Radeberger Group believes 2008 will be the toughest year for the German brewing industry

Ulrich Kallmeyer, CEO of Radeberger Group, estimates that beer consumption in Germany will decline 4 percent this year.

Radeberger Group, Germany’s leading brewery group, whose huge portfolio (they admit to only 40 brands) includes Radeberger and Jever, registered a sales increase of 1 percent to EUR 1.3 billion in 2007. Beer volumes for the group were 13.7 million.

Mr Kallmeyer, who heads the privately owned brewing group, reckons that 2008 will be the toughest year for the German brewing industry. He did not want to rule out brewery closes – affecting his competitors - as the industry faces a harsh retailing environment, both on- and off-trade, and rising costs.

Radeberger Group, which claims to have a domestic market share of 16 percent already, expects to control 20 percent by 2010. This is to be achieved mainly through acquisitions.