This year’s Annual Market Report by the Irish Brewers Association (IBA) shows a 7% rise in the export of beer, increasing from 43% in 2012 to 50% in 2013.
The report also shows that beer has a market share of 47%, maintaining its place as Ireland’s most popular alcoholic drink.
Furthermore, IBA’s market review highlights that there are a large number of new brewers attempting to enter the market, although this potential growth may be stunted by the recent increased excise on alcohol. Export growth has also resulted in increased employment in the brewing sector, with direct employment currently at 1,934 (up from 1,506), as well as the sector supporting over 3,000 farming families.
Thomas Burke, senior executive of the IBA commented, "The IBA 'Irish Beer 2013' report highlights the important role that the brewing sector has in the Irish economy, with beer production remaining the most important sector within the drinks industry in terms of indigenous manufacturing, providing jobs in major brewing facilities throughout the country. It is a sector which has continued to show resilience despite extremely difficult trading conditions in the last 12 months."
Burke added that the increased employment driven by export rise has "offset domestic market contraction somewhat. The sector continues to make a huge contribution to the Irish economy both directly and indirectly with close to 2,000 direct employees and thousands more jobs supported from grain to glass.
"The last two years has seen beer duty increase by a staggering 42%. These increases have put the sector at risk, which is extremely worrying at a time when we are seeing encouraging signs of a 'beer renaissance' emerging. The Government must now support this sector of the economy by reducing the excise burden and allowing these emerging breweries to achieve their huge potential.
"We would urge the Government; reverse excise, create jobs," Burke concluded.
© 2014 - Checkout Magazine by Emily Horne.
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