Austria: Austria’s beer makers brewed about 8.88 million hectolitres of beer in 2004, a 2.5% decrease compared to 2003. According to the statement of the chairman of the Austrian brewery association, Johann Sulzberger, from February 15, beer exports for 2004 were down by 17% year-on-year, to 458,000 hectolitres. Sulzberger forecast beer output is to remain unchanged or to rise slightly in 2005.

Austria’s per capita consumption fell to 108.2 litres during 2004, compared to 110.6 litres in 2003. Domestic consumption also decreased, by 2.5% to 8.42 million hectolitres, Sulzberger said.

The figures for beer imports are not yet available, however it is expected that they will register an increase of between 3% and 5% for the year, from 550,000 hectolitres in 2003.

16 February, 2005