Beer sales go flat as economy worsens

Beer sales go flat as economy worsens
Oct 28, 2008 04:30 AM


Britons may be reeling from the global financial crisis, but few are crying into their beer. Suds sales are falling as the economy worsens, defying predictions that consumers would buy their brew at supermarkets to escape higher prices at pubs.

The British Beer and Pub Association said yesterday that total beer sales fell about 7 per cent in the third quarter – 161 million fewer pints compared with the same period in 2007.

Sales in pubs have been falling for years, leading to the closing of hostelries around the country. Now the association's Quarterly Beer Barometer reveals the downturn has broadened to supermarket sales.

Grocery and liquor store sales fell 6 per cent between July and September compared with the year-ago period, behind the 8.1 per cent drop at pubs, bars and restaurants.