The Germans beer consumption in 2003 is forecasted to drop by 10%, versus to the same figures last year, the association of German beer brewers Deutscher Brauer-Bund reported. Germany is the third largest consumer of beer in Europe, after the Czech Republic and Ireland. The arrival of the compulsory deposit on disposable tins and plastic bottles for beer and soft drinks has hit sales, according to the association. The decline could also be aggravated by possible price increase from brewers to cover the costs of the increasing share of the beer sold in reusable bottles.

24 April, 2003