Alcoholic beer market in Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The alcoholic beer market in Europe expanded to 48 618 million liters in 2019, driven by growing consumer interest in craft, premium, and low-alcohol varieties. This growth was supported by the entry of new craft breweries and increased marketing efforts by major producers. However, the market contracted sharply to 44 860 million liters in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic led to the closure of hospitality venues and a shift toward at-home consumption.

A gradual recovery began in 2021, with market volume rising to 45 273 million liters following the reopening of bars and restaurants. The trend toward health-conscious consumption continued to boost demand for non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beers, while the expansion of online sales channels helped sustain market access. By 2022, volume reached 46 541 million liters, aided by further recovery in out-of-home consumption and the introduction of new regulations that encouraged product innovation.

In 2023, the market declined to 44 297 million liters due to economic headwinds, including rising production costs from higher raw material and energy prices, which dampened consumer spending. Despite the overall contraction, the non-alcoholic and low-alcohol segment continued to gain market share, reflecting a lasting shift in consumer preferences toward healthier options.

Production alcoholic beer in Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, M l

Top producers of alcoholic beer, 2017-2020

World map of production of alcoholic beer, 2017-2020

Europe's alcoholic beer production has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, production reached 46 234 million liters, marking a controlled decrease of 7.3% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 8%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 2.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Europe in kind, 2017-2020, M l

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output of alcoholic beer in Europe was valued at 69 140 million US dollars, showing a substantial year-on-year increase of 12.5%. Between 2017 and 2020, production rose by 20%, with an annualized growth rate of 6.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 10.7%, while the biggest increase was recorded in 2018, at 19.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports alcoholic beer from Europe

Exports in kind, M l

In 2020, Europe exported 5 910 million liters of alcoholic beer, representing a substantial decline of 18.1% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 17.7%, with an annualized decline rate of 6.3%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 7 214 million liters, which also saw the largest increase of 12.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Europe in kind, 2017-2020, M l

Between 2017 and 2020, alcoholic beer from Europe was supplied to numerous markets. Even the largest destinations—the United States, China, and Canada—together accounted for only 17.3% of total exports in volume terms.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Europe in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of improvement, Europe's cross-border shipments of alcoholic beer declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 8 838 million US dollars, equivalent to a slight decrease of 0.6% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 7.3%, with an annualized growth rate of 2.4%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 8 888 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 7.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During 2017–2020, alcoholic beer from Europe was traded with many countries. The largest destinations—the United States, China, and Canada—together represented only 25.3% of total exports in value terms.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Europe in value, 2017-2020

Imports alcoholic beer to Europe

Imports in kind, M l

The market exhibited volatility during these years. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 2 993 million liters, while the maximum was in 2019 at 5 960 million liters, showing a 2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Europe imported 4 535 million liters of alcoholic beer, down by 23.9% from a year earlier. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 99.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Europe in kind, 2017-2020, M l

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico and the United States were the largest sources for imports of alcoholic beer to Europe in volume terms, together accounting for 4.3% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Europe in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Europe's volume of alcoholic beer imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 5 902 million US dollars, remaining virtually unchanged from 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, imports grew by 15.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Mexico, with 5.8% of total flows, and the United States, with 1.5%, were the two main sources for imports in value terms, jointly representing 7.3% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Europe in value, 2017-2020