Production of and international trade in alcoholic drinks : possible public health implications

This chapter summarizes the main developments in the production and international distribution of alcoholic drinks over the last 25 years. It does not claim to be comprehensive because of the disparate nature of the subject and the absence of a systematic survey of the available material. The aim is a modest one, namely to summarize the main trends and features of the market in alcoholic drinks and to examine the relevance of these developments for public health issues.