Italy: Exports of Italian beer in 2003 increased by 38% up to 951 thousand hl of beer versus 2002 when Italy exported 689 thousand hl of beer, the national beer association Assobirra reported. Italian beer production rose by 7.1% from 12.59 million hl of beer in 2002 to 13.49 million hl of beer in 2003. Italian per capita consumption increased to 30 litres from 28.2 litres in 2002. Assobirra credited the hot summer of 2003 and beer’s image as “a healthy and natural brew.” Italy is the seventh largest beer producer in Europe, with 16 major breweries producing and distributing 120 brands.

04 February, 2004