Higher tax and falling consumption have led to the loss of one in ten jobs in Europe's brewing and hospitality sector between 2008 and 2010, according to Brewers of Europe.
The number of jobs linked to the production and sale of beer fell by 12%, or 226,000, between 2008 and 2010, the trade body said in its latest report on the European brewing sector. Most of the job cuts have taken place in the on-trade, with more consumers drinking beer at home, Brewers of Europe said.
Its report highlights a trend of falling consumption across the region. Overall beer consumption in Europe fell by 8% in the two-year period, to 343m hectolitres, with the UK and Central & Eastern Europe showing some of the biggest falls.
Brewers of Europe said that higher duty tax on beer in many countries has exacerbated weak consumer confidence. Government revenue from the beer and hospitality sector, including from value added tax, duty tax and income tax, has fallen by 6% since 2008, it said.
For the full report, click here.
Sectors: Beer & cider
