Beer Pricing in Europe - A taxing question, is a new report from Canadean containing an overview of the tax systems in each EU member state as well as a wealth of data on average beer prices, excise duty and VAT rates, and the total tax burden. Data is provided in local currencies, Euros, US$ and £Sterling. Available in Acrobat pdf format, for an additional cost there is also a pivot table* available so that clients can manipulate the data easily themselves.
The aim of the report is to highlight the variances in taxation (both in terms of excise duty and VAT rates) across Europe, despite a declared intent to harmonise taxation on alcohol. This obviously has an effect on the prices consumers pay with beer prices being highest in the heavily taxed markets of Scandinavia and the British Isles and lowest in the less affluent (and lower taxed) markets of Eastern Europe. The report also looks at the issue of cross border sales, which continue to be a major issue in Scandinavia.