EU: The Brewers of Europe welcome new report recognizing the job-generating potential of the beer sector

The Brewers of Europe have welcomed a new report adopted by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) that recognizes the potential of the beer sector to generate jobs and growth.

This new report calls on EU policymakers and member states to back the beer sector. It presents the important role of the brewing sector in providing jobs both as a direct employer and as part of the hospitality sector value chain.

According to the report, breweries in the EU provide over 128,800 direct jobs and that two million jobs can be attributed to the sale of beer, about 1% of all EU jobs.

The Brewers of Europe secretary general Pierre-Olivier Bergeron said that the new report shows that Europe's brewers remain global leaders and that they have adapted in the face of economic crisis.

"However, the report makes clear that there is untapped potential in our sector and that supportive taxation and trade policies, along with full recognition of the important role of the hospitality sector, can help us maintain our global standing and provide growth and jobs," Bergeron added.

The report also provides recommendations on how brewing companies and policymakers can manage 21st century challenges in the areas of market and structural trends, taxation, international trade, employment, environmental sustainability, corporate responsibility, research, education and innovation.

18 October, 2013