The German Brewers’ Association has warned of a wave of bankruptcies among German breweries. During the energy crisis, the situation in the industry deteriorated dramatically, explained the general manager of the association, Holger Eichele, in Berlin. “If the federal and state governments don’t succeed in capping the prices for gas and electricity quickly and effectively, many companies in the manufacturing sector will not see the turn of the year.”
After the sales crisis during the corona pandemic, the high energy prices are now affecting the companies, Eichele described the situation. Although sales have recently stabilized, the high costs have led to severe losses. “2022 will be one of the blackest years in our history, and unfortunately the prospects for 2023 are bleak,” said Eichele at a joint event with the Association of Beer Sommeliers.
In the past two years, the number of breweries in Germany has fallen for the first time in a long time. At the end of 2021 there were still 1512 breweries, 40 fewer than two years earlier. The association of certified beer sommeliers, which meets in the capital at the weekend, also takes care of more variety and an improved beer culture. Managing Director Nicola Buchner pointed out the increasing proportion of women: With 629 sommeliers, they already make up 37 percent of the members in the association.
