Switzerland: The Swiss drank less beer last year. Beer consumption per capita decreased 0.7 litres (or 0.4%) in 2003/04 brewing year and reached 57.5 litres, The Swiss Association of Breweries(SSB) announced on November 16. However this figure is considered as ‘satisfactory’ as it is higher than the figures obtained in 2001/02 (56.6 litres per capita) and in 2000/01 (57.4 litres per capita). During brewing year ended 30 September 2004, 4,28 million hl of beer were sold. That represents a decline of 0,4% compared to the previous year.

The local beer production decreased by 1,8% to 3.58 million hl. On the other hand, the imports increased 6.9% to 698.54 thousand hl. The Swiss beers account for 83,7% of the market, while imported beer for 16.3% of the market. The brewing year started well, the association said, but the summer months, were definitely less favorable than during the previous year. It should be noted that the national budget profited from a contribution of 104,5 million francs from the special tax on beer.

Swiss beer exports decreased by 10.8% to 22 405 hl in 2003/04 versus previous year. This level remains more marginal, since it accounts for only 0.62 % of the total.

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