site.btaUnion of Brewers in Bulgaria Main Partner of Brewers of Europe Forum

Sofia, December 5 (BTA) - The Union of Brewers in Bulgaria (UBB) is a main partner of this year's traditional Brewers of Europe Forum in Brussels, the UBB said Tuesday.

According to data presented during the Forum, the brewery sector in the EU enjoys sustainable growth, which has been the trend in recent years. Beer brewing in the EU in 2016 stood over 400 million hectolitres, which is a level reached for the first time since the start of the economic crisis in 2008. Beer export from EU Member States also increased, reaching 51,400,000 hectolitres.

The trends in the development of the Bulgarian brewing industry are no different than those in the EU. According to data for 2016, Bulgaria ranks 12th in the EU on the beer market with 5,500,000 hectolitres sold. This country also ranks 12th in terms of beer consumption per capita, which stood at 76 litres. The Czech Republic is at the top of the chart with 143 litres, followed by Germany and Austria with 104 litres and 103 litres, respectively.

"Ten years ago it was hard for me to imagine that the Bulgarian flag will greet the guests of the most prestigious event of the Brewers of Europe in Brussels," UBB President Vladimir Ivanov told the Forum's participants, adding that it is a great honour and responsibility for UBB to be co-organizing the Forum. According to him, UBB members produce 98-99 per cent of the beer made in Bulgaria and provide jobs to 2,300 people.

Among the Forum's 200 guests are distinguished experts from the sector, MEPs, representatives of the European Commission, NGOs, journalists and research scientists.