Exploring Beer Prices In Egypt

Beer in Egypt has a long history, dating back to the Predynastic period. Despite religious restrictions and views on alcohol after the Muslim conquest, it remains the most popular alcoholic beverage in the country, accounting for 54% of all alcohol consumption. The modern beer industry was founded in 1897 by Belgian businessmen, and today, the average cost of a bottle of beer from a known brand in Egypt is 1.40 USD (69 EGP). The retail price range for beer in the country is between US$10.60 and US$21.20 per kilogram or between US$4.81 and US$9.62 per pound.

Beer prices in Egypt

The cost of a bottle of beer from a known brand is around $1.40, which is equivalent to EGP 69. The price of a domestic beer (0.5 liters) ranges from $1.30 to $1.60, or EGP 0.82 to EGP 2.10. Imported beer (0.33 liters) is slightly more expensive, ranging from $1.40 to $2.50, or EGP 0.92 to EGP 4.10.

The most popular beer in Egypt, Stella, is produced by Al Ahram Beverages Company (ABC) and typically retails for EGP 6.50 in liquor stores and EGP 8-12 in bars. However, prices can be significantly higher in discos and on cruise boats. Other popular beer brands in Egypt include Sakkara, Heineken, Desperados, and Meister Max.

It is worth noting that alcohol consumption in Egypt is subject to religious restrictions, and public drunkenness is unacceptable. Additionally, the sale of alcohol is prohibited on the Prophet Mohammed's birthday and during the month of Ramadan, except in a few places catering to tourists.

Beer brands in Egypt

Beer has been consumed in Egypt since ancient times, and it remains the most popular alcoholic beverage in the country. The modern beer industry in Egypt was established by Belgian businessmen in 1897, and today there are two major breweries in the country. The first is Al Ahram Beverages Company (ABC), which markets the iconic Stella, as well as non-alcoholic Birell, the second most popular beer in Egypt. ABC controls 89% of Egypt's beer market. The second major brewery is the Egyptian International Beverage Company (Egybev), owned by Wadi Group and Egyptian businessman Samih Sawiris.

• Stella: This is by far the most popular beer in Egypt, with 47.5 million litres sold in 2016, equivalent to a third of Egypt's total beer consumption. It is a traditional lager and is part of the Heineken family.
• Sakara: This brand includes the Sakara Gold, a typical 4% lager, and the Sakara King, which has a higher alcohol content of 10%.
• Meister Max: This is a strong, German-style beer from Al Ahram, with an alcohol content of 8%.
• Luxor Classic: This is a lager produced by the Egyptian International Beverages Co., the first non-Heineken beer mentioned in a review of Egyptian beers.
• Birell: This non-alcoholic beer is the second most popular beer in Egypt.
• Fayrouz: This is another non-alcoholic beer that is popular in Egypt, as observant Muslims tend to avoid alcoholic drinks due to religious restrictions.
• Desperados: This tequila-flavoured beer was successfully launched in 2016, sparking a trend of flavoured alcoholic beers.
• Al Masria: This brand includes several beers, such as Al Masria Five Stars, Al Masria Royal King, and Al Masria Al Alamia Tiger 20%.
• Castello High (Red Label): This beer is produced by the Al Masria Al Alamia Company.

The retail price of beer in Egypt varies, with prices per kilogram ranging from $10.60 to $21.20, or between $4.81 and $9.62 per pound. In Egyptian pounds, the range is between EGP 331.27 and EGP 662.54 per kilogram or between EGP 150.24 and EGP 300.47 per pound in Cairo and Alexandria.

Beer alternatives in Egypt

While beer is the most popular alcoholic drink in Egypt, there are several alternatives available. Non-alcoholic beers, such as Birell and Fayrouz, are widely consumed, particularly by observant Muslims who avoid alcohol due to religious restrictions. These non-alcoholic options also include flavoured varieties like Fayrouz Mango Peach.

Egypt also has a long history of wine consumption, which was preferred by the upper class in ancient times. While I cannot find the current availability of wine in Egypt, it is likely that it is still consumed, especially by those looking for an alternative to beer.

Another alternative is bouza, a traditional Egyptian drink made from barley and bread. Bouza has been consumed in Egypt since ancient times and can be homebrewed using a 5,000-year-old method depicted on ancient Egyptian murals. The alcohol content of bouza can vary depending on fermentation time, reaching up to 7%. It is often associated with the working class and is seen as a cheaper alternative to commercial beer.

Additionally, there are likely other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available in Egypt, such as local liquors, spirits, coffee, or tea, as mentioned in a blog post about Egyptian alternatives to beer.

Alcohol restrictions in Egypt

Egypt has a complex relationship with alcohol. While the country has a long history of brewing and consuming alcohol, dating back to ancient times, its predominantly Muslim population observes religious prohibitions against drinking. This has led to a culture where alcohol consumption is often clandestine, especially in lower- to middle-class neighbourhoods.

Egypt does not ban alcohol entirely, but it heavily regulates its sale and consumption. Alcohol is prohibited in public places and shops, except in hotels and tourist facilities approved by the Minister of Tourism. Obtaining a liquor licence is extremely difficult for most businesses, including bars, retail stores, and three-star hotels. This restrictive licensing process effectively stunts the growth of the alcohol industry within the country.

The cost of drinking beer in Egypt varies depending on the location and social class of the neighbourhood. In upscale districts of Cairo, such as Zamalek, Maadi, and Heliopolis, alcohol is readily available in pubs, bars, and liquor shops. These establishments may charge high prices, such as a 200 EGP (approximately US$26) cover charge for bars.

In contrast, purchasing alcohol in low- to middle-class areas like Giza and Sayeda Zeinab is likened to engaging in a drug deal due to social stigma. The type of beer consumed also impacts the cost, with popular brands such as Sakara El King, Stella, and Heineken available in various package sizes and price points.

Egypt's alcohol market is dominated by Al-Ahram Beverages, which holds a monopoly on the industry. Al-Ahram's position is strengthened by its acquisition of critical production and operating licenses, making it the largest player in the market. Their sole competitor, the Egyptian International Beverage Company (EIB), faces challenges due to problems with retail licensing and the ban on alcohol advertising.

Beer in ancient Egypt

The ancient Egyptians loved beer. In fact, they were so well-known for their brewing skills that their reputation eclipsed that of the Sumerians, who invented the process. Beer was so essential to the ancient Egyptians that it was treated principally as a type of food. It was consumed daily and in great quantities at religious festivals and celebrations. It was also used as a form of payment for workers, including those who built the pyramids of Giza, who were provided with a daily ration of 1⅓ gallons (over 10 pints).

The ancient Egyptians altered the Sumerian brewing methods to create a smoother, lighter brew that could be poured into a cup or glass. To make their beer, they mixed cooked loaves of bread with water and placed the mixture in heated jars to ferment. They also added dates and honey for sugar, taste, and higher alcohol content, and yeast to increase fermentation. This resulted in a thick, dark red brew. Later, during the New Kingdom period, barley and emmer (wheat) were used, mixed with water to create a mash, which was then strained and flavoured with different herbs and fruits.

Beer was considered a gift from the gods and was closely associated with Osiris, the god of the dead, who was said to have taught humans the art of brewing. It was also linked to the goddess Hathor, known as "The Lady of Drunkenness", and the goddess Tenenet (or Tenenit, Tjenenet), who presided over the craft of brewing. Beer was offered to the gods in temples and was a common offering in tombs, as it was considered a necessary provision for the dead.

Today, the retail price range for beer in Egypt is between US$10.60 and US$21.20 per kilogram or between US$4.81 and US$9.62 per pound.

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