in a large sample of Italian consumers. Data were collected from 2388 respondents (age range 18–60 years; mean age = 37.6, SD = 13.1; 58.2% women). These results indicate that notwithstanding the strong gender difference, with women generally liking and consuming fewer alcoholic beverages than men, liking patterns in the two genders were similar. Three liking patterns for different alcoholic beverages largely driven by orosensory properties were identified in both genders. “Spirit-lovers” constituted the smallest group (12%), consumed alcoholic beverages of any kind (not only spirits) more than the other segments, and were mainly men aged 30–45. “Beer/wine lovers” (44%) were the oldest group with no difference by gender. “Mild-drink lovers” (44%) liked alcoholic drinks with intense sweet taste and/or mixers that moderate ethanol perception. They were mainly women, aged 18–29, had a lower consumption of alcohol, and a higher orosensory responsiveness than the other two groups. The results also suggest the opportunity to develop personalized recommendations towards specific consumer segments based not only on socio-demographics but considering also perceptive variables. Finally, our data suggest that increased burning and bitterness from alcohol may act as a sensory hindrance to alcoholic beverage overconsumption.

Changes in alcoholic beverage preference and consumption in Taiwan following accession to the World Trade Organization.

Given the growing concerns that international trade agreements may increase the supply of health-harming commodities, including alcohol, this study aimed to investigate the changes in alcoholic beverage preference and consumption after Taiwan's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). A before-and-after comparison analysis using data from two waves (1993-1996 and 2005-2008) of the Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT), before and after Taiwan's accession to the WTO in 2002. Taiwan. A total of 5031 and 2910 participants aged 19years or older in NAHSIT 1993-1996 and 2005-2008, respectively. Alcohol measures included beverage-specific preference, mean daily ethanol consumption, and heavy drinking. Logistic regression was used to estimate the prevalence rate ratios and rate differences of beverage preferences between the two waves and the risk ratios of heavy drinking associated with different beverage preferences. A reduced prevalence rate of drinkers who preferred rice spirits (prevalence rate ratio [PRR]=0.47; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.24, 0.91) and Asian wine (PRR=0.11; 95% CI = 0.04, 0.29) was found in contrast to an increase in the preference for fruit wine (PRR=2.90; 95% CI = 1.75, 4.79); the preference for Asian spirits showed a non-significant increase (PRR=1.63; 95% CI = 0.88, 3.02). Similarly, the mean daily ethanol consumption decreased for Asian wine and increased for Asian spirits. Compared with beer, an increased risk of heavy drinking was associated with rice spirits (adjusted risk ratio [aRR]=3.30; 95% CI = 1.68, 6.47) and Asian spirits (aRR=2.64; 95% CI = 1.38, 5.01). After Taiwan became a member of the World Trade Organization and abolished its alcohol monopoly in 2002, the pattern of alcoholic beverage preference changed markedly, including a decrease in drinkers who preferred rice spirits and Asian wine (53% and 89% decrease, respectively) and an increase in drinkers who preferred fruit wine and Asian spirits (2.9-fold and 1.6-fold increase, respectively).

Alcoholic beverage preferences among teenagers in Finland before and after the 2018 alcohol law change.

Aims:The alcohol law change in Finland in the beginning of 2018 was forecast to shift alcohol sales from alcohol monopoly stores to grocery stores. The trend of declining adolescent alcohol use was predicted to end. This study aimed to provide a more detailed view on under-age drinking change through analysing alcoholic beverage use preferences among 14 and 16 year olds in Finland from 2017 to 2019.Methods:Nationally representative surveys of adolescent health behaviours in Finland from 2017 (n = 2451) and 2019 (n = 2119) among 14 and 16 year olds were analysed using cross-tabulations and logistic regression modelling. Beverage data were coded from an open-ended question concerning the latest drinking occasion.Results:The proportion of 14 and 16-year-old girls reporting drinking alcohol was 41% in 2017 and 45% in 2019. The corresponding proportions among boys were 39% in 2017 and 43% in 2019. The share of alcohol consumed in the form of beer, alcopops and cider increased among girls from 55% to 75%, but the apparent increase among boys from 69% to 76% was not statistically significant. The only beverage type category that increased in popularity from the year 2017 to 2019 was alcopops.Conclusions:The law change bringing strong alcopops, beer and cider into grocery stores increased their consumption – especially among the under-aged. Comprehensive measures including taxation, restrictions on advertising and sales affecting the population total consumption are also likely to remain the keys to reducing alcohol consumption among adolescents. In addition, effective age-limit control and sanctions against neglecting age-restriction enforcement are needed.

