Ireland: Draft beer sales fall 57% in January-September
Draught beer sales fell 57% between January and September of this year in Ireland, with Covid-19 restrictions resulting in extended closures of wet pubs and the hospitality sector, the Irish Examiner reported on December 17.
Drinks Ireland|Beer, the Ibec trade association which represents beer producers in Ireland, said sales of beer were down 15% between January and September 2020, compared to the same period last year.
The figures for draught beer sales were particularly sobering, down 57% during the nine month period, and down 93% during April, May and June when the country was in lockdown.
Jonathan McDade, Head of Drinks Ireland|Beer said despite some commentary to the contrary, these figures show consumption declined as a result of Covid-19 and the closure of pubs.
"Irelands beer sector has been hit particularly hard by Covid-19, because of the large proportion of beer usually consumed in the on-trade in Ireland," he added.
According to Drinks Ireland|Beer, around 63% of beer is usually sold in the on-trade in Ireland. This compares to a European average of 30%.
This data demonstrates the knock-on impact that closures have had, not only on hospitality venues but also on their many suppliers and the wider business ecosystem in which they operate, including beer producers," he finished.
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