German beer was in demand during the World Cup

Krombacher, Bitburger and Warsteiner all reported sales were up on 2005, partly due to strong domestic demand amid the hot summer and World Cup.

Krombacher said it sold a total of 151 million gallons of beer during the year, a 2.7% increase on 2005.

Bitburger, the only German beer sold at stadiums during the World Cup, said sales rose 0.8% to 214 million gallons.

Warsteiner said it sold 161 million gallons of beer during 2006, lifted by export sales.

Despite an overall drop in domestic demand, the firm reported an increase in beer demand in Germany during the World Cup.