France: Last summer's heat wave saved French beer consumption from a 3% decline in 2003, according to Brasseurs de France. The sizzling weather of 2003’s summer was the main factor in a 2.6% increase in French beer consumption in 2003, to 21 million hectolitres versus 20.6 million hl in 2002. However, in the first five months of 2004, volumes declined 2.5% in comparison with the same period in 2003, French brewers association, Brasseurs de France said in a statement.

The figures are in keeping with the long-term trend, which has seen the French market decrease by 25% in volume terms over the past 25 years. The decline is sharpest in the cafes-hotels-restaurants sector where a 5% dip in volumes so far this year is largely put down to the steady reduction in the number of outlets. Brasseurs de France is planning a concerted marketing drive in 2005 to take the market out of the doldrums.

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