The beer market in Serbia has fallen by up to 30% in the last 2y, the head of a major brewing firm said. Francois Mahot, Director of the United Serbian Brewery, warned that the average annual decline in beer consumption was 4%. Mahot has recently voiced his opposition to a rise in excise tax, which he claimed directly affects the prices paid by consumers. He said: "The move cannot be justified by saying that we are cheaper in comparison to the countries of the region. It's the wrong way to look at it." Mahot added that Serbian beer can be exported to the EU with 0% customs, while an import tax of 21% is levied on EU brands that enter Serbia. In Russia, drinks giant SAB-Miller RUS announced a start to production of its new brand ESSA, a fruit-flavoured beer aimed primarily at women.
