Netherlands consumers drinking more craft beer, radlers

Consumers in the Netherlands drank more craft beer and radlers, last year. Consumption of radlers increased by 13 percent and of craft beers increased by 8 percent, according to figures released by industry association Nederlandse Brouwers on Wednesday, ANP reports. In total 11.5 million hectoliters of beer was consumed in the Netherlands last year, an increase of 1.8 percent compared to 2014. The vast majority (10 million hectoliters) was pilsner, though pilsner consumption showed the smallest increase of only 0.2 percent. Alcohol free and alcohol light beers are also growing in popularity, both at home and in pubs and restaurants. Nearly 27 percent more alcohol-free beer was consumed last year. Pubs and restaurants sold 44 percent more alcohol free beer and 35 percent more radler. A massive 86 percent of all beer sold in the Netherlands last year was also brewed in the country. Though sales of imported beer also increased by 6 percent to 1.7 million hectoliters. Exports of Dutch beer increased by 1.2 percent to 14.1 hectoliters.