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Fewer parties, fewer celebrations, fewer meetings, less alcohol. Breweries notice it too. Due to the corona pandemic, they are having a lot of trouble keeping beer drinkers at bay. Barley juice sales fell 2.2 percent in the last year of production.
Converted into beer bars, that’s 34 million fewer drinks between October 1, 2019 and September 30, 2020 compared to the same period last year. Total sales were down to 4.6 million hectoliters. “Unfortunately, under the prevailing restrictions, the common and carefree enjoyment of social drinking beer in all its diversity is no longer fully possible,” says Nicolo Paganini (54), president of the Swiss Brewery Association (SBV) and National Councilor. of the CVP.
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“The current winter looks like zappendum”
This is mainly at the expense of the Swiss breweries. Its sales were down 4.8 percent. According to the association’s press release, things remained fairly “passable” until the close of spring. Then sales collapsed: restaurants, bars closed and the cancellation of many sporting events such as the European Football Championship, the World Ice Hockey Championship or wrestling festivals caused a massive drop in consumption. Concerts, open-air and other cultural events were also canceled.
Breweries that sell mainly to catering establishments were particularly affected. There are breweries that make 90 percent of their sales in the catering sector, comments the director of the SBV, Marcel Kreber (51) to the AWP news agency. The industry is now facing a harsh winter: “This winter looks very dark,” he said. In October, beer sales were already more than 10 percent lower than the previous year. November is getting worse. Now it’s going to be difficult. “
There is more drink at home
There is good news too: the Swiss are drinking more beer at home. Retail beer sales increased 7.6 percent. Customers mainly sought foreign beers. For the first time in six years, there was an increase in imported beer of 6.9 percent. This means that the share of restaurants in total consumption has fallen to 30%, while retail has increased to 70%.
Corona has apparently made the Swiss more health conscious. According to the ad, 10.3 percent more people bought non-alcoholic beers, and the trend is on the rise. A recovery in the industry is only expected when Corona and protective measures finally no longer play a role. Beer lives from social life and coexistence, says director Kreber. “It takes time and confidence before the joy of beer returns.” (vnf)
