01.19.2009 9:35 am
Economic woes causing beer sales to slip?
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
The Associated Press thinks it has spotted a trend: economic weakness causing beer sales to slip worldwide. It cites the recent results of SABMiller, the London-based brewer that ranks as the world’s second-largest beer seller behind Anheuser-Busch InBev. SABMiller has encountered challenges in the U.S. beer market, which is growing slowly, and in Europe, where sales volumes are dropping. Meanwhile, Carlsberg of Denmark is cutting jobs.
At first glance, it would surprise us if the reason for slumping beer sales were weak economies. Beer is generally not that expensive. But we could be wrong about this — maybe people are cutting WAY back, starting with the six-packs.
Read the story here.
(1 votes, average: 3 out of 5)
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Jeremiah McWilliams is a native Virginian who came to the Post-Dispatch in early 2007 to cover beer and other consumer products. He previously covered manufacturing for the Virginian-Pilot newspaper in Norfolk, Va. He is a graduate of Washington and Lee University. 
I didn’t see anything in that article about smaller, craft breweries. I think the larger breweries have been losing out recently anyway, regardless of the economy.
I’m buying more beer, less wine.
I have dropped down in quanity and quality!
I have not purchased any beer since 1975. I wish everyone would follow me.
How else are we supposed to cope?
Why should anyone do something that silly, Jim? Unless you mean you only brew your own. That I could see.
I’m buying just as much beer and paying just as much for it, but I don’t buy A-B or Miller or Coors. The minute they start brewing some decent ales I might rethink my decision, but for now it’s Schlafly, Boulevard, Bell’s and about a dozen other smaller brewers that are getting my money. Them and Guinness.
Can’t afford to go out any more but I will not compromise my standards-it’s Guinness and Bass-at home. I tried the Bud Ale-it will do in a pinch. I probably am buying about the same, maybe a bit more.
Not being from this area originally I never imbibed with the local AB brands on a regular basis. Miller Lite was my choice and in a pinch, Mic Ultra tastes about the same and has no effect the next day. However, I am drinking quite a bit of Blue Moon Belgian White. With an orange slice, it’s quite good.
Cutting back? My habit was not out of control so I’d say no. I buy it 12 at a time and it’s around $15.
First, I compromised with Olde English. Then I went to wine, via Night Train. Now economics have forced me into fermenting orange halves in the darkness under my bed.