Beer Consumption Research Articles

A magyarországi kisüzemi sörgyártás és -fogyasztás területi vizsgálata = Spatial Analysis of Small-scale Beer Production and Consumption in Hungary

The Hungarian beer production transformed significantly after the change of regime. According to the international trends, production has changed and new types of beer have emerged, which have influenced the attitudes of Hungarian consumers towards beer. However, the number of geographic studies on beer production and consumption in Hungary is not sufficient to provide a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon, so the aim of our study is to describe the sector through the operations of six selected small-scale breweries and large-scale breweries, comparing the two types of production. An important element is to explore the difficulties caused by the Covid-19 epidemic, its impact on the beer industry and the consumption habits of consumers.

Effect of Moderate Beer Intake on the Lipid Composition of Human Red Blood Cell Membranes.

Background/Objectives: Growing evidence suggests that erythrocyte membrane lipids are subject to changes during their lifespan. Factors such as the type of dietary intake and its composition contribute to the changes in red blood cell (RBC) membranes. Due to the high antioxidant content of beer, we aimed to investigate the effect of moderate beer consumption on the lipid composition of RBCs membranes from healthy overweight individuals. Methods: We conducted a four-weeks, prospective two-arm longitudinal crossed-over study, where participants (n = 36) were randomly assigned to alcohol-free beer group or traditional beer group. The lipids of RBCs membranes were assessed at the beginning and the end of the intervention by thin-layer chromatography. Results: Four-weeks of alcohol-free beer promoted changes in fatty acids (FA), free cholesterol (FC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, traditional beer intake led to changes in FA, FC, phospholipids (PL), PE and PC (p < 0.05). The observed alterations in membrane lipids were found to be independent of sex and BMI as influencing factors. Conclusions: The lipid composition of erythrocyte membranes is distinctly but mildly influenced by the consumption of both non-alcoholic and conventional beer, with no effects on RBC membrane fluidity.

Cheers to anxiety: Granger causality insights on alcohol consumption patterns across 13 South American countries.

The relationship between alcohol consumption and mental health is complex; drinking may exacerbate anxiety, and in turn, anxiety can lead to excessive drinking. This study explores the relationship betweenalcoholconsumption patterns including wine, beer, and spirits,and anxiety prevalence in selected 13 South American nations. This study utilises secondary data spanning 29years from 1991 to 2019 obtained from the Our World in Data database. It investigates the causal link between the prevalence of anxiety and alcohol consumption in the selected countries using the Granger causality test. Anxiety was found to have a unidirectional effect on wine and beer consumption in Chile, Suriname, Uruguay, and Trinidad and Tobago. Additionally, drinking alcohol consumption appears to impact anxiety levels in Brazil. Argentina demonstrates a bidirectional relationshipbetween anxiety and all three types of alcohol consumption, with similar patterns observed in Brazil (wine and beer), Chile (spirits), and Paraguay (spirits). No significant causal relationships for alcohol consumption patterns were found in other nations. The identified Granger causal links follow four distinct directions in this study. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, governments, and international investors for informed decision-making regarding regulation and policy tools.

Quality of biological night-time regeneration and socioeconomic factors, health behaviors and body composition among middle-aged women: a cross-sectional pilot study

Background: Sleep has both immediate and long-term impacts on health. Aim of the study: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the quality of biological night-time regeneration, socio-economic status, health behaviors, nutritional status, and fat tissue distribution among adult women (n=46, aged 45-65 years). Material and methods: Socio-economic and lifestyle data were collected through a questionnaire, while anthropometric measurements were obtained using standard instruments. Statistical analyses were performed using the STATISTICA software package. Results: The study found no significant associations between socio-economic status, and the frequency of well-slept (participants satisfied with night-time regeneration) or sleep-deprived (respondents dissatisfied with night-time regeneration) individuals. However, an increased frequency of beer consumption was associated with dissatisfaction with night-time regeneration. There was no significant relationship between BMI categories and fat distribution types in relation to self-reported sleep sufficiency. Nonetheless, the analysis indicated that both BMI and WHR were higher in women who reported dissatisfaction with night-time regeneration compared to those who reported satisfaction. The trends suggest that women with higher education, white-collar occupations, residing in large cities, and consuming weak alcoholic beverages reported poorer sleep quality more frequently. This pattern is associated with a higher risk of excessive weight and central fat distribution, potentially due to increased psychosocial stress. Conclusions: Further research is necessary to verify these trends and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Brewing social capital: A case study of Thailand’s craft beer consumption community

