Beer market in Finland

Earlier Report Observations

The Finnish beer market experienced a gradual contraction in volume from 418 million liters in 2018 to 363 million liters in 2024. This decline was primarily driven by repeated increases in alcohol excise taxes, particularly the 10% average rise in 2018, a further 2.5% hike in 2019, and a significant 5% increase across all beverage groups in 2021, which elevated consumer prices and dampened overall consumption. Concurrently, a shift in consumer behavior toward more moderate drinking patterns and growing interest in low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beer options began to reshape the market.

The COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions on the hospitality sector from April 2020 through early 2022 temporarily reduced on-trade beer sales, but off-trade consumption partially offset this impact, stabilizing the market volume in 2020. This period also accelerated the rise of craft breweries and local beer culture, supported by events like 'Suuret Oluet – Pienet Panimot,' which diversified product offerings. However, these structural changes did not reverse the downward volume trend, as seen in the sharp drop to 373 million liters in 2023 amidst continued consumer preference for moderation.

A major liberalization of alcohol laws took effect in June 2024, raising the maximum alcohol content for beverages sold in grocery stores from 5.5% to 8.0% and reducing the excise tax on beer. Despite this improved accessibility, the total market volume fell further to 363 million liters, as the consumer shift toward moderate consumption solidified. Non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beer sales surged by 27% in value year-on-year, highlighting a market transformation focused on product mix rather than volume expansion.

Production beer in Finland

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Finland's beer production value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 264.4 million US dollars, representing a slight decrease of 0.9% compared to the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 275.3 million US dollars. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 3.1%, while the largest increase was seen in 2018 at 5.2%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, M l

After two years of decline, Finland's beer production volume increased in 2020. The country produced 380.5 million liters of beer, showing only a marginal fluctuation from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 8%, which translates to an annualized rate of 2.7%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 379.6 million liters, and the largest annual decline occurred in 2018 at 5.0%.

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

Exports beer from Finland

Exports in kind, K l

Following a two-year decline, Finland's beer exports increased in 2020. The country exported 13 593 thousand liters, marking a 4.3% rise compared to the previous year. However, between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 40.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 15.9%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 13 031 thousand liters, which also saw the largest annual decline at 32.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Finland in kind, 2017-2020, K l

From 2017 to 2020, Estonia, Lithuania, and Russia were the leading destinations for Finland's beer exports in volume terms. Estonia accounted for 44.9% of exports, Lithuania for 16.6%, and Russia for 12.7%. Together, these three countries represented 74.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Finland's beer export value declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 10 114 thousand US dollars, which is 28.0% lower than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 35.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -13.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Estonia, Russia, and Lithuania were the top buyers of Finnish beer in value terms. Estonia accounted for 45.6% of export value, Russia for 18.4%, and Lithuania for 12.1%. Collectively, these three countries made up 76.2% of total export value.

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

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

Imports beer to Finland

Imports in kind, K l

Finland's beer import volume increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported 47 089 thousand liters, reflecting a moderate increase of 4.0% compared to 2019. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 44 326 thousand liters, which also saw the largest annual decline at 4.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Finland in kind, 2017-2020, K l

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Germany, Mexico, and Czechia were the main sources of beer imports to Finland in volume terms. Germany accounted for 38.6% of imports, Mexico for 11.1%, and Czechia for 9.1%. Together, these three countries represented 58.8% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, Finland's beer import value declined in 2020. Imports stood at 48 692 thousand US dollars, which is 6.8% less than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 6.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 52 233 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase at 9.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Mexico, and Czechia continued to be the leading suppliers of beer to Finland in value terms. Germany accounted for 28.7% of import value, Mexico for 13.2%, and Czechia for 10.1%. Collectively, these three countries made up 52.0% of total import value.

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

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