SOUTH KOREA: Weak economy hits beer sales

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 10 July 2006

Continued economic weakness in South Korea hit beer sales during the first half of the year, a trade association said today (10 July).

The Korea Alcohol & Liquor Industry Association said that over 92.6m boxes of beer were sold in the first six months of the year, a fall of 1.7%. Each box contains 20 500ml bottles, the Asia Pulse news agency reported.

However, the football World Cup finals in Germany had given a recent boost to beer sales, the association said. Sales rose 3.7% and 12% respectively in May and June.

The association added that Hite Brewery maintained its dominance of the South Korean beer market with a share of just under 61%. InBev-owned Oriental Brewery holds 39% of the market.

Sectors: Beer & cider

Companies: InBev