Ireland’s beer sector significantly impacted by Covid-19 as pub closure sees draught sales decline by 57% between January and September

Ireland’s beer sector has been significantly impacted by Covid-19 this year, as a result of the extended closure of the hospitality sector, according to Drinks Ireland|Beer.

The Ibec trade association, which represents beer producers in Ireland, released figures from Revenue which show that sales of beer were down by 15% between January and September 2020, compared with the same period last year.

The figures show that draught beer sales were particularly hard-hit, as they take place in the on-trade. They fell by 57% during this period (Q1-Q3), compared to 2019.

Looking specifically at April to June, the figures show that draught beer sales fell by 93%.

Ireland’s beer sector has been hit harder than its EU counterparts. According to Drinks Ireland|Beer, around 63% of beer is usually sold in the on-trade in Ireland. This compares to a European average of 30%.

Jonathan McDade, Head of Drinks Ireland|Beer said:

“These figures show that despite some commentary to the contrary, consumption declined as a result of Covid-19 and the closure of pubs. Ireland’s beer sector has been hit particularly hard by Covid-19, because of the large proportion of beer usually consumed in the on-trade in Ireland.

“This data demonstrates the knock-on impact that closures have had, not only on hospitality venues, but also on their many suppliers and the wider business ecosystem in which they operate, including beer producers.”