BERLIN (DPA, CONVERSEER) – Beer in Germany could soon become more expensive, with a majority of major brewers hiking their prices, an analysis has found.
Six of the 10 most consumed beer brands in Germany are currently, or will be, affected by price increases, analysis by trade magazine Inside has found.
Many small breweries have also increased their prices. However, it remains to be seen to what extent the price increases will be passed on to consumers.
Inside publisher Niklas Other told dpa that given the significant overcapacity in the German brewing industry, retailers have an easy time purchasing beer at the best price.
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Retailers often offer the most popular beer, pilsner, at promotional prices significantly below standard prices, Other said. This means consumers can still buy beer in stores at prices they did decades ago.
“Beer sales are indeed under more pressure than ever,” Other said. Less beer is being consumed and people are socializing less.
Non-alcoholic beverages are also becoming more expensive.
German market leader Coca-Cola increased its prices on September 1. According to the company, the price increases for customers in the retail and take-away markets are in the low single-digit percentage range on average for all products and packages.
(dpa)
