Today’s International Stout Day
Like ale, around 80% of stout consumed here is via the on-trade compared to 55% of lagers.
It’s estimated that around 400 million litres of stout was exported from Ireland last year according to Drinks Ireland|Beer.
And according to the Brussels-based Brewers of Europe Ireland was the seventh biggest exporter of beer in Europe in 2017, of which stout made a major contribution. Today, Ireland exports beer to over 60 countries.
Ireland’s second-favourite beer variant after lager accounted for 29.3% of all beer consumed here in 2018.
While its share of the beer market has declined from 2009’s 35.5% share, it nevertheless remains a high percentage share compared to other beer markets.
Like ale, around 80% of stout consumed here is via the on-trade compared to 55% of lagers.
“A whopping 500 million litres of stout was produced in Ireland in 2018” said Drinks Ireland|Beer’s Head Jonathan McDade, “to be enjoyed by consumers at home and abroad, demonstrating the sheer size of this exciting and dynamic homegrown sector.
“The combination of Ireland’s recognised global stout brands as well as an expanding range of craft stouts are the bedrock of Ireland’s brewing reputation.
“I hope that beer drinkers around the world take note of the innovation, heritage and cultural significance of Ireland’s stout beers on November 7th.”
Despite our thirst for stout, Ireland must be satisfied with fourth place in terms of the Top 10 Stout Markets with the UK’s larger population taking top place followed by Nigeria and the US according to a Euromonitor International report.
However by next year the Top Ten Markets table will have changed considerably, it predicts, as China soars into premium position followed by the US, UK and Nigeria. Ireland will be fighting for fifth place with Cameroon and perhaps South Africa.
