SAINT PATRICK

Beer is one of the most popular drinks in the world because there is virtually no country in the world that cannot produce its own beer. From Cambodia to Brazil, from Denmark to Morocco, from Canada to Japan, consumers will find a local brand everywhere.

There are of course a few heavyweights in terms of both production and image: Germany, Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands, Poland, the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom. In fact, Europe is the continent of hops.

According to Eurostat statistics (https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/w/edn-20240802-1), the countries of the European Union produced 32.5 billion liters of beer containing alcohol in 2023. To which can be added 1.8 billion liters of non-alcoholic beer.

St. Patrick's Day can therefore be an opportunity to showcase this beverage in delicatessens. And instead of the traditional pint of red beer that Irish pubs promote, why not favor luxury beers or specialty beers - flavored or craft beers, which are really popular? For example, with the possibility of forming a partnership with a local microbrewery for the occasion.

Craft beers are very popular in France. Specialty beers represent 57% of the market share in value. They are often beers with a stronger taste or to which an original ingredient (such as a plant) is added. Or they are brewed using a particular technique.

Luxury lagers also have their followers. They have a market share of over 5%. The term “luxury” is nevertheless misleading for the uninitiated. Professionals use this appellation because of the degree of fermentation (i.e. the degree of alcohol by weight and not by volume). In this category, we find, for example, Jade, Briarde, Luxe du Moulin and Hoegaarden.

In fact, what we commonly refer to as a luxury beer is considered by brewers to be a prestige drink. Like those of the DB company, a business that wants to raise beer to the rank of a work of art. DB works with a brewery in Lille to produce exclusive beverages with a luxurious design.

While the amber-colored “Trotteuse” is, as its name suggests, an amber beer from the Orne region, brewed by La Ferme de l'Etre Soyer. The latter is one of the few to have chosen barley and wheat for the creation of the “Trotteuse”. It was represented at the last edition of Gourmet Selection on the Area Normandie stand. On the Area Normandie website, you can also discover Première Bière, a brewer that offers brewing workshops and sells a dozen or so exceptional beers, including one brewed with raspberries and mint. And even a special beer for St. Patrick's Day! The latter subtly blends intense aromas of malt and spices, enhanced by the addition of coriander and sweet orange peel.