This study explores the development of Thailand’s craft beer community through a sociological lens, focusing on social capital and power dynamics. Despite originating much later than Western craft beer movements, Thailand’s scene has evolved rapidly since 2012, shaped by unique socio-economic and regulatory contexts. The research reveals how the community transitioned from homebrewers to a complex network seeking cultural legitimacy. Using Putnam’s and Bourdieu’s theories, the study highlights social capital’s role in fostering both cooperation and competition. Privileged groups use networks for economic and symbolic gains, while intermediaries shape the movement. Gender dynamics affect women moderately compared to other contexts. The COVID-19 pandemic spurred geographically close clusters and affinity groups, showcasing resilience amid regulatory challenges. These findings offer insights into craft beer consumption in non-Western contexts, stressing the importance of understanding social capital in emerging cultural industries.

BARLEY AS A RAW MATERIAL FOR BEER PRODUCTION AND ITS PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY

The study aimed to assess consumer awareness of beer production and its importance in their daily lives. It explored consumption habits, frequency, and locations of beer consumption. Being a less affluent country, the cost of beer posed challenges, affecting sales. The study also examined whether the offered price fulfilled the specified conditions for beer production. It summarized data on consumer interest, consumption habits, and beer-related factors.The Covid-19 pandemic impacted the economy, including the beer industry, emphasizing the need for hygiene in equipment, production processes, and employee practices. The conflict in Ukraine caused price hikes, including beer. Despite this, citizens were already accustomed to ongoing price increases. The pandemic highlighted the importance of controlling, emphasizing, and extensively testing food products, including beer. The study supported these findings, presenting data on gender, age, nationality, and consumer preferences related to beer.Although multiple countries were included, the main focus was on Kosovo, which had the highest representation. The findings showed that 73.9% of respondents enjoy beer consumption, with 26.7% willing to spend an average of 30 to 40 euros. Furthermore, 89.9% of participants were willing to pay a higher, symbolic amount for higher-quality and safer beer meeting necessary standards for adequate consumption.

Fruitful Brewing: Exploring Consumers' and Producers' Attitudes towards Beer Produced with Local Fruit and Agroindustrial By-Products.

This study explored beer consumers' and producers' perceptions of using local fruit and agroindustrial by-products in brewing. An online survey was conducted in Italy with 496 beer consumers and 54 beer producers. The survey assessed sociodemographic information, consumption behavior, and support for brewery neolocalism, along with brewers' perceptions of the sustainability of their breweries. Findings showed high consumers' involvement in sustainable eating and high support for breweries utilizing local resources and operating in a sustainable way. Breweries rated their sustainability practices as moderate, and most of them considered their efforts in using local raw materials and repurposing by-products as "excellent". Both consumers and producers considered beer made with agroindustrial by-products less tasty than those with local fruit (p < 0.05), but no significant difference in willingness to buy was observed (p > 0.05). According to cluster analysis results, the ideal consumer profile for sustainable beers was characterized by a higher proportion of females prioritizing sustainability and local sourcing over sensory quality. Therefore, using local materials or agroindustrial by-products can align brewers' practices with consumers' preferences, enhancing competitiveness and market positioning by fostering a sense of sustainability and locality.

