Discussion Questions:

1. Explain the link between rising energy prices, a shortage of truck drivers, and the higher cost of beer bottles. Then, explain why larger breweries are likely to feel less pain than their smaller counterparts from the increase in beer bottle prices and the shortage of bottles themselves. What does your response tell you about market power?

2. Reflect on the competition between Germanys breweries. Will smaller breweries be able to survive the current situation, or do you think they will be forced to sell out to larger breweries? If they do sell out, how will competitive landscape change going forward?

3. In a country where beer gardens are a popular part of everyday life, rising beer prices and bottle shortages could threaten normal buyer behavior. Consider the spillover effects of higher beer prices in Germany. If buyers resist higher prices, how will Germanys restaurant and tourism industries be affected? What other potential fallout do you see?