Beer and brewing products market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German beer market began a structural shift from 2018 as consumer preferences moved towards healthier options, prompting the launch of new non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beer products. This trend continued into 2019, but the market's value fell from $6.5 billion in 2018 to $5.9 billion in 2020, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which sharply reduced consumption in hospitality and outdoor settings.

Recovery started in 2021, with market value rising to $6.0 billion and volume reaching 10.2 million tons. Growth was driven by rising demand for craft beers and beer-based mixed drinks, alongside broader industry innovation aimed at younger consumers. In 2022, volume expanded further to 10.5 million tons, supported by the accelerating non-alcoholic segment and increased focus on sustainability and local sourcing.

High costs for raw materials, energy, logistics, and packaging weighed on the industry in 2023, contributing to a volume drop to 10.1 million tons. Despite these pressures, the sector showed resilience, and non-alcoholic beer's market share grew to around 8.9%. The market stabilized in 2024 at 10.2 million tons, aided by a strong surge in non-alcoholic beer sales and a temporary consumption boost from the EURO 2024 football championship.

Production beer and brewing products in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's beer and brewing products production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 6 782 million US dollars, down 4.7% from the previous year. The highest production value was recorded in 2018 at 7 461 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 11.2%.

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

Exports beer and brewing products from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Germany's exports of beer and brewing products declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 1 987 thousand tons, representing a moderate 4.6% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 9.6%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 3.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands (19.2% of exports in kind), Italy (15.9%), and China (8.6%) were significant buyers of German beer and brewing products. However, their combined share accounted for only 43.7% of total exports in kind, with the remaining 56.3% distributed among numerous other trading partners.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Germany's beer and brewing products exports declined in value for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 1 419 million US dollars, down 3.9% year-over-year. The peak export value was recorded in 2018 at 1 499 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 6.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany's export market in value terms was highly diversified. Italy (21.0% of exports in value terms), China (9.0%), and the United States (8.4%) together represented just 38.4% of total export flows, while a substantial 61.6% was distributed across many other countries.

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

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

Imports beer and brewing products to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Germany's imports of beer and brewing products declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 894 thousand tons, marking a 6.0% decrease from the previous year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 951 thousand tons, which also saw the largest annual increase of 5.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Denmark (25.4% of imports in kind), Belgium (15.2%), and Czechia (13.7%) formed the core of Germany's beer and brewing products imports, collectively accounting for 54.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, Germany's beer and brewing products imports declined in value. In 2020, imports reached 504 million US dollars, reflecting a significant 10.8% drop compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 5.8%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 2.0%. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 564 million US dollars, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 5.4%.

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

Over the 2017–2020 period, Denmark (35.8% of imports in value terms), Czechia (12.7%), and Belgium (12.5%) were the primary suppliers of beer and brewing products to Germany, jointly representing 61.0% of total imports in value terms.

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

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