Italy | Galloping prices for gas, bottles, and CO₂, as well as the erosion of consumers' purchasing power: If the recovery of tourism has supported beer consumption up until now, the end of summer will be the real test.

United Kingdom | Scottish craft brewer and bar operator BrewDog announced the permanent closure of six pubs due to spiralling operational costs and a lack of help from a “clueless government”.

Russia | On 24 February, Russia invaded Ukraine. The West has since responded with a barrage of sanctions and appeals to boycotts, which aim to cripple the world’s 11th-biggest economy, stall the war effort, prod ordinary Russians to protest, and deter other foes (namely China) from similar escapades. What are the results?

Ukraine | Domestic beer production (until end of July 2022) declined by 32 percent over the same period last year to 7.1 million hl, according to industry body “Ukrpivo”. Beer production recovered during the second quarter, after a massive drop of 50 percent in the first quarter.

United Kingdom | Although craft beer has entered its second decade, there are no signs that the segment has reached a peak. Research from accountancy firm UHY Hacker Young shows that hopefuls are still entering the brewing industry. About 200 new brewing licenses were issued in the UK in the year up to 31 March 2022, bringing the total number to 2,426.

United Kingdom | It was not to be. Australian brewer Lion announced the sale of its UK-based operations, including the Magic Rock and Fourpure breweries to the newly launched venture Odyssey Inns, effective 8 August 2022. The sale marks Lion’s retreat from the UK.

United Kingdom | It is a big worry. Gen-Zers, also known as post-millennials, because they will come of age this decade, do not take to beer in such a big way as previous generations did. Beer marketers are confounded: How to attract them to the category? Heineken thinks it got the answer: Heineken Silver.

United Kingdom | The UK pub chain Wetherspoon is charging its customers as much as GBP 6.29 (USD 7.70) per pint at some London pubs – more than twice that it charges outside the capital.

Belgium | At the end of August, Heineken will turn off the lights at the Affligem brewery in Opwijk. Although the official reason for the closure is plausible enough – the plant is subpar Heineken’s sustainability standards – it still raises pertinent questions.

The Netherlands | Heineken, on 1 August, posted higher-than-expected first-half earnings, as consumers bought more beer despite inflationary pressure. However, the world’s number two brewer shelved its margin target for 2023 as costs rise.