Impact of the Mediterranean diet and the consumption of fermented beverages on subjective well-being in different contexts in Spain

The relationship between the Mediterranean diet, the consumption of fermented beverages (beer and wine), and subjective well-being in Spain was investigated. Using a cross-sectional study with 2,752 participants, dietary patterns and emotional well-being were evaluated in contexts such as work, the gym, and bars/restaurants. The results showed that context significantly impacts dietary habits and well-being. Participants at the gym adhered more to the Mediterranean diet and reported fewer negative emotions compared to other contexts. Correlation maps indicated that beer consumption was associated with a higher intake of red meat, while wine was related to a higher consumption of fish and seafood. Additionally, the study found that participants following the Mediterranean diet experienced higher levels of emotional well-being, with less frequent negative emotions such as anxiety and anger, and higher levels of life satisfaction, especially in contexts like the gym. These findings suggest that public health interventions should consider contextual factors to promote healthy eating habits and improve emotional well-being, highlighting the importance of the Mediterranean diet in health and the prevention of psychological problems.

Identifying the most sustainable beer packaging through a Life Cycle Assessment

The beer industry stands as a significant player in the global economy, and it is increasingly renowned not only for its diverse flavours, but also for its impact on the environment. Amidst its popularity, the beer sector faces mounting pressure to address environmental concerns, particularly related to packaging. As the world is increasingly embracing sustainability as a guiding principle, the beer industry's approach to packaging has come under scrutiny for its ecological footprint. This study aims to shed some light on the environmental footprint of beer production by applying a life cycle assessment, comparing different types of packaging. This study calculated the product environmental footprint of beer consumed in PET kegs, glass bottles and aluminium cans, and performed three sensitivity analyses on load factors of transport, waste transport distance and recycled content. The results identified draught beer in PET kegs as the most sustainable solution for beer consumption, with a footprint of around 90 % lower than the other types of packaging. However, the analysis showed that the biggest environmental impact is found in the cultivation, packaging and use phases, that account for a contribution of 60 %, 27 % and 11 % respectively. The results of this study highlighted the importance of the load factor in the distribution phase, of recyclability and of the use of secondary raw materials for packaging. This study stands as an original and valuable contribution, offering a comprehensive understanding of the environmental impact of beer packaging and of the beverage industry. Its insights can guide breweries, policymakers, and consumers towards sustainable choices, fostering a positive change within the sector. It also questions the sustainability of circular solutions by comparing recycling and reuse options. This study revealed also that a green supply chain management is key in the transition towards a circular economy and in the decarbonization process.

Leave no stone unturned: Exploring the metaproteome of beerstone for the identification of archaeological beer production

In archaeological contexts, identifying processes of beer production and consumption has contributed to our understanding of agriculture, labor mobilization, economic surplus, feasting, gender dynamics, social structure, tribute, community, identity and politics. Nevertheless, in the absence of pictorial representations and characteristic objects, beer brewing is difficult to identify in the archaeological record, and molecular methods are often limited by constraints of preservation and specificity. A potential target for studies of ancient beer production are residues formed during brewing activity, including beerstone, a calcium oxalate residue. Here, we apply shotgun proteomics analyses to a sample of modern beerstone to explore this residue's capacity as a marker for beer in archaeological contexts. The beerstone proteome was compared to the protein profiles of ungerminated and germinated barley to identify key proteins indicative of malted grains which may be encased by the residue. Proteins matching to barley grain (Hordeum vulgare) and Baker's/Brewer's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) were successfully identified in the beerstone. In particular, we identified hordeins, lipid transfer proteins, trypsin/α-amylase inhibitors, and protein Z, which are barley proteins abundant in proteomic characterisations of beer. In comparison to ungerminated and germinated barley grains, we find that beerstone preserves only a subset of the barley proteome, with the residue being more reflective of the final brewing product than of earlier brewing steps such as malting. Overall, we demonstrate that beerstone has potential to entrap and preserve proteins reflective of the beer-making process and identify proteins that we might anticipate in future archaeological analyses.

