The Serbian brewing industry experienced a decrease in revenue of 14.5% from 2008 to 2014, due to high taxes and continuing economic problems, reports Beta.
In addition, it has seen a 12.5% drop in consumption, while the number of employees in the beer sector decreased by 4.28%, according to the executive manager of the Serbian Brewers Association, Rebeka Bozovic.
At an event in Zrenjanin, she said that the brewing industry has invested up to €236 million in Serbia in the period from 2008 to 2014, but, in spite of that, has been facing a very negative trend over the past eight years. Last year, the trend reversed, and Bozovic said that the organisation hopes this positive performance will continue.
The brewing industry in Serbia, according to Bozovic, employs more than 17,000 people directly and indirectly, and procures 92% of raw materials locally with a direct impact on local economy and agriculture, with total budgetary contributions accounting for 3.3% of total state revenues in 2014.
The Serbian Brewers Association is the umbrella organisation of the beer and malt producers in Serbia, whose members cover 98% of the domestic market.
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
