FDBusiness.com

The Brewers of Europe has published the 2014 European Beer Statistics, which reveal a brewing sector that continues to show signs of recovery, but still faces constraints to growth and investment.

The Secretary General of The Brewers of Europe, Pierre-Oliver Bergeron comments: “Our new data show that, despite a further decline in beer consumption in the EU in 2013, direct employment and exports remained stable, demonstrating that global demand for European beer remains high.”

In 2013, the number of active breweries expanded to well over 5,000 and continues to grow, with brewers responding to Europeans’ growing interest in the diversity and variety of beer. The beer sector is also responsible for 2 million jobs across the entire value chain, with one job in brewing creating one in agriculture, one in packaging and logistics, one in marketing and other services, one in retail and eleven in bars, pubs and restaurants.

Pierre-Oliver Bergeron adds: “One of the main challenges brewers continue to face is governments looking for short term solutions to the budget deficit, including through excise duty rises on beer. It is though interesting to note that, despite all the tax increases, beer excise duty revenues actually dropped in 2013. Thankfully, in 2014, a few countries have taken note of the valuable, long-term contribution a thriving beer sector can make to the overall economy, resisting the temptation to increase beer taxes or even cutting them to support a sector that creates jobs.”

Founded in 1958 and based in Brussels, The Brewers of Europe unties the national brewers’ associations from 29 European countries. The European Union currently has over 5500 active breweries, which together create over 2 million jobs.