ELSTAT: Drink production down in 2010 for 3rd consecutive year

The Greek beverage manufacturing sector posted a decline for the third consecutive year in 2010, according to the independent Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) on Monday.

ELSTAT said production fell by 8 percent last year, mostly affecting soft drinks and beer, which comprise the largest proportion of the domestic drinks production while, for the first time in many years, bottled water production also posted a drop.

The statistical service said that the above declines reflect cutbacks in Greek household’s spending and the reduced revenues from tourism.

Total beverage production in 2010 dropped by 7.8 percent against 2009, and by 3.9 percent in comparison with 2005. The decline in 2009 against 2008 was 4.8 percent.

The volume of production posted a decline in all five sub-categories of the beverage branch in 2010 against 2009.

More specifically, by sub-category, production of mineral and carbonated water fell by 0.9 percent, production of soft drinks and non-alcoholic beverages by 11.3 percent, distilled alcoholic drinks (ouzo, tsipouro, brandy, liqueur) by 0.6 percent, beer by 7.5 percent, and wine by 8.2 percent.

Drink production, according to a 2005 survey by ELSTAT, accounts for 6 percent of the overall Greek manufacturing industry.