BBPA publishes statistical handbook

31st August 2009, 8:40am

The British Beer & Pub Association is publishing a BBPA Statistical Handbook which will look at issues such as falling UK alcohol consumption, the rise of bottled and canned beer over draught, and the average price of a British pint.

BBPA and HM Revenue & Customs figures show that alcohol consumption fell in 2008, and is 6.1% lower than in 2004. In addition, BBPA figures have found that closure rates are now running at 52 per week. In 2008, draught sales slipped from 52% of the beer market to 49%.

Other statistics in the booklet reveal that a typical pint of lager costs £2.81 – up five pence on 2008. A typical pint of bitter now costs £2.49 – up eight pence.  And British consumption of alcohol per head remains in the mid range compared with our European neighbours. Britons drink less than the French, Germans, and Spanish, with the Czechs drinking the most per head, at 12.4 litres of alcohol, compared to the UK's 8.1 litres.

Acting chief executive David Long commented: "Our new Statistical Handbook will confound many of the myths surrounding trends in the UK drinks industry. Year on year, we are not drinking more.

"Nor is British beer getting stronger, with two thirds of our beer at or below 4.2 per cent strength, compared to the continental standard of 5 per cent.   These facts, along with thousands of others, make this publication an essential tool for anyone with an interest in an industry that is so vital to the UK economy."

Related Articles:

• 04 Feb 2010 - Pubs are still closing but at a slower rate, says BBPA
• 06 Jan 2010 - The British Beer & Pub Association appoints new director of brewing
• 09 Dec 2009 - Government makes five times more money from beer than pub companies
• 29 Oct 2009 - Beer sales slide continues to slow
• 30 Sep 2009 - Industry experts team up to host 'Save the Pub' quiz
• 25 Aug 2009 - BBPA appoints Brigid Simmonds as new chief executive
• 29 Jul 2009 - Beer sales are beginning to improve, says BBPA
• 22 Jul 2009 - Pub closures rise to record 52 a week
• 28 Apr 2009 - Beer sales continue to slide
• 08 Apr 2009 - Tax rises will result in pub job losses
• 23 Mar 2009 - Beer festival sells 'tax free pints'
• 18 Mar 2009 - New figures show 3.2% fall in alcohol consumption

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