The Belgian brewing force, Interbrew, reported on July 4 that it intends to increase prices of its German beer portfolio. The company attributes the price increase to the effects of new German bottling laws and increased transport and raw material prices kick in. Hot weather had led to smaller wheat, barley and malt harvests, causing prices of the brewer's raw material to rise, Interbrew said. The company plans to raise wholesale prices of its Beck's, Haake Beck, Diebels and Dimix brands. The extent of the price rises was not revealed.

In January Interbrew raised the price of its beers in its domestic Belgian market by 2.5%, due to climbing malt prices.

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