SABMiller's European lager sales lose their froth

Are Europeans losing the taste for expensive lager?

The latest sales figures from SAB Miller suggest they might be, as appetite grows for drinks other than beer and economic conditions drive consumers towards cheaper brands.

The brewing giant behind Peroni, Grolsch and Miller Lite today reports lager sales fell by 5% in Europe in the six months to September.

"The industry continued to be affected by weak economic conditions across the region," said the company.

The eurozone's sobriety was in contrast to Africa. Lager sales across the continent were up 11%, with Uganda and Zambia recording markedly strong jumps in sales.

Beer sales have been declining in the first world for several years. In Britain some campaigners blame this for the closure of so many pubs, and say beer, as a relatively weak form of alcohol, should be taxed at a lower rate in order to encourage safer drinking habits.