Christian Weber takes helm at The Brewers of Europe amid industry recovery and renewed policy focus
The Brewers of Europe has ushered in a new era with the election of Christian Weber as its President. Weber, who serves as the CEO of the Karlsberg brewery and also presides over the German Brewers’ Association, succeeds Lasse Aho, who has led the organisation through a tumultuous period marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, closures in the hospitality sector, and escalating operational costs.
Weber, the fifth generation of his family to head Karlsberg Brauerei KG Weber, brings extensive experience to his new role, having been a longstanding member of The Brewers of Europe Board and previously occupying the position of Vice-President. Reflecting on Aho's contributions, Weber acknowledged the complexity of the past five years, stating that Aho’s leadership provided a steady hand during a challenging phase for the industry.
Founded in 1958, The Brewers of Europe functions as a collective voice for over 10,000 breweries across 28 European countries. This representation is crucial, especially given the direct impact the beer sector has on employment and economic output within the European Union. The industry generates approximately 2 million jobs, contributes €110 billion in consumer spending annually, and adds around €52 billion in value to the economy, alongside €40 billion in government tax revenues.
Weber has articulated a vision that underscores the importance of collaboration beyond national borders, advocating for enhanced networking and policy engagement. “The challenges and opportunities that we face every day as an association and in the breweries do not stop at national borders,” he remarked, signalling a commitment to fostering strong relationships with policymakers. Addressing significant concerns such as excessive bureaucracy, energy costs, and packaging policy, Weber aims to clarify the brewing industry's position, emphasising its positive contributions to society and economy in contemporary contexts.
Moreover, the outlook for the brewing sector is optimistic, as evidenced by The Brewers of Europe's 2023 European Beer Trends Report, which indicates a recovery in sales and production figures. In 2022, beer sales in the EU reached 313 million hectolitres, and the number of active breweries increased to 9,680, highlighting a resurgence in both innovation and investment across the sector. This growth reflects the resilience of European brewers and their capacity to adapt to an evolving market landscape.
As Weber steps into his new role, he will also be leading the preparations for significant events, such as the upcoming 10th edition of the "Beer Serves Europe" initiative. Scheduled to take place in Brussels on November 29, 2023, this event will bring together over 300 stakeholders, including policymakers and representatives from the brewing industry, to discuss the sector’s pivotal cultural and economic contributions to Europe.
Navigating through the dual crises of the pandemic and geopolitical instability, the brewing industry remains an integral part of the European economic fabric. With Weber at the helm, The Brewers of Europe is poised not only to address immediate challenges but also to harness emerging opportunities as the sector evolves. His leadership may well mark a pivotal chapter in the organisation’s history, as it seeks to capitalise on a positive growth trajectory while ensuring that the voice of European brewers resonates strongly in future policy discussions.