The world per annum sales of all kinds of beer (including nonalcoholic) are evaluated at more than US$ 352 billion. Compared to this figure the market of dark beer is relatively small – about US$6.3 billion. However, this figure may change next years. Moreover, South Africa may outrun the leaders of dark beer consumption: Ireland (269 million litres per year absolute expression) and United Kingdom (248 million litres). According to a Datamonitor statement, that may happen by 2006. In 2002 South Africa took the third place on dark beer consumption (177 million litres per year). Till then the third place has been taken by USA. For the comparison, Ireland consumes 76 litres of dark beer per annum per capita, South Africa – 4.5 litres, USA – 0.5 litres.

28 March, 2003