Alcoholic beer market in Switzerland

Earlier Report Observations

The Swiss alcoholic beer market expanded from 2018 to 2019, with volume rising from 461.6 million liters to 468.0 million liters. This growth was propelled by a booming craft beer scene, as the number of breweries surpassed 1,000, setting a global record for brewery density per capita. Consumer preference shifted strongly towards local Swiss beers, supported by a vibrant microbrewery movement that offered greater variety. During this period, the market remained highly concentrated, with the Carlsberg and Heineken oligopoly controlling nearly 70% of sales.

The COVID-19 pandemic abruptly reversed market growth in 2020. Public health measures, including the closure of hospitality venues and the cancellation of major summer events, led to a sharp drop in consumption, reducing the market volume to 448.0 million liters. The downturn continued into 2021, with volume falling further to 438.2 million liters, as pandemic restrictions persisted. A pronounced recovery followed in 2022, with the market surging by 6.2% to 466.6 million liters. This rebound was directly tied to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and favorable sunny weather, which boosted outdoor consumption.

Economic headwinds emerged in 2022 and intensified in 2023, causing the market to contract again to 452.2 million liters. Soaring energy and raw material costs, exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, pressured production expenses and consumer prices. For the first time since 1991, the long expansion of the brewing sector halted, with approximately 100 breweries disappearing in 2022. Concurrently, the protected designation 'Pils/Pilsen' was abolished, allowing freer use of the term. Despite the overall decline, the non-alcoholic beer segment continued to grow, exceeding a 6% market share.

Production alcoholic beer in Switzerland

In kind, 2017-2020, M l

Top producers of alcoholic beer, 2017-2020

World map of production of alcoholic beer, 2017-2020

Switzerland's alcoholic beer production volume declined after two years of growth. In 2019, production reached its peak at 367.6 million liters. However, in 2020, it fell to 340.4 million liters, marking a 7.4% year-over-year decrease. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a 4.0% rise.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Switzerland's alcoholic beer production value declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 173.1 million US dollars, reflecting a slight 1.5% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 25.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.2%.

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

Exports alcoholic beer from Switzerland

Exports in kind, M l

In 2020, alcoholic beer exports from Switzerland amounted to 5.0 million liters, showing a significant contraction of 11.8% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 4.3 million liters, while the maximum was in 2019 at 5.7 million liters. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 14.1% drop, and the largest increase was in 2019 with a 31.5% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—Germany, France, and Italy—together absorbed 65.6% of Switzerland's total alcoholic beer exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Switzerland exported 2.5 million US dollars worth of alcoholic beer in 2020, indicating a measured reduction of 6.1% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 24.1%, equating to an 8.8% annualized rate. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 2.4 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 27.2% drop, while the largest increase was in 2019 with an 11.1% rise.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, France, Italy, and Germany remained the key partners in value terms, accounting for 21.9%, 21.1%, and 18.8% of exports, respectively. Together, they represented 61.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports alcoholic beer to Switzerland

Imports in kind, M l

Alcoholic beer imports into Switzerland increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Switzerland imported 112.6 million liters, marking a 6.2% gain compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 2.9%, equating to a 1.0% annualized rate. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 105.6 million liters, with the largest decline occurring that year at 8.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Portugal, and France continued to be the main suppliers of alcoholic beer to Switzerland, accounting for 43.5%, 13.4%, and 10.1% of imports in volume terms, respectively. Together, they formed 67.1% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of decline, foreign alcoholic beer supplies to Switzerland increased. In 2020, imports totaled 117.4 million US dollars, showing a small improvement of 2.9% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 3.4%, equating to a 1.1% annualized rate. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 114.1 million US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 3.9% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Portugal, and Belgium formed the main cluster of markets for imports in value terms, with shares of 32.2%, 15.8%, and 9.3%, respectively. Together, they accounted for 57.3% of total import flows.

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

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