Turkey: Turkish beer output rises by 17 %, though alcohol consumption falls by 12%

Although the production of alcoholic beverages increased in 2008, official consumption rate shows a 12 per cent drop, Turkish Daily News published on August 20.

The government’s campaign (banderole practice) to combat the counterfeit production begun in November 2007 has reflected negatively on consumption, analysts say.

According to the report of Nielsen - a company that analyzes sectors' performances - consumption of alcoholic beverages decreased by 12 percent in the first half of 2008. The report revealed that this year's decline is tenfold on last year's. Nielson analysts state that this fall is a result of the 23.8 percent increase in alcohol prices, as well as the government’s banderole practice.

As for beer production in Turkey, the country’s Tobacco Products and Alcoholic Beverages Market Regulatory Authority said beer output increased 17 percent reaching 200 million litres.

22 August, 2008