Italy: Italy sets new records for beer production, export and consumption in 2019
Italy set new records for beer production, export and consumption last year, according to AssoBirra's Annual Report for 2019.
Production increased for the third year running, up by 5% on 2018, to 17.2 million hl. According to the report, Italy is now the ninth biggest beer producer in Europe, accounting for 4.5% of total beer produced.
The increase in production has boosted the entire sector, including small producers, which number about 850 and collectively saw 3.8% growth compared to 2018.
Italy also set a new domestic consumption record, exceeding 20 million hl (+2.6% on 2018), with per head consumption increasing from 33.6 to 34.6 litres.
Exports were also up (+13%) to 3.5 million hl, especially to countries with a strong brewing tradition, such as the UK (46% of the total), the USA (9.7%) and Australia (8%).
The positive performance of the sector has also translated into an increase in employment, with more than 3,300 indirect and direct jobs created in Italy last year.
However, since year-end Italy’s beer sector has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected many sectors of the economy as well as medium-term growth.
The Italian beer industry association has requested government support for the entire supply chain through a reduction of excise duties.
The sector has also appealed for support for the HoReCa channel, through a contribution of liquidity for individual operators, including a tax credit on the purchase of beer in kegs. This channel accounts for over €5.7 billion of the €9 billion value generated by the beer industry.
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