Why are our wallets suddenly lighter? Oh yeah! Beer prices are up. And so are snack prices. And soda prices…
To blatantly rip off the Postal Service’s motto, it would appear that neither rain, nor sleet, nor hail nor economic malaise can slow the rise of beer prices. Brewers have to be happy about this. Are drinkers? We’re not even sure they’ve noticed. That’s where Lager Heads come in.
Beer prices were up 4 percent in May compared to the same month a year ago, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The agency recently released data on the “consumer price index” - basically, the standard measure of U.S. inflation.
According to analyst Mark Swartzberg of Stifel Nicolaus (hat tip for pointing out the data), the numbers support big brewers’ contention that pricing remains “favorable.” In other words, even though cost increases for raw materials, fuel and packaging are abating and many consumers are opting for cheaper brands, brewers are still able to raise prices.
And it ain’t just beer-makers, neither! Prices for carbonated soft drinks increased 7.7 percent in May, and snack prices rose 6.3 percent. So if you’re planning to stock that backyard barbecue with drinks and munchies, you’d better bring a little extra coin to the store.
(3 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
Loading ...
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 hope the price of beer, Cokes, Pepsi, other soft drinks and snacks all get so expensive than nobody can afford them. Those are the things that drive people to doctors and an early grave. And it is the fat pigs who seem to drink and eat the most of this crap.
People, you need to try something really good to drink. It’s called water!
It’s a free country, you moron, Jim Allen. Why don’t you mind your own damn business while I go looking for my Doritos and Budweiser.
Another liberal telling everyone else what to do!
Nice job, Jim Allen.
Get a life - if only everyone was as perfect as YOU!
A liberal or a Christian conservative. Either or. Nice way to make this a partisan issue once again. Good job Fred on jumping to conclusions. I can easily tell where you allegiance lies. Maybe it’s you who should get a life for judging ye who judges another.
How can you argue over this article? It’s just something to read while you wait for your morning coffee… It’s really not important…
How in the world can anyone argue over this article? Just because some people like snacks, soda and beer doesn’t mean they are “pigs.” Whatever happened to worry about yourself and I’ll worry about myself. Get a life.
Brewers are NOT happy about having the raise the price of their beer this year. This has been an agonizing decision for most, and was necessitated to try and recoup some of the money spent on hops and malted barley. The 2008 crop for the 2009 brewing year has had the highest price for both hops and malt that brewers have ever paid. Hops went up 400%, Malt prices doubled for many brewers.
I’m confused, this is an interesting piece of news, beer prices are up 4% when the CPI for all products is down 1.3% from May 2008.
http://www.bls.gov/cpi/
Why would you feed the trolls rather than discuss the issue.
And to be hypocritical, why would you read & comment on a blog called lager heads if you feel that way.
Does anyone know why prices would rise so dramatically in contrast to the overall trend? Or is it just what im guilty of, not checking beer prices & treating it like a staple. A tasty tasty staple.