Beer Thirst Unquenchable During Heat Wave

The week-long heat wave in Germany may have everyone complaining about unbearable working conditions, overfilled swimming pools and poor summer harvests, but one group is basking in the sun: the beer industry. With temperatures climbing up to 40 degrees Celsius, Germans are turning to refreshments for relief. And the drink of choice seems to be beer. At least the sales figures for the past few weeks are signaling a dramatic rise in consumption. The German Brewers Association is reporting a 9.3 percent sales increase for the month of June. Although the beverage producers on a whole have suffered losses due to the introduction of a can deposit, the controversial system can’t compete with the heat. "The weather is the top beer salesman," a spokesman for the Brewers Association told Reuters.