Swiss beers increased their share in a market whose overall growth declined slightly in 2018/19. The third-warmest summer on record gave the figures a boost.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/ts
Português
pt
Os cervejeiros suíços levantam um copo para o verão quente
After hopping up by 1.8% in 2017/2018, the beer market increased by 1% to 4.7 million hectolitres over the past financial year, which ran to the end of September.
Sales of domestic breweries increased by 2.3% to over 3.68 million hectolitres and their market share increased by 1.1 percentage points to 77.8%, the Swiss Brewery AssociationExternal link (SBA) said on Tuesday. The volume of imported beer fell by 3.5% to 1.05 million hectolitres.
According to initial SBA calculations, per capita consumption remained stable at around 55 litres. Sales of non-alcoholic beer jumped 7.4%.
In its press releaseExternal link, the SBA highlighted the correlation between beer sales and “hot and sunny” weather, saying monthly weather statistics supported this. The summer of 2019 was the third-warmest in Switzerland since records began, it said.
Big choice
However, the sun is not the only reason for beer’s popularity in Switzerland. There is also the increasing variety.
The days when you could drink whatever you liked as long as it was lager are over. SBA president Markus Zemp estimates that 4,000-5,000 beers are probably brewed in Switzerland.
While ten years ago around 60% were sold in restaurants and 40% in the retail trade, the situation now is the other way round, says SBA managing director Marcel Kerber. This development is connected to the introduction of smoking bans in public places, he added.
The SBA said brewing seminars, beer hikes and beer sommeliers were also contributing to the growing popularity of this traditional drink.
The association said it is also committed to promoting young talent. At present, 35 apprentices are completing their three-year training as food technologists with a focus on brewing beer.
This content was published on
Overall alcohol consumption is stable but the share of people who got drunk at least once a month has increased over the past decade.
New gel developed in Zurich renders alcohol harmless
This content was published on
A newly developed gel composed of whey proteins breaks down alcohol in the body and could reduce its harmful and intoxicating effects in humans.
Pro-Palestine protests extend to Basel and Fribourg universities
This content was published on
Demonstrators called for an academic boycott of all Israeli institutions and disassociation with Chaim Weizmann, the first Israeli president.
This content was published on
In many cases, China's use of AI undermines the national security of the US and its allies, according to a US government representative.
Swiss Hells Angels trial alleges rape and money laundering
This content was published on
An allegedly high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is accused of money laundering totalling millions and rape, among other serious crimes.
SWISS is airline ‘group flagship’ says Lufthansa boss
This content was published on
Despite challenges, Lufthansa and its most important subsidiary, Swiss International Airlines, promise increased satisfaction and continued growth.
Swiss rediscover communist zeal after 84-year hiatus
This content was published on
Over 300 participants founded the Revolutionary Communist Party (RKP) at its congress in Burgdorf in canton Bern at the weekend.
This content was published on
Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Micro-breweries battle for space in growing Swiss beer market
This content was published on
Switzerland’s love of beer is driving a boom in local craft beer brewers. Now home to more than 1,000 breweries, is there a risk of market saturation?
Swiss brewery defends choice of Nepalese monarch on beer bottle
This content was published on
A brewery in Zurich had no idea that choosing a former Nepalese king to grace a seasonal beer would cause a diplomatic row.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.