Europe | Since 2010, harmful drinking and global alcohol-attributable mortality rates have been plummeting, by 20% according to data from the World Health Organisation’s Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health, released at the end of last year. A closer look at the European Union numbers shows similar declines, even if this varies from country to country.

Brussels | The Brewers of Europe welcome the European Commission’s announcement from 19 February of a renewed Vision for Agriculture and Food, particularly its commitment to competitiveness, fostering innovation and sustainability, and supporting essential operators in the agri-food chain.

USA | On 18 December 2024, the Brewers Association –the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American craft brewers – announced the appointment of Bart Watson to president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the trade association. As the current vice president of strategy and membership and the former chief economist of the Brewers Association, Bart is a well-known and respected voice in the industry.

Brussels | Beer remains a motor for Europe’s economy, but continues to face multiple challenges, ranging from the aftershocks of the Covid pandemic to supply chain turbulence, The Brewers of Europe said at the beginning of December.

Germany | In November 2024, VLB Berlin publishes the 2nd completely updated new Spanish edition of the renowned textbook “Technology Brewing & Malting”, “Tecnología para Cerveceros y Malteros”, by Wolfgang Kunze.

USA | At the end of November 2024, the Brewers Association conducted an internal restructuring of the organization to maximize support to their members, realize greater efficiencies, adapt to rapidly evolving industry dynamics, and set up the association and its incoming CEO for success in 2025.

SIBA launches “Indie Beer” mark amid craft beer confusion

United Kingdom | Surveys show that many consumers are unaware that previously standalone breweries are now owned by the Big Brewers. In an effort to put this right, the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA) has launched the “Indie Beer” mark on 22 October.

London | The Maltsters’ Association of Great Britain (MAGB) held their AGM once again in London on 5th November 2024. The MAGB Chairman, Charles Tozer, described how the sector continues to perform strongly on the back of firm trading from both brewers and distillers. He explained further that the sector continues to invest for the future in malting capacity, decarbonisation and by working closely with the barley supply chains to embed improved environmental practices which will meet the longer-term sustainability goals of all parties in the brewing and distilling sectors.

Brussels | As of 20 September 2024, Zorica Borković and Núria Feliu Besora will be co-chairing the EBC sub-committee Microbiology, replacing Mrs Gudrun Vogeser who had been chairing it for the last 15 years.