Moderate India Pale Ale beer consumption promotes antigenotoxic and non-mutagenic effects in ex vivo and in vivo mice models.

Discussion of the benefits of moderate alcohol consumption is ongoing. Broadly, research focusing on ethanol consumption tends to report no benefits. However, studies that distinguish between different types of alcoholic beverages, particularly beers, often reveal positive effects. The present study evaluated the genotoxic and mutagenic effects of moderate chronic consumption of India Pale Ale (IPA) craft beer. Sixty-four adult male Swiss mice were used and divided into control and treatment groups receiving water, IPA beer with 55.23 g of ethanol per liter of beer, aqueous solution with 55.23 g of ethanol per liter, and hop infusion ad libitum for 30 days. After this period, the animals were genetically evaluated with a comet assay. For the ex vivo comet assay, blood was collected and exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). For the in vivo assay, the alkylating agent cyclophosphamide (CP) was administered to the groups after blood collection and sacrificed after 24 h. Brain, liver, and heart tissues were analyzed. Bone marrow was collected and submitted to the micronucleus test. The groups treated with IPA beer, ethanol, and hops did not show genotoxic and mutagenic action in the blood, brain, heart, or liver. The antigenotoxic action of IPA beer and hops was observed in both in vivo and ex vivo models, showing a similar reduction in DNA damage caused by CP. There was no significant difference between the groups with regard to the formation of micronuclei by CP. Moderate chronic consumption of IPA beer and hops infusion showed antigenotoxic effects in mice but no antimutagenic action. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Feelings and alcohol consumption

Consumption choices depend on the feelings experienced in the period preceding a consumer's decisions. We confirm this hypothesis using a large sample of Italian consumers collected by ISTAT (the Italian National Statistics Institute) as part of the multi-purpose survey “Indagine multiscopo sulle famiglie: Aspetti della vita quotidiana” (n = 114,052). Specifically, positive feelings are associated with wine and beer consumption, while negative feelings relate to spirits consumption. The latter pattern is common among men and women, whereas the former is only applicable to male consumers. Additionally, older consumers drink more following a period of positive feelings, whereas younger consumers drink less. Our two-level modelling strategy confirms the mediating role of personal characteristics in explaining the relation between feelings and alcohol consumption.

Analysis of the Romanian Beer Sector and Romania’s Position within European Beer Trends

Abstract The aim of this paper consists in presenting the dynamic evolution of the Romanian beer sector at both national and European levels during the period 2018-2022. From an economic standpoint, the beer industry stands out as one of the biggest and most significant revenue contributors worldwide, with beer representing the most widely consumed alcoholic beverage globally. The need to carry out this paper emerges from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, following the effects it had on the active population and implicitly the changes in consumption behaviors. Moreover, considering recent times, the war in Ukraine is a factor that can seriously affect the imports and exports of surrounding countries of grain necessary for the production of beer, this aspect being really important in observing economical changes. This paper relies heavily on a thorough examination of the demand and supply dynamics within the Romanian beer sector, assisted by a comparative analysis of its standing among European beer trends. Notably, Romania holds a prominent position as one of the highest per capita beer consumers. The main hypothesis of this study consists in the fact that the demand and supply of beer did not increase during the pandemic, and that the expenses for this product suffered considerable increases. This is proven through a quantitative analysis in which indicators such as beer production and consumption, average expenses, imports and exports were analyzed. For this achievement, national, European and international databases were accessed.

The Individual as Moderator of Variable Relations - A Configural Approach.

Moderators are variables that change the relations among other variables. Moderators are variables that are substantive just as the variables whose relations are moderated. In the present article, we propose using individuals as moderators. Specifically, we propose using Configural Frequency Analysis, that is, investigating moderators from a person-oriented perspective. The question asked is whether variable relations vary across individuals. Base models are specified for Configural Frequency Analysis that allow one to identify individuals that differ in variable relations. In a data example, it is shown that not a single individual in a sample of alcoholics shows the pattern of association between subjective stress and beer consumption that was found for the entire sample. Extensions of the configural moderator model are discussed.

