page 20 of 100 segment sales were $ 100.7 million lower in 2009 than in 2008 , primarily as a result of the impact of lower aluminum prices partially offset by an increase in sales volumes .the higher sales volumes in 2009 were the result of incremental volumes from the four plants purchased from ab inbev , partially offset by certain plant closures and lower sales volumes in the existing business .segment earnings in 2010 were $ 122.3 million higher than in 2009 primarily due to a net $ 85 million impact related to the higher sales volumes and $ 45 million of product mix and improved manufacturing performance associated with higher production .also adding to the 2010 improvement was the effect of a $ 7 million out-of-period inventory charge in 2009 .the details of the out-of-period adjustment are included in note 7 to the consolidated financial statements included within item 8 of this report .segment earnings in 2009 were higher than in 2008 due to $ 12 million of earnings contribution from the four acquired plants and approximately $ 21 million of savings associated with plant closures .partially offsetting these favorable impacts were lower carbonated soft drink and beer can sales volumes ( excluding the newly acquired plants ) and approximately $ 25 million related to higher cost inventories in the first half of 2009 .metal beverage packaging , europe .
[['( $ in millions )', '2010', '2009', '2008'], ['net sales', '$ 1697.6', '$ 1739.5', '$ 1868.7'], ['segment earnings', '$ 212.9', '$ 214.8', '$ 230.9'], ['business consolidation costs ( a )', '-3.2 ( 3.2 )', '2212', '2212'], ['total segment earnings', '$ 209.7', '$ 214.8', '$ 230.9']]
( a ) further details of these items are included in note 5 to the consolidated financial statements within item 8 of this report .the metal beverage packaging , europe , segment includes metal beverage packaging products manufactured in europe .ball packaging europe has manufacturing plants located in germany , the united kingdom , france , the netherlands , poland and serbia , and is the second largest metal beverage container business in europe .segment sales in 2010 decreased $ 41.9 million compared to 2009 , primarily due to unfavorable foreign exchange effects of $ 93 million and price and mix changes , partially offset by higher sales volumes .segment sales in 2009 as compared to 2008 were $ 129.2 million lower due to $ 110 million of unfavorable foreign exchange effects , partially offset by better commercial terms .sales volumes in 2009 were essentially flat compared to those in the prior year .segment earnings in 2010 decreased $ 1.9 million compared to 2009 , primarily the result of a $ 28 million increase related to higher sales volumes , offset by $ 18 million of negative effects from foreign currency translation and $ 12 million of higher inventory and other costs .while 2009 sales volumes were consistent with the prior year , the adverse effects of foreign currency translation , both within europe and on the conversion of the euro to the u.s .dollar , reduced segment earnings by $ 8 million .also contributing to lower segment earnings were higher cost inventory carried into 2009 and a change in sales mix , partially offset by better commercial terms in some of our contracts .on january 18 , 2011 , ball acquired aerocan s.a.s .( aerocan ) , a leading european supplier of aluminum aerosol cans and bottles , for 20ac222.4 million ( approximately $ 300 million ) in cash and assumed debt .aerocan manufactures extruded aluminum aerosol cans and bottles , and the aluminum slugs used to make them , for customers in the personal care , pharmaceutical , beverage and food industries .it operates three aerosol can manufacturing plants 2013 one each in the czech republic , france and the united kingdom 2013 and is a 51 percent owner of a joint venture aluminum slug plant in france .the four plants employ approximately 560 people .the acquisition of aerocan will allow ball to enter a growing part of the metal packaging industry and to broaden the company 2019s market development efforts into a new customer base. .

Question: what was the percentage change in net sales metal beverage packaging , europe between 2008 to 2009?
Answer: -7%