German beer exports increased in the first six months of the year versus the same period in 2002, government figures showed on October 2. The volume of foreign sales of beer rose by 6.8 % from 4.9 million hectolitres to 5.3 million hectolitres. The exports were worth €363.1 million, up 5 %, the Federal Statistical Office said. Italy was the biggest market for German beer in the first six months of the year, spending €90.6 million, 18 percent more than in the same period last year. Britain (€47.7 million, minus 3.8 percent) was second biggest importer, followed by Spain (€21.8 million, minus 4.6 %) and France (€21.6 million, plus 7.5%).

03 October, 2003