Cash Rules Everything around Me: Investigating Craft Beer Drinkers Purchase Decisions during Inflationary Period

Since March 2020, there have been multiple outside influences negatively impacting the U.S. craft beer industry from COVID-19 to inflation all leading up to increased prices for consumers. However, to date, research has not investigated consumer sentiment toward increased prices and their willingness to continue paying increased prices for beer from various outlets. The current study provides an initial assessment of craft beer consumers’ purchase behaviors for on(own)- and off-premise consumption given the impacts of COVID-19 and the recent economic situation. Past research has indicated that increased prices tend to lead to decreased purchases of beer (and alcohol in general). Results of the current online survey of craft beer drinkers mostly align with past findings, as nearly half of the 350 participants in this study indicated that they had decreased their consumption of craft beer away from home. Relatedly, respondents indicated a relatively low willingness to pay price increases for craft beer consumed on-premise (own-premise) or off-premise.

Estrategias de Comunicación de las Microcerveceras: La Influencia de Medios Digitales en los Consumidores de Cerveza Artesanal en Mexicali, Baja California, México

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the communication strategies of 7 craft breweries in Mexicali, Baja California; Mexico, which are based on the use and promotion on social networks, emails, web pages, or audiovisual content platforms. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Through a survey, the perception of its clients was measured and examined through an exploratory factor analysis to extract the factors that make it up, corroborate the independence between them and explain the greatest amount of variance. RESULTS: Three factors were formed that make up the communication strategy of microbreweries: development of loyalty, proximity to the consumer and presence on social networks. These describe the presence, frequency of use of digital media and the reach of the brand through interaction with craft beer consumers. CONCLUSIONS: It is highlighted that there is little proximity to the consumer in digital media and companies do not have a defined communication strategy and use the various media interchangeably, without knowing the reach of each one.

Brewing sustainability: assessing environmental concerns and consumers’ attitudes towards sustainable craft beer purchase intentions

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the interplay between environmental concerns, consumer attitudes and their influence on sustainable practices within the craft beer industry, exploring how consumers’ perception of environmental attributes impact their purchase intentions regarding craft beer.Design/methodology/approachThe study used a quantitative approach, using a self-administered survey instrument comprised 28 Likert-scale items. Data was gathered from a convenience sample of 319 craft beer consumers. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to assess the measurement model’s validity and reliability. Subsequently, partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized relationships.FindingsThis study’s findings challenge established notions within the field, demonstrating that water conservation, carbon footprint reduction, organic farming and local sourcing practices hold significant influence on consumers’ purchase intentions regarding sustainable craft beer. These findings depart from previous research that suggested a less pronounced impact of specific sustainability practices on consumer behavior.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes to the literature by revealing consumer insights into the environmental implications of craft beer choices, empowering them to make informed purchasing decisions aligned with their sustainability values. However, acknowledging potential limitations, sample size and demographic composition (young adults in Brazil) potentially impact the generalizability of the findings.Originality/valueThis study addresses the understanding of consumer attitudes and priorities regarding environmental sustainability within the craft beer industry. By focusing on the tangibility of specific sustainable attributes the research shows how these practices influence consumer perceptions and purchasing intentions.

Time Series Analysis on Monthly Beer Production in Australia

Despite Australia's high enthusiasm for beer consumption, domestic beer production falls short of meeting the demand, creating business opportunities for potential investors. In this research, the method Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model is used to analyze a historical beer production data in Australia from January 1956 to December 1994 in each month. The optimal SARIMA model is identified through a rigorous process involving time series conversion, seasonal component removal, and data differencing to address non-stationarity. Residual analysis confirms the model's effectiveness. By dividing the dataset into training and test sets, the SARIMA model forecasts the next 24 periods, providing valuable insights for potential investors seeking optimal entry points into Australia's beer market. Results reveal a notable upward trajectory in monthly beer production, highlighting untapped growth potential within the domestic beer industry. The study's findings not only contribute to forecasting future production trends but also offer strategic guidance for investors, shedding light on sustained growth prospects in the Australian beer market.

