Switzerland: Beer sales increased by 1.7% in 2005/06

Beer sales have proven a small progress in Switzerland during the 2005/06 brewing year. Meanwhile, beer consumption is reported at only 20% of the levels attended in the ’90. At the same time the domestic beer production is under pressure more than ever.

According to the Switzerland Brewers Union, domestic beer sales have increased in 2005/06 by 1.7% reaching 4.229 million hl year-on-year. Per capita beer consumption has been reported to have increased by 0.9 l thus reaching 56.4 l.

Beer shipments which represent nearly 1% of the domestic beer output have increased by 47.2% reaching 33,551 hl.

Even if the national beer output progressed hardly, imports gained by 9.9% and totaled 774,331 hl. Their market share stood at 18.3% (+1.3 pp).

The Brewers Association relates this evolution to the continuous deterioration of the brewing sector in Switzerland. Profit margins and growing expenses put a heavy pressure on local brewers.

According to the Local brewers association, the entire brewing sector’s turnover stands at CHF1 billion. The Switzerland Brewers Association groups 19 companies with 21 brewing sites which cover over 98% of the domestic beer production.

15 November, 2006