Beer consumption in the Netherlands is back up to pre-pandemic levels but drinking at home is leading the way, according to new first quarter figures from the Dutch brewing association Nederlandse Brouwers.

‘There are clear peaks in cafes and bars, such during the warm days of February and March and during Carnaval,’ the association said.

Compared with 2019, the volume of beer sold in cafes and bars was down 7.7% in the first three months of the year, but the decline was offset by a 6.5% in sales for home consumption, website Nu.nl reported.

The association is also optimistic about the second quarter, after the warm spring weather in April and the return of the tourists.

Developments in the rest of the year depend on several issues, the association said.

‘Consumer confidence is at an all-time low, the hospitality sector is suffering from major staff shortages, raw material prices are rising and inflation remains high,’ the association said. ‘And the beer sector does not want to see tax increases because that will only make beer more expensive.’