In the last couple of weeks I have written a number of posts about the beer industry,  I figure we grow the hops and who doesn’t like beer so…why not.  Now I’m thinking my counterparts around the world aren’t doing the same.  In fact, beer and “spirit’s consumption around the world is actually on the decline-not so in the USA by comparison.

According to a report from Fox news, Euromonitor International has found that worldwide consumption of alcoholic beverages declined by 0.7 percent last year.  It's the first time this organization has tracked a decrease in global alcohol sales since it began monitoring figures in 2001.

Ukraine had the biggest decline worldwide, buying 17 percent less alcohol in 2015 than in 2014.   China, which is the world's largest alcoholic drinks market, (1.3 billion people will do that) saw a 3.5 percent decline.

However, the U.S. is the notable exception. In 2015, we Americans bought 30.6 billion liters of alcohol-- up from 29.8 billion liters in 2014.

The Yakima Valley and our world class Hops crops may in part be responsible.

The popularity of microbreweries and the craft beer movement has given alcohol sales a big boost in the states, and compared to other continents.  A little more disposable income doesn’t hurt. North America has had a stronger economy than much of the rest of the world though you might think that would drive those other countries to drink!

Sales of tequila, mezcal, whiskey, cognac, and wine all increased in 2015. Also notable, despite losing market share, vodka is still the world's most consumed spirit. (Fox)

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