Forecasting the Mexican craft beer market: an integrated consumer perception conjoint analysis approach incorporating price and product attributes

PurposeThis paper aims to uncover patterns of Mexican craft beer consumers and guide companies’ decisions in the creation of new products, marketing strategies, advertising and promotion to increase craft beer sales and contribute to faster growth.Design/methodology/approachThis is a conjoint analysis with a selection of attributes for new or renewed products, marginal disposition to pay for particular characteristics through brand-specific choice-based design, and market simulation.FindingsThis paper clearly demonstrates consumers’ preferences and willingness to pay in Mexico, with a cutting-edge market research technique combining the prioritization of preferred craft beer characteristics, and the price consumers are willing to pay for such product characteristics.Research limitations/implicationsThe study's sample size of 501 responses is relatively small compared to the total number of craft beer consumers in Mexico. To enhance the validity and reliability of the findings, future studies should aim to obtain larger samples and compare their results with those of this study.Practical implicationsThis study has important implications for craft beer producers, allowing them to develop targeted craft beers with appealing attributes for Mexican consumers, such as color, aroma intensity, alcohol degree intensity, bitterness, foam level and price.Social implicationsThis study's market forecasting simulation technique is based on assumptions of consumer behavior and market dynamics. Although relevant variables were considered, unanticipated external factors or market changes could impact the forecasts' accuracy. This will allow for a more comprehensive understanding of craft beer consumer preferences in different markets and enhance the reliability of forecasting techniques.Originality/valueThis paper informs craft beer producers by providing valuable knowledge on customers’ preferences and willingness to pay to enhance craft beer companies’ product development processes.

Binge drinking associated with mean temperature: a cross-sectional study among Mexican adults living in cities

BackgroundThe association between environmental temperature and alcohol consumption has not been widely explored despite the potential that increasing temperatures could promote the consumption of alcoholic beverages and the alcohol-related burden of disease. We aimed to explore the association between temperature and binge drinking in Mexican adults from urban cities, overall, and by alcoholic beverage type.MethodsData on 10,552 adults ≥ 18 years was obtained from the 2016 National Survey on Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Consumption. The mean annual temperature at the municipality was obtained from the Mexican National Weather Service using monthly temperatures from 2015 to 2016. We analyzed binge drinking for all alcoholic beverages in the last year and by type of alcohol as beer, liquor, wine, and coolers. Associations between mean temperature over the past year and binge drinking over the past year among current drinkers were estimated using multilevel Poisson models with robust standard errors adjusted for age, sex, education level, marital status, and household socioeconomic status, with a fixed effect by region.ResultsWe observed a non-significant increase in the prevalence of binge drinking for every difference of 1 °C between municipalities of the same region. By alcohol type, a 1 °C increase in mean annual temperature across municipalities of the same region increased the prevalence of beer binge drinking in the past year by 0.9% (PR = 1.009, 95%CI 1.005, 1.013) among beer consumers and the prevalence of coolers’ binge drinking by 3.0% (PR = 1.030, 95%CI 1.003, 1.057) in coolers consumers. We observed non-significant results for liquor binge drinking (PR = 1.047, 95%CI 0.994, 1.102) and wine binge drinking (PR = 1.047, 95% 0.944, 1.161).ConclusionPeople living in municipalities with higher temperatures reported a higher beer binge drinking in Mexican cities. This could account for 196,000 cases of beer binge drinking in 2016. The context of each country needs to be considered when generalizing these findings, and they need to be further explored with longitudinal data as there might be implications for climate change. If our findings are confirmed given the forecasted rising temperatures, we could expect an increase in binge drinking and therefore, in the alcohol burden of disease.