E-Malt.com News article: Italy: Export of Italian beer soars in the first five months of this year

Exports of Italian beer increased by 27 percent over last year. Almost half was shipped to the UK, where the popularity of Italian craftsmanship is on the rise.

The data, released by Italian agricultural association Coldiretti, are based on the first five months of 2015.

Coldiretti reports exports of Italian beer worldwide tripled in the last decade despite the economic crisis, with the production of craft beer booming. The rise has contributed to the Italian economy, but also boosted employment, especially among under-35s, who are the most active in the sector.

Craft beer involves innovation, with certification of origin by 'zero kilometre' labels, specialty beers and bottles with particular shapes. This varied range appeals to over 30 million passionate beer drinkers in Italy, where annual consumption stands at 29 litres per capita. This consumption is very low compared to countries like the Czech Republic, with 144 litres per capita, Austria with 107.8, Germany with 105, Ireland with 85.6, Luxembourg with 85 and Spain with 82.

Italian beer production is supported by a national barley crop of about 860,000 tonnes (in 2014) on a total area of about 226,000 hectares.

Some 90,000 tonnes of the barley are used to make beer in Italy.


22 August, 2015