Alcoholic beer market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the market volume for alcoholic beer in the Netherlands increased from 1 368 mln l to 1 463 mln l. This expansion was fueled by the broadening of distribution channels into supermarkets and online platforms, which improved accessibility, coupled with growing consumer demand for craft and premium beers that encouraged trial and consumption. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 reversed this trend, causing a sharp decline to 1 207 mln l as lockdowns shuttered hospitality venues, despite a concurrent rise in at-home consumption.

Market volume fell further to 939 mln l in 2021, influenced by a sustained consumer shift toward non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beer options and stricter regulations governing alcohol sales and promotion. A recovery began in 2022, with volume reaching 1 132 mln l by 2023, driven by premiumization, the introduction of new flavor segments, and the post-pandemic reopening of bars and restaurants which revived demand for specialty and draft beers.

Production alcoholic beer in the Netherlands

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2019, the Netherlands reached its peak in alcoholic beer production value at 2 712 million US dollars. However, in 2020, this figure dropped to 2 429 million US dollars, marking a 10.4% decrease from the previous year. Over the three-year period from 2018 to 2020, production value declined by 5.9%, with an average annual decrease of 2.0%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, when production value rose by 5.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, M l

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands held the 12th position globally in alcoholic beer production.

Top producers of alcoholic beer, 2018-2021

World map of production of alcoholic beer, 2018-2021

Alcoholic beer production in the Netherlands has been declining for three consecutive years. In 2020, the country produced 2 209 million liters, which represents a substantial 11.3% drop compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2020, production decreased by 19.1%, with an average annual decline of 6.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, M l

Exports alcoholic beer from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, M l

Alcoholic beer exports from the Netherlands have grown for two consecutive years. In 2021, exports reached 1 858 million liters, showing a modest 0.7% increase from 2020. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 838 million liters, which also saw the largest decline of 1.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, M l

Between 2018 and 2021, the Netherlands' alcoholic beer exports were not heavily concentrated on just a few markets. The United States accounted for 27.0% of export volume, France for 12.5%, and the United Kingdom for 6.7%. Together, these three countries represented 46.2% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Alcoholic beer export value from the Netherlands has increased for three consecutive years. In 2021, exports reached 2 166 million US dollars, reflecting a slight 2.6% rise from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, export value grew by 8.6%, with an average annual increase of 2.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the United States was the leading destination for the Netherlands' alcoholic beer exports in value terms, accounting for 36.7% of the total. France followed with 10.0%, and the United Kingdom with 4.5%. Combined, these three markets represented 51.2% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021

Imports alcoholic beer to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, M l

In 2021, the Netherlands imported approximately 589 million liters of alcoholic beer, a modest 4.4% increase year-over-year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, import volume grew by 16.2%, with an average annual increase of 5.1%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 596 million liters, which also saw the largest increase of 17.6%. In contrast, 2020 experienced the largest decline, with imports dropping by 5.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, M l

Between 2018 and 2021, Belgium was the dominant source for the Netherlands' alcoholic beer imports in volume terms, accounting for 58.0% of the total. Germany contributed 14.7%, and France 7.7%. Together, these three countries represented 80.4% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

Alcoholic beer import value in the Netherlands has risen for three consecutive years. In 2021, imports were recorded at 573 million US dollars, indicating a solid 17.6% increase compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, import value surged by 31.6%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 9.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Belgium was the key partner for the Netherlands' alcoholic beer imports in value terms, accounting for 58.1% of the total. Germany followed with 13.6%, and the United Kingdom with 7.2%. Collectively, these three countries represented 78.9% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021