Alcoholic beverage preferences and consumption among Polish professional athletes

PurposeConsumption of alcohol is known to decrease the exercise capacity and post-exercise regeneration rate of athletes. The aim of the study was to assess alcoholic beverage preferences and consumption frequency among professional athletes, stratified depending on sex, type of sports discipline, and masterclass.MethodsAn anonymous survey was conducted among 608 athletes (217 women and 391 men).ResultsMen showed greater preference for beer (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.001), and women for wine and cocktails (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.01). Team sports players showed greater preference for beer, vodka (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.001), and cocktails (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05) when compared with athletes involved in individual disciplines. Men were observed to consume beer and spirits (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.001) significantly more often, and women presented higher frequency scores for wine (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05). Team sports players consumed wine (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.01), beer, cocktails, and spirits (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.001) significantly more often than athletes practising individual disciplines. Individuals representing masterclass were found to consume wine, including dry wine, significantly more often than the representatives of other classes (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.01).ConclusionsThe relatively limited frequency of alcoholic beverage consumption and its structure among professional sportspeople are influenced by the athletes’ sex, type of sports discipline, and masterclass level.

Does it Matter What We Drink? Beverage Type Preference Predicts Specific Alcohol-Related Negative Consequences Among College Students

Background: College student substance use has been a problem for many years. In particular, heavy alcohol consumption can create issues with academics, social relationships, and overall functioning. Unitary measures of generic alcohol consumption (e.g., drinking frequency) are important predictors of alcohol-related negative consequences, but the small amount of specific-beverage research available suggests that assessing beverage type consumed may enhance prediction. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to expand knowledge of alcoholic beverage preference in relation to negative consequences and confirm the factor structure of the RAPI proposed by Martens et al. (2007) in a college student sample. Methods: In addition, the present study expanded current knowledge by assessing beverage preference type in relation to specific negative consequences on the RAPI. Results: Results replicated the three-factor structure originally found by Martens et al. (2007). Moreover, results found that individuals consuming shots of liquor or alcohol mixed with caffeine reported higher overall RAPI scores and higher scores on the Abuse/Dependence and Personal Consequences factors but not the Social Consequences factor than those consuming mixed drinks, beer, or wine. Conclusions/Importance: This research might inform discussions with incoming college freshman about not only alcohol consumption and negative consequences but the dangers of drinking specific types of alcohol beverages such as shots and/or alcohol mixed with caffeine.

The association between social characteristics, alcoholic beverage preferences, and binge drinking in a Serbian adult population.

Aim:To determine the association of sociodemographic characteristics and type of alcoholic beverage consumed during binge drinking in Serbia.Method:We conducted a secondary analysis of data from the 2014 national survey on Serbian lifestyles focusing on substance abuse and gambling. The sample consisted of 5385 individuals. The respondents were divided into non-binge drinkers and binge drinkers, according to the quantity of alcohol consumed during one occasion. Binge drinkers reported consuming more than 60 g of pure alcohol (7.5 units of alcohol) during one occasion at least once during the previous year.Results:The prevalence of binge drinking in the past year among 2676 female and 2709 male participants aged 18–64 years was 28.4%. The multivariate logistic regression model showed that binge drinkers were more likely to be male (95% CI 3.58–4.94), single (95% CI 1.01–1.53), to be former (95% CI 1.06–1.62) or current smokers (95% CI 1.57–2.19), and to consume more than one type of alcoholic beverage (95% CI 2.04–3.44). There was a negative association of binge drinking with age (95% CI 0.98–0.99), living outside Northern Serbia-Vojvodina region, and drinking only spirits (95% CI 0.39–0.93).Conclusion:Focusing on the positive association of sociodemographic factors and binge drinking could help policy makers create public health interventions against alcohol misuse. These interventions should be directed to males, smokers, and those who consume more than one type of alcoholic beverage.

Changes in Finnish adolescents' alcoholic beverage preferences 1999-2017.

