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

Eline Poelmans and Johan Swinnen

LICOS Discussion Papers from LICOS - Centre for Institutions and Economic Performance, KU Leuven

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.

Keywords: economic history; history of beer; monasteries; innovation and taxation in brewing; modern brewing; consolidation and globalization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L23 L66 N30 N40 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2011
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-his and nep-ino
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (13)

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http://www.econ.kuleuven.be/licos/publications/dp/dp294.pdf

Related works:
Journal Article: From Monasteries to Multinationals (and Back): A Historical Review of the Beer Economy* (2011)
Working Paper: From Monasteries to Multinationals (and Back): A Historical Review of the Beer Economy (2011)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:lic:licosd:29411

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