New data has revealed a continued slide in UK beer sales in the first three months of 2011 as the brewing industry braces itself for a tax hike. The latest figures from the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) show a 3.8% decline in quarterly beer sales with pub and supermarket sales dropping by the same percentage. The drop comes on the back of an 8.8% fall in the equivalent period in 2010 - the biggest percentage decline since 2005. Beer has been struggling for years in the UK as people become more adventurous in their drinking choices, however, the decline over the last couple of years has been exceptional. The recession has put a brake on consumer spending on beer and there is still some way to go before the industry can be confident of growth. But there is some cause for optimism, according to the BBPA. Recent warm weather and a high number of public holidays are likely to boost beer sales figures for Q2.
