"It is already clear that last year will be an absolute record in terms of total exports and I think the six million hectolitre mark will be broken," commented Tomáš Maier, an economist at the Czech University of Agriculture's Faculty of Business and Economics. According to him, the growth in beer exports is due to the Czech Republic's access to the single European market, i.e. EU membership, cost advantage, high quality and good reputation.

Tomáš Slunečko, Executive Director of the Czech Brewery and Maltsters Association, has traditionally identified Slovakia as the strongest and most interesting export market for Czech producers, where most of the exported beer is also destined. "In general, other geographical neighbours, especially Germany and Poland, are also important importers of beer from Czech breweries. The import of Czech beer is also very popular in Hungary, the Netherlands and Sweden," Mr. Slunečko said.

According to him, Czech beer, especially traditional Czech lager, has a very good reputation in the world. "The popularity of beer is increasing in some countries that traditionally do not like this drink very much, for example Spain, Portugal or France. Local beer fans naturally want to taste quality beer from other countries, including Czech lager, in addition to local products," he said.

He also added that domestic consumption is still key for the Czech brewing industry, accounting for 75 to 80 percent of total beer production. However, in the case of individual producers, the opposite can also be true. Czech breweries brewed about 20 million hectolitres of beer the year before last. Last year's figures are not yet available.

However, it is worth to mention that 10 years ago,  the beer export out of the Czech republic was one third less in comparison to now. For domestic breweries, exports are becoming more important as Czechs' consumption declines due to changes in consumer preferences. Average per capita consumption reached an all-time low the year before last, falling from 136 to 128 litres per person per year compared to 2022. The Czech breweries will have to continue to look for new markets to equalise the dip in the domestic consumption. 

Source: https://www.novinky.cz/

Zdroj: CzechTrade India - Bengaluru