Ireland: Draft beer sales fall 57% in January-September

Draught beer sales fell 57% between January and September of this year in Ireland, with Covid-19 restrictions resulting in extended closures of wet pubs and the hospitality sector, the Irish Examiner reported on December 17.

Drinks Ireland|Beer, the Ibec trade association which represents beer producers in Ireland, said sales of beer were down 15% between January and September 2020, compared to the same period last year.

The figures for draught beer sales were particularly sobering, down 57% during the nine month period, and down 93% during April, May and June when the country was in lockdown.

Jonathan McDade, Head of Drinks Ireland|Beer said despite some commentary to the contrary, these figures show consumption declined as a result of Covid-19 and the closure of pubs.

"Ireland’s beer sector has been hit particularly hard by Covid-19, because of the large proportion of beer usually consumed in the on-trade in Ireland," he added.

According to Drinks Ireland|Beer, around 63% of beer is usually sold in the on-trade in Ireland. This compares to a European average of 30%.

“This data demonstrates the knock-on impact that closures have had, not only on hospitality venues but also on their many suppliers and the wider business ecosystem in which they operate, including beer producers," he finished.

17 December, 2020