United Kingdom | The UK pub group JD Wetherspoon reported that trading at its 859 pubs has almost returned to pre-covid levels. Tim Martin, the group’s Chairman, said on 18 March 2022: “Following a traumatic two years for many businesses and people, the ending of covid restrictions has brought a return to more normal trading patterns in recent weeks.”

Switzerland | Democracy rules. Because of its statutes, the Swiss supermarket chain Migros, which is the country’s largest and its major employer (100000 people), has asked its members to take a vote by 4 June 2022 whether Migros’ 600 supermarkets as well as its restaurants should be selling alcohol or not.

Norway | Who knew that fears of intra-Nordic domination run so strong? One of Norway’s largest breweries, Aass Bryggeri, resigned from the country’s Brewery and Beverage Association on 22 March 2022, implying that Danish domination of the association will run counter to Norwegian brewers’ interests.

Europe | Brewers Carlsberg and Heineken said on 28 March 2022 they will quit Russia, joining a steady exodus of Western companies. For Carlsberg, the Western brewer most exposed to Russia, the exit will be financially painful. It will result in a “substantial non-cash impairment charge” this year, Carlsberg said without providing further details.

Ukraine | Shortly after Russia’s invasion on 24 February 2022, the Ukrainian craft brewer Pravda, which is based in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv, released the recipes for five of its best-selling beers, encouraging other breweries to use them to raise money for its cause.

United Kingdom | James Watt, the co-founder and CEO of BrewDog, says a criminal prosecution is under way for fraud and malicious communication over an alleged campaign of online harassment directed against him.

Europe | Political pressure and safety concerns have prompted Western companies to close operations in Russia and Ukraine. Brewers Heineken and Carlsberg have stopped the production and sale of their namesake beers in Russia and will assess the future of their businesses there.

Russia | A growing number of international companies, including Apple, Disney and Ford, are dialling back operations in Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. Entertainment studios, like Disney and WarnerMedia, have stopped releasing films in the country, while sneaker maker Nike, home furnishings firm IKEA and fashion retailer H&M temporarily have closed their shops.

Poland | Following the recent excise hike, it is feared that Polish consumers could develop a new habit: self-importing their beer from neighbouring countries like Germany and the Czech Republic, where it is far cheaper.

Germany | The covid pandemic has hit the German brewing industry hard. Not only have millions of hl in volume sales been wiped out, the total of operating breweries has also declined – the first time in a decade.