Danes’ beer consumption decreased by 1.2% in 2002 compared to 2001, Danish tax authorities reported on March 17, 2003. Denmark registered maximum values of beer sales in 1994. Since then, beer sales steadily declined. The tendency is partly attributed to a growing preference for wine and as more Danes choose to buy their beer in Germany. “Every year, thousands of Danes travel to buy Danish beer in Germany where lower taxes makes it cheaper.” Only in December 2002, the consumption was 3.6% down versus December 2001.

Denmark's Carlsberg holds about 70% of the country's beer market. Bryggerigruppen and its partly owned Albani Bryggerierne and Harboes Bryggeri are among other major players in the country.

18 March, 2003