Beer market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German beer market began the period at 7.7 billion liters in 2018, aided by a temporary consumption boost from favorable summer weather and the FIFA World Cup. Simultaneously, the market experienced a structural shift with a continued rise in the number of breweries and a strong expansion of the craft beer segment, which introduced new flavors and variety. This upward momentum was abruptly reversed in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns caused a sharp contraction, reducing market volume to 7.0 billion liters as sales in hospitality and events collapsed.

Pandemic restrictions extended into 2021, further depressing domestic consumption and pushing the market volume down to 6.9 billion liters. A partial recovery emerged in 2022, with volume rising to 7.2 billion liters as the sector rebounded from the worst of the health crisis, supported by growing demand for pale lagers and non-alcoholic beer. However, this recovery proved fleeting, as the market shrank again to 6.8 billion liters in 2023 under significant pressure from rising consumer prices, higher production costs, and persistent consumer caution.

By 2024, the market volume stabilized at 6.9 billion liters. Underlying this stability was the powerful growth of the non-alcoholic beer segment, whose production has nearly doubled since 2007, providing consistent support to overall volume. In value terms, the market demonstrated stronger growth from 2021 onward, reaching $6.9 billion in 2024, driven by premiumization and the ongoing expansion of alcohol-free varieties.

Production beer in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Beer production in Germany declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 6 653 million US dollars, marking a 4.9% decrease compared to the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 7 329 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 11.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, M l

Germany's beer production volume fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 7 947 million liters of beer, representing a 6.1% drop from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 6.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.1%. The peak volume was reached in 2018 at 8 657 million liters, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 2.1%.

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

Exports beer from Germany

Exports in kind, M l

After two years of growth, Germany's beer export volumes declined. In 2020, exports totaled 1 631 million liters, a 3.8% decrease from the previous year. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 695 million liters, which also saw the largest annual increase of 1.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export market for beer in volume terms was highly diversified. Italy accounted for 19.4% of exports, China for 10.8%, and Russia for 7.4%, together making up just 37.6% of total flows. The remaining 62.4% was distributed among numerous other countries.

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

Beer exports from Germany declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Germany exported beer worth 1 386 million US dollars, a 4.2% decrease year-over-year. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 1 468 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, the country composition of beer exports in value terms was widely dispersed. Italy represented 21.3% of exports, China 9.2%, and the United States 8.6%, together accounting for just 39.1% of total flows. The remaining 60.9% was split among a broad range of other destinations.

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 to Germany

Imports in kind, M l

After two years of growth, beer imports into Germany declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 704 million liters, reflecting a 5.7% decrease compared to the previous year. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 747 million liters, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 5.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Denmark, Belgium, and Czechia were the main sources for beer imports in volume terms. Denmark accounted for 32.7% of imports, Belgium for 17.6%, and Czechia for 13.8%, together representing 64.1% of total 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 improvement, beer imports into Germany declined. In 2020, imports registered 478 million US dollars, showing a significant contraction of 10.6% over the past year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 6.2%, equating to an annualized rate of -2.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 535 million US dollars, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 4.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—Denmark, Czechia, and Belgium—together absorbed 63.7% of total beer imports into Germany 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