The Irish Brewers' Association (IBA), the representative voice for the brewing industry in Ireland, has today released its annual Beer Market Report for Ireland, which shows that production in the sector is up 6%, the first occasion since 2011 that beer production has risen.
Irish beer exports are also on the rise, with the report saying that they are up 16% and are valued at over €265 million with 43% of beer produced Ireland being exported. Also showing signs of improvement is the craft beer sector, with an estimated 2% of total beer market share in 2015, up from 1.2% in 2014.
Beer remains Ireland’s most popular alcoholic drink, with a 47% market share, a trend that has remained steady for the past five years. The report also shows that a higher percentage of consumers are drinking stout (up from 31.1% to 33.4%) and ale (up from 5.9% to 6.2%).
At the launch of the report this evening (23rd August), the IBA promises to call on the Government to reduce excise, which has increased by 42% in the past four years, meaning Ireland how was the third highest excise on beer in the EU as well as the most expensive alcohol in Europe.
Jonathan McDade, Head of the Irish Brewers Association said: “The Irish Brewers Association’s new report highlights the important role that the brewing sector has in supporting the Irish economy. Beer production is up, exports are up, direct employment remains steady and the sector continues to contribute enormously to the exchequer, particularly through excise. Even though consumption in Ireland has fallen marginally, (by 2%) beer remains Ireland’s favourite beverage with 47% market share.
“Irish consumers pay the third highest rates of excise on beer in the European Union, eleven times greater than beer drinkers in Germany. Excise is a tax on jobs, tourism and the hospitality sector and we call on the government to reduce excise on Ireland’s hard pressed consumers," he concluded.
© 2016 - Checkout Magazine by Niall Swan
