The pubs were closed, events were cancelled: the Corona years have affected the Saxon breweries. Sales are developing cautiously - not even a major event will change that.
Dresden (dpa/sn) - The Saxon breweries have so far only recovered slowly from the collapse of the Corona years. The industry is expected to end 2022 with a slight increase in sales, said the managing director of the Saxon Brewers' Association, Thomas Gläser. "However, the Saxon breweries lost more than 8 percent in the two Corona years 2020 and 2021 compared to the pre-Corona year 2019." In the first nine months, beer sales in Saxony increased only slightly by 0.4 percent compared to the previous year.
The good weather this summer did help, said Gläser. "It was clearly noticeable that after two years of Corona, people finally felt like partying again." However, the breweries were struggling with the corona-related effects in the catering trade. Many companies have closed or only opened for a short time because there is a lack of staff. In addition, the costs have risen to such an extent that the operation is no longer worthwhile for many. "After all, given the general rise in prices, many people simply lack the money to be able to afford to go to the restaurant at all," said Gläser.
The association is also not expecting any sales growth from the World Cup. "Such major sporting events live from the special atmosphere in the beer gardens or at the public viewing." That cannot be transferred to the winter months. In addition, people are drawn to the shops and Christmas markets in the run-up to Christmas.
