Beer Blues – US And UK Beer Sales Continue To Fall

As worldwide alcohol consumption continues to trend downward, beer sales in the United Kingdom have dropped to their lowest point in two years and the US isn’t doing much better.

Here’s the deal…

According to a recent report from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) UK beer sales dropped by 1.7% for the first quarter and that’s following a 2017 where beer sales fell 88 million pints in the United Kingdom!

Not great news for a country where love of beer and pub-life was once an intrinsic part of its DNA…In fact beer sales in Britain’s pubs have fallen by their highest margin in five years, according to new figures.

Brigid Simmonds, the BBPA’s chief executive looks to UK tax increases as part of the problem…

“Beer sales experienced another fall at the beginning of the year… What’s still needed is a continued focus from the Government to reduce the tax burden on beer and pubs to ensure their success in the future.”

The industry body reportedly cited a 3.9% duty increase in March 2017, higher operating costs for pubs including business rates increases, and sharply rising employment costs as key reasons for the drop in sales.

Meanwhile back in the United States, things aren’t much better …

Overall alcohol consumption in the US dropped for a second consecutive year in 2017, and beer consumption in particular dipped by 1.1% in 2017 according to figures released by the IWSR.

“Just over 60% of the country’s adult population consumed alcoholic beverages, down from 65% the year prior,” the Drinks Business reports. “People are drinking less, largely due to health concerns and a prevalent wellness trend affecting all social sectors.”

And some business analysts are suggesting that the ongoing legalization recreational cannabis industry could spell even more bad news for the beer biz.

It’s all enough to make one want to drink…just not enough to keep the beer industry healthy in the US as well as in the UK.

Liquor/beer image credit: iStock 780767095