Beer sales could be improving, says BBPA

28th January 2010, 8:44am

UK beer sales could be shaking off the recession, says the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA).

UK beer sales are showing signs of lifting out of the recessionary slump, according to the BBPA's latest UK Quarterly Beer Barometer.

Figures show that total sales – pubs and supermarkets – for the last three months of 2009 fell by 3.6%, the lowest fourth quarter fall since 2006.

Sales for the whole of 2009 fell by 4.2%, compared with 5.5% in 2008. Sales in pubs, bars and restaurants were down 5% in the final three months of 2009 compared with the same period in 2008 – the lowest final quarter fall since 2006. Sales for the whole of 2009 were down 5.2% – an improvement on the 9.3% slump in 2008 and 6.5% fall in 2007.

Despite signs of stabilisation within the sector, these declines are still having a significant effect on Government revenues. Income from beer tax in 2009 is down £258 million compared with 2008, despite duty rates being considerably higher.

Brigid Simmonds, BBPA chief executive, commented: "These figures show a sector starting to claw its way out of a recessionary slump. They also signal the most significant driver of problems in the pub sector over the last 12 to 18 months has been the down turn in the economy and the slide into recession, along with duty increases of over 20%. As the economy moves into recovery, so will the beer and pub sector.  In fact, as in previous recessions, it may emerge first and fastest."

She added: "However, it's too early to say whether these indicators of fragile recovery will turn into a trend, particularly when we await to see the impact of shocks such as the VAT increase and big freeze of this month."

Related Articles:

• 23 Jan 2012 - Beer sales continued to decline in 2011, finds latest UK Beer Barometer
• 18 Jul 2011 - BBPA introduces unit awareness poster campaign
• 04 May 2011 - New director of public affairs at British Beer & Pub Association
• 27 Apr 2011 - The decline in pub sales has slowed, says BBPA
• 16 Mar 2011 - A total of 25 pubs are closing every week, says BBPA
• 09 Mar 2011 - New alcohol consumption figures prove the need for beer duty freeze, says BBPA
• 30 Jul 2010 - Hike in beer sales thanks to World Cup and good weather
• 08 Jul 2010 - Hospitality Industry calls on government for fairer rules to tackle competition from supermarkets
• 02 Jul 2010 - BBPA scoops top prize at Trade Association Forum Best Practice Awards
• 02 Jun 2010 - BBPA issues guidance to pubs for World Cup
• 21 May 2010 - Pub beer sales drop by 8.8%, says BBPA
• 23 Mar 2010 - 67% of British public want Government to scrap beer tax increase
• 01 Mar 2010 - BBPA produces guide for pubs during British Tourism Week
• 04 Feb 2010 - Pubs are still closing but at a slower rate, says BBPA
• 29 Oct 2009 - Beer sales slide continues to slow
• 28 Sep 2009 - Two-thirds of a pint measure set to be introduced
• 29 Jul 2009 - Beer sales are beginning to improve, says BBPA

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