Italy: During 2004 each Italian consumed 29 litres of beer down 3.7% compared to 30,1 litres per capita beer consumption in 2003, and up 2.8% compared to 28.2 litres of beer consumed by each Italian in 2002, according to figures released by Assobirra, Italian association of beer and malt industry. Assobirra attributed the fall to unfavourable economic conditions.