Aims:The purpose was to examine the changes in alcoholic beverage preferences among 14- and 16-year-olds in Finland from the year 1999 to 2017. In addition, the effects of age, gender and drinking style on beverage preference was studied.Methods:Nationally representative surveys of adolescent health behaviours in Finland from 1999 (n = 4943) and 2017 (n = 2451) among 14- and 16-year-olds were analysed using cross-tabulations and logistic regression modelling. Beverage data were coded from an open-ended question concerning the latest drinking occasion.Results:While the prevalence of 14- and 16-year-old adolescents’ alcohol drinking was more than halved between 1999 and 2017, the popularities of different beverages did not change equally. Drinking beer, cider and strong beverages mirrored the total decrease, as did the drinking of several different beverage types at a time. Wine drinking decreased only a little and alcopops actually increased in popularity. Taking the amounts of pure ethanol in the beverages into account, the proportion of alcohol drunk in the forms of beer and cider decreased notably, and in the form of wine it decreased a little. Strong beverages increased their share of alcohol drunk, but the most notable increase was seen in the share of alcopops, which more than doubled their share of the pure ethanol drunk.Conclusions:Increased popularity of alcopops among the under-aged together with the recent alcohol law change increasing the availability of alcopops in Finland call for attention to be paid both to marketing and the control of age limits of these products.

Alcoholic beverage preference and in person with alcohol dependence: southern Tamil Nadu

Background: Very little is known about the types of alcoholic beverages and the relationship between beverage preference and possibility of developing alcohol dependence. The aim of this study was to determine the type of alcoholic beverages consumed by alcohol abusers who have been diagnosed for alcohol dependence and their relationship to the pattern of drinking.Methods: The study was performed on all clients visiting the psychiatric outpatient clinics of M.S. Chellamuthu Trust and Research Foundation, and Ahana Hospitals, Madurai, Tamil Nadu which comprises of mixed socioeconomic class. Subjects were screened for alcohol dependence using Alcohol use disorder questionnaire (AUDIT)” and validated with DSM IVTR criteria for alcohol dependence and their pattern of drinking. Study was limited to male subjects visiting these centres whose ages were between 18 to 60 years.Results: Among all types of beverages, brandy (64.28%) was the most commonly used beverage, followed by whisky (19.31%) and rum (7.14%), vodka (4.23%) or beer (3.96%) and with a very low affinity for wine (1.05%). Brandy appeared to be the most preferred alcoholic beverage in subjects who are alcohol dependent.Conclusions: Despite its ease of availability and affordability of brandy, there exists an increased preference in choice associated with risk taking behavioural pattern of drinking; further biological studies may be helpful to understand physiological mechanism of creating dependence. 

Alcohol Preferences and Event-Related Potentials to Alcohol Images in College Students.

Research on attentional biases to alcohol images has used heterogeneous sets of stimuli (e.g., an isolated beer can or a group of people drinking). However, alcoholic beverage preferences play an important part in determining an individual's alcohol use pattern and may influence attentional biases, especially for inexperienced drinkers. The current study examined whether alcoholic beverage preferences affect event-related potential (ERP) indices of cue reactivity to different types of alcohol images (e.g., beer, wine, and distilled spirits) in heavy episodic drinkers. ERPs were recorded in 14 heavy episodic drinkers (7 male) who completed a Go/No-Go task using preferred and nonpreferred alcohol images with nonalcoholic beverage images as controls. Larger N2 amplitudes for preferred alcohol images were observed relative to control images and to nonpreferred alcohol images, indicating increased attentional capture by preferred beverages. P3 amplitudes and latencies were not sensitive to preferences, but latencies were delayed and amplitudes were enhanced on No-Go trials (i.e., trials requiring response inhibition). These results suggest that alcoholic beverage preference is a factor influencing alcohol cue reactivity in heavy-episodic-drinking college students. This information has methodological significance and may also be applied to improve treatment and prevention programs that focus on attentional bias modification and inhibitory control training.

Trends in alcohol drinking among university students at the Polish University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn.

Aim:This article presents cross-sectional data collected from the population of first-year students at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn in 2000–2016. The aim of the study was to investigate changes in the following trends among university students after Poland’s accession to the European Union (2004): (1) alcohol consumption, (2) alcoholic beverage preferences, and (3) attitudes towards alcohol.Method:The study relied on data from anonymous surveys conducted every two years between 2000 and 2016 among a representative sample of first-year university students. A total of 9778 individuals (4264 males and 5514 females) completed anonymous questionnaires during the period under analysis. Statistical analyses were performed by comparing the frequency of answers given by male and female students in the first and last year of the study.Results:There was a steady linear decrease in the percentages of abstainers of both genders and a regular linear increase in the number of female students abusing alcohol to blackout level in the analysed period of 2000 to 2016. The respondents’ preferences for alcohol brands became more diversified (with foreign types of strong liquors becoming more popular), and their attitudes towards alcohol availability on campus were liberalised.Conclusions:Our data complement the gaps in empirical research on alcohol consumption among university students in European countries. They point to greater homogenisation of Polish drinking culture and convergence in male and female drinking behaviours.