MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Wine country Chile falls for beer

Chile's fondness for beer - as opposed to other alcoholic beverages such as wine or pisco - appears to be growing.

A recent market study by AC Nielsen showed that beer consumption is up 15% compared to just one year ago. Chileans are downing 33 litres of beer per year, compared to 27 litres in 2005.

Beer accounts for 64.3% of all alcoholic beverage sales in Chile. Wine has a 28.2% market share and the national choice of strong liquor, pisco, has a 5.9% share.

Four years ago beer had 57.7% of the market, while wine and pisco had 35.5% and six percent, respectively. AC Nielsen said the increase in beer consumption represents consumer demand for less strong alcoholic beverages. The trend is supported by booming sales of pre-mixed alcoholic beverages, mostly blending alcohol and fruit juice.

Imported beer brands are competing head on with national brands such as Cristal and Escudo. Cervecería Chile, holding 13% of the country's beer market, is about to include imported brands Stella Artois and Becks in its portfolio.

CCU continues to dominate Chile's beer market with an 85% market share.

By Morten Szygenda The Santiago Times