The Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) has published this report by DCU Economist Anthony Foley, profiling the changes that have taken place in the drinks industry since the onset of the downturn in 2008 with employment levels declining over 25% from over 100,000 to 78,000 jobs, and current per capita consumption falling 16.4% below 2007 levels.

The report also revealed that despite the recession, the Industry continues to provide over €2 billion in VAT and excise revenues to the State and that exports generate €1 billion for the country. However, the employment intensive on-trade is suffering an accelerated rate of decline, having fallen 26% from 2000-2009 with thousands of jobs, business and livelihoods lost as a consequence. In addition, cross-border trading is once again becoming an issue as a result of our high alcohol taxes and the Euro/Sterling exchange rate.