Irish consumers pay the second highest rates of excise on beer in the European Union, eleven times greater than beer drinkers in Germany, according to the Irish Brewers Association (IBA), annual Beer Market Report for Ireland.
The research showed that excise tax in Ireland has gone up 42% in the past six years.
Jonathan McDade, Head of The Irish Brewers Association has called on the Government to support the sector by reducing the excise burden in Budget 2018.
The report also indicated that Irish beer exports were valued at over €280 million, up 23% in two years with 40% of beer produced in Ireland being exported.
"The real success story of the Irish brewing sector is that exports continue to thrive. Ireland already boasts production of some of the world’s most iconic beer brands and it is encouraging that Irish beer remains so popular in other markets,” he said.
McDade said that beer exports accounts for 20% of the total beverage exports while the sector continues to contribute enormously to the exchequer with domestic beer sales up marginally due to favourable tourism figures and population growth.
Beer remains Ireland's most popular alcoholic drink in 2016, with a 46.2% market share, a trend that has remained steady for the past six years.
© 2017 - Checkout Magazine by Donna Ahern
