The local Heineken subsidiary Brau Union is increasing beer prices for retailers and restaurants for the second time this year. After a price increase at the beginning of the year by an average of 3.6 percent, prices are now expected to rise by an average of 3.4 percent in December, a company spokeswoman confirmed to OÖNachrichten.
Pass on wage increases and other costs
Austria’s largest brewery group, based in Linz, pointed to several factors for the price increases. “On the one hand, we have a current conclusion of the brewery collective agreement, which means an effective increase in wage and salary costs by 3.9 percent and in addition we also have further increasing costs in the areas of transport and production,” said Brewing Union-Speaker Daniela Winnicki.
It is impossible to say exactly how much the price will rise in euros and cents. In order to increase customer frequency, supermarkets in this country often launch beer discount campaigns.
ePaper
**Interview with Daniela Winnicki, Spokeswoman for Brau Union Heineken**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Daniela. Can you explain why Brau Union is implementing another price increase for beer this December?
**Daniela Winnicki**: Thank you for having me. The decision to raise prices again stems from a combination of factors. We recently concluded our brewery collective agreement, which mandates a 3.9 percent increase in wages and salaries. Additionally, we are facing rising costs not only in transportation but also in production. These factors contribute to our need to adjust prices for retailers and restaurants.
**Editor**: This is the second price increase this year. How do you think this will impact consumers and sales?
**Daniela Winnicki**: We understand that price increases can be a concern for consumers, especially in the current economic climate. However, we are also seeing retailers, such as supermarkets, launching discount campaigns to attract customers. Our focus is on maintaining quality while ensuring that we can cover these rising costs. We hope that by balancing price adjustments and promotional efforts, we can minimize the impact on consumers.
**Editor**: Can you give us an idea of how much beer prices will rise in practical terms?
**Daniela Winnicki**: While we know the average percentage increase is around 3.4 percent for December, it’s challenging to specify exact figures in euros and cents since prices can vary based on the retailer and promotions. We’re committed to keeping our prices competitive while navigating these economic pressures.
**Editor**: Looking ahead, do you foresee more price increases in the future?
**Daniela Winnicki**: It’s difficult to predict the future with certainty, especially given the fluctuating costs of raw materials and labor. Our goal is to manage our expenses effectively while still providing value to our customers. We’ll continue to assess the situation closely as we move into the next year.
**Editor**: Thank you for shedding light on this situation, Daniela. We appreciate your insights.
**Daniela Winnicki**: Thank you! I’m glad to be here and share some clarity on this important topic.
