Beer market in Czechia

Earlier Report Observations

The Czech beer market's volume gradually declined from 1 548 million liters in 2018 to 1 423 million liters in 2021. Throughout this period, breweries actively expanded canned beer production, with sales in cans growing by about 19% in 2018 and a 55% increase in canning line capacity. This packaging shift was part of a broader diversification, including the launch of new styles like the highly bitter Ratar beer, which targeted expanding niche segments.

Market volume rebounded to 1 482 million liters in 2022, supported by packaging innovations such as increased use of recycled plastic in PET bottles and the introduction of flavored non-alcoholic beers sold exclusively in cans. Breweries responded to post-pandemic preferences with a focus on sustainability and new formats, while the launch of lower-alcohol lagers like Proud aimed at younger adults also contributed to the recovery.

In 2023, unfavorable weather conditions significantly dampened sales, causing the market to contract to 1 442 million liters. The market stabilized in 2024, reaching 1 464 million liters, as demand continued moving from draft beer in hospitality venues to packaged beer—particularly cans—in retail stores. This ongoing transition in consumption channels was further shaped by preparations for introducing a deposit system for cans and PET bottles.

Production beer in Czechia

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Following two years of decline, beer production in Czechia rebounded in 2021. Output reached 1 376 million US dollars, marking a solid 10.0% year-over-year increase. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 1 251 million US dollars, which also saw the steepest decline of 7.9%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, M l

After two years of falling volumes, Czechia's beer production stabilized in 2021 with 1 920 million liters, showing only minor year-over-year fluctuations. Over the 2018-2021 period, production decreased by 5.9%, translating to a compound annual growth rate of -2.0%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 1 916 million liters, which experienced the largest decline of 5.0%.

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

Exports beer from Czechia

Exports in kind, M l

In 2021, Czechia exported 553.4 million liters of beer, representing a modest 5.1% increase from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 3.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 526.5 million liters, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 555.0 million liters. The most significant decline of 5.1% was observed in 2020.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Slovakia, Germany, and Poland were the primary destinations for Czech beer exports by volume, accounting for 24.4%, 20.1%, and 8.2% of total exports, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 52.7% of all export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2021, Czechia's beer exports reached 353.4 million US dollars, up 13.1% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, export value increased by 9.5%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 3.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 312.5 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 7.4%.

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

During the 2018-2021 period, Czech beer was exported to numerous markets, with even the top three destinations—Germany, Slovakia, and Russia—collectively accounting for just 47.8% of total export value.

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

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

Imports beer to Czechia

Imports in kind, M l

For the third consecutive year, beer imports into Czechia increased. In 2021, imports reached 56.3 million liters, up 1.2% year-over-year. Over the 2018-2021 period, import volumes grew by 32.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Poland, Hungary, and Germany were the main sources of beer imports by volume, representing 33.2%, 20.9%, and 13.4% of total imports, respectively. Together, these three countries accounted for 67.5% of all import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Imported beer value in Czechia rose for the third year in a row in 2021, reaching 34.8 million US dollars—a 12.5% increase over the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, import value surged by 56%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 16.0%.

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

In the 2018-2021 period, Poland, Germany, and Hungary were the leading sources of beer imports by value, accounting for 22.2%, 18.4%, and 15.0% of total imports, respectively. Collectively, these three countries made up 55.6% of all import flows.

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

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