rising cost of beer, consumers fear shortage

Germans consume an average of 106 liters of beer per year. For the past few weeks, they have been worrying: will there soon be a shortage? In the gigantic German breweries, such as near Dortmund, production continues, at the rate of 200,000 bottles per hour. But production costs are soaring, with an increase of one million euros just for gas. “We are experiencing an explosion of costs in the brewing sector, such as we have never experienced in recent decades, since the end of the Second World War”notes Ulrich Biene, of the Veltins brewery.

Gas is essential to heat the tanks, to more than 100°C. Faced with the risk of rationing, the boss plans to modify his machines, in particular by changing his steam system for a fuel system. Delivery costs are also exploding, just like glass or pallets. Many were made in Ukraine. The company has invested 30 million euros for a stock of empty bottles and capsules. For consumers, the effect is clearly visible on the bill. “Understandable”however, believes a customer.