Czech beer exports show record fall in 2010

Exports of beer from the Czech Republic decreased last year by 12% to 2.9m litres, according to the country's Breweries and Malt Manufacturers Association.

It is the biggest annual fall since since the Czech Republic's birth in 1993, following a split from neighbouring Slovakia.

Representatives of major Czech breweries are convinced that the drop is due to the global economic recession. A spokesperson for Pivovary Staropramen told just-drinks 75% of the brands exported are lagers, which are relatively expensive for consumers compared to domestic beers.

Despite a drop in overall exports, however, Czech brewer Budejovický Budvar yesterday (20 January) reported record export volumes for 2010.

The Czech Republic is the world’s sixth biggest exporter of beer. The biggest exporter is the Netherlands, followed by Germany, Belgium, the UK and Ireland.