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From Monasteries to Multinationals (and Back): A Historical Review of the Beer Economy*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 June 2012

Eline Poelmans  and
Johan F.M. Swinnen
Eline Poelmans
Affiliation:
Economics & Management Faculty, Hogeschool Universiteit Brussel, Warmoesberg 26, B-1000 Brussel,, Belgium. e-mail: eline.poelmans@econ.kuleuven.be
Johan F.M. Swinnen
Affiliation:
LICOS Centre for Institutions and Economic Performance, University of Leuven (KUL), Waaistraat 6, box 3511, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium. e-mail: jo.swinnen@econ.kuleuven.be
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Abstract

This article reviews beer production, consumption and the industrial organization of breweries throughout history. Monasteries were the centers of the beer economy in the early Middle Ages. Innovation and increased demand later induced the growth of commercial breweries. Globalization and scientific discoveries transformed the beer industry and increased competition from the 16th through the 19th century. The 20th century was characterized by dramatic (domestic and international) consolidation, major shifts in consumption patterns, and the re-emergence of small breweries. (JEL Classification: N30, N40, L23, L66)

Type
Articles
Information
Journal of Wine Economics , Volume 6 , Issue 2 , Autumn 2011 , pp. 196 - 216
Copyright
Copyright © American Association of Wine Economists 2011

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