Europe: Third corona wave reduces beer sales in Q1

The third corona wave with a locked gastronomy throughout the EU has reduced beer sales again in the first quarter of the year, H. M. Gauger GmbH reported earlier in May.

As before, large brewers did better by adjusting quickly their distribution to off-premise channels, while small breweries suffer badly from the loss of the hospitality sector.

Progress of vaccination and the return to normal life had been slow. A hopeful sign comes from the UK: when pubs and bars were permitted to open their terraces and gardens on April 12, more than 10 mln people rushed in to enjoy their first drinks amongst friends.