World: Beer consumption increased by 2.9% in 2005 and the forecast is of 3% in 2006

World’s beer sales increased by around 2.9% in 2005, according to Plato Logic’s World Beer Report. Beer consumption in Eastern Europe registered a growth of 6.3% in 2005.

The West European beer market, which accounts for 19% of world sales, shrank in 2005 and is predicted to fall to 16% of global beer sales by 2011, according to a report from Canadean. Similarly the North American market, which represents 16% of total beer sales, saw a downturn and by 2011 is expected to fall to 13% of sales.

In 2006 another 3% increase of beer consumption worldwide is predicted. It is expected that by 2015, 2bn hl of beer will be consumed worldwide. More than 67% of the beer is sold for home consumption.

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