The Irish Brewers Association has lauded the Irish craft beer scene. Ahead of this weekend's Irish Craft Beer and Cider Festival in the RDS, the Association heralded the Irish craft beer renaissance, before arguing that the fantastic growth the craft sector has experienced of late should be supported by the Government.
Tom Burke, head of the IBA said: “The Irish Brewers Association was established in 1904 as the representative voice for the brewing industry in Ireland. 110 years later, at a time when the latest Revenue Clearance data shows that overall beer consumption was down 6.2% in 2013, it’s great to see the craft sector enjoying a period of considerable growth, innovation and creativity, which has been matched by a rapidly growing interest in the beer category among the public.
“The craft brewing sector is a welcome addition to the broader brewing industry, which is set to invest €250 million in the Irish economy over the next 5 years if supported appropriately. The brewing industry makes a significant contribution to the Irish economy: Purchases 180,000 tonnes of barley from farming families across the country, Employs almost 2,000 people directly and supports over 40,000 jobs in the Irish economy, Injects €1.3bn in added value into the Irish economy and exports over 50% of the beer produced in Ireland to many markets globally.”
The IBA is part of the ‘Support Your Local…’ campaign which is urging the the Government to reverse excise on alcohol. “The craft brewing sector is an entrepreneurial driven sector which has been performing well with a growing market of fans eager to share in the diverse range of beers now on offer," said Bart Storan, campaing manager of the 'Support Your Local...' movement.
"It is one of the many exciting developments taking place in the Irish drinks industry at the moment. However, excise on beer and cider, which has gone up in the last two Budgets, may mean that the sector will have difficulty performing in the domestic market going forward. Ireland now pays the second highest rate of alcohol tax per capita in the EU, with the average consumer paying €665 a year in alcohol related tax. Since 2011 the average price of a pint in a bar has increased by €0.36 with 78% of this increase going straight to the Exchequer. We would urge the Government to support the growing craft brewing sector: reverse excise, create jobs.”
