Off-licences raise share of total beer sold in country

The share of beer sold in Irish pubs fell significantly in 2010, according to the Irish Brewers Association (IBA).

Despite the fact that the Irish beer market showed signs of stabilisation in 2010, following a decade of falling consumption, there was a marked shift in volumes from the on-trade to off-licences and supermarkets.

Commenting on the data, contained in the IBA’s Irish Beer Market 2010 report, Senior Executive Stephen Lynam said: "The report contains good news and bad news for Ireland’s brewing sector. Although sales are down, the decrease is relatively minor compared to recent years. The steady decline of the last ten years, which accelerated in 2008 and 2009 has slowed.

"Net exports are up, and production in Ireland’s breweries has increased as well.

"Unfortunately, the report shows the continuing decline of the pub sector. We already know that the pub trade has lost a quarter of its business in the last few years, and this has had a subsequent impact on beer sales. Simultaneously, we have seen an increase in beer sales in off-licences and supermarkets. 33% is sold in the off-trade, up from 29% in 2009.

“The report shows that for the first time beer’s share of the alcohol market has fallen below 50%."