• New partnership promotes evidence-based actions to reduce harmful alcohol consumption.
• Reports, infographics, and an educational website were also launched to promote responsible drinking.

The Asia Pacific International Spirits and Wines Alliance (APISWA) and partner associations launched the inaugural Moderation Week campaign across Asia Pacific (APAC). Over 18 representatives from trade associations of spirits, wines, and beer producers participated, signalling their commitment to promoting responsible drinking across the region.

The campaign includes a range of educational initiatives to tackle harmful drinking and promote responsible alcohol consumption across Asia Pacific, including a new Responsible Drinking APAC website.

While significant progress has been made in reducing harmful drinking, there remain challenges across the region, such as the issue of heavy episodic drinking. To tackle this, APISWA’s Moderation Week advocates for targeted initiatives and stronger consumer education. It calls for:

• The introduction of a Legal Purchase Age (LPA) in all markets. The report calls for setting the LPA at 18 years old, aligning with regional standards. 
• Establishing a definition of “Standard Drink” and development of “National Drinking Guidelines”. Several APAC markets lack clear guidelines, exacerbating consumer confusion around responsible drinking.
• Focusing on specific actions to tackle illicit alcohol sales, including by improving enforcement, streamlining taxation, and supporting local compliant businesses.

Throughout Moderation Week, APISWA and its partners will introduce educational content to empower consumers to make informed, responsible choices on alcohol consumption. The Road to 2030: A Partnership Approach to Reducing Harmful Alcohol Consumption outlines progress made to date towards the World Health Organization’s goal of a 20 percent reduction in harmful alcohol consumption by 2030 and identifies areas for further action.

A new social media campaign, ‘Too Much of a Good Thing’, also launches this week, fronted by influential lifestyle figures across Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam. The video series promotes informed drinking choices aligned with balanced lifestyles. As part of the initiative, the new Responsible Drinking APAC website and Facebook page will provide science-based insights on alcohol’s effects on health, standard drink measurements, as well as responsible consumption tips. It also offers self-assessment tools, country-specific guidelines, and professional support resources.

As part of the partnership, a Memorandum of Understanding between APISWA and the China Alcoholic Drinks Association (CADA) aimed at sharing best practices in addressing harmful consumption of alcohol has also been signed.

Commenting, Tim Wallwork, APISWA Chair, said:

“Harmful drinking remains a notable public health challenge, and the industry has a significant role to play in a partnership approach to harm reduction. Moderation Week is a testament to the power of partnership, aiming to bring together governments, civil society, and the private sector to deliver meaningful change. Together, we can foster a culture of moderation, empower consumers to make informed choices, and work towards the WHO’s goal of a 20 percent reduction in harmful drinking by 2030.”

About the Asia Pacific International Spirits and Wines Alliance

The Asia Pacific International Spirits and Wines Alliance (APISWA) is a coalition of leading global spirits and wine companies committed to promoting responsible drinking and advocating for evidence-based policies that support a fair, sustainable, and well-regulated alcohol industry. APISWA works closely with governments, industry partners, and civil society to reduce harmful drinking and foster a culture of moderation across the Asia-Pacific region. Through education, advocacy, and collaboration, APISWA champions initiatives that promote responsible consumption, combat illicit alcohol, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the sector.

For more information, visit https://apiswa.org

¹ Markets include: Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Philippines, Australia and New Zealand

² The campaign is backed by alcohol industry groups, including Bacardi, Brown Forman, Campari, Diageo, Edrington, Moët Hennessy, Pernod Ricard, Proximo, Remy Cointreau, Suntory Global Spirit,s and William Grant & Sons. Local trade associations supporting the campaign include the Vietnam Beer-Alcohol-Beverage Association (VBA), Wine Spirit and Beer Importers and Distributors Association (WSBIDA), Foreign Spirits Producers Association (FSPA), China Alcoholic Drinks Association (CADA), International Spirits and Wines Association of India (ISWAI), Indonesia Spirit and Wine Alliance (ISWA), Japan Spirits and Liqueur Makers Association (JSLMA), Malaysia Welfare Association of Liquor Importers and Distributors (PKPPMKM), Alcoholic Beverages Alliance of the Philippines (ABAPI), Singapore Nightlife Business Association (SNBA), Korea Alcohol and Liquor Industry Association (KALIA), Korea Wines & Spirits Importers Association (KWSIA), Taiwan Alcohol Beverage Association (TABA), Taiwan Beverage Alcohol Forum (TBAF), Thai Alcohol Beverage Business Association (TABBA), Thai Foundation For Responsible Drinking (TFRD), Alcohol Beverages Australia and Spirits New Zealand.