[Beer] Russian Output Falls

The Union of Russian Brewers has reported that Russia's beer production has fallen for the first time since 1996. Output decreased by 0.6% to 114.04/mhl in 2008. Chairman Vyacheslav Mamontov blamed lower consumer purchasing power, low confidence in the economic crisis, increased excise duties (32%!), higher energy prices and a poor summer. Alain Caekert from Malteurop said in a meeting in Lille, France, that the world beer market will stall at 1.8bhl after growing 14% over the last few years. He expects a drop of at least 80/mhl in 2009.