Beer market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the beer market volume in the Netherlands grew from 1 419 million liters to 1 574 million liters, driven by increasing consumer preference for specialty beers and alcohol-free options, as well as a more conscious choice among drinkers, including greater openness among women to try different beer styles.

In 2020, market volume declined to 1 308 million liters, a period marked by shifting lifestyles and rising demand for low-alcohol and alcohol-free beers, alongside the introduction of new ingredients and innovative flavors. The COVID-19 measures in 2021 affected consumption patterns, with a drop in horeca sales but a rise in at-home drinking, while sales of alcohol-free beer continued to expand. After restrictions were lifted in 2022, horeca consumption surged by 97.5%, returning to 2019 levels, though the market faced pressure from hospitality staff shortages and price increases.

The trend towards greater diversity in beer styles and low-alcohol alternatives persisted through 2023, supported by the establishment of the Craft Coöperatie for specialty brewers and the growing segment of alcohol-free hoppy beers with fruity notes.

Production beer in the Netherlands

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2020, beer production in the Netherlands was valued at 2 628 million US dollars, marking a moderate decrease of 9.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2020, production declined by 3.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 2 908 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 7.2%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, M l

In 2020, the Netherlands produced 2 685 million liters of beer, representing a drop of 7.6% compared to 2019. From 2018 to 2020, production decreased by 5.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.8%. The peak was in 2019 at 2 904 million liters, which also experienced the largest increase of 2.4%.

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

Exports beer from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, M l

The Netherlands' beer export volume has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 1 993 million liters, up by 1.3% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 2.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, beer from the Netherlands was exported to a diverse range of markets. The United States accounted for 26.6% of exports in volume, France for 12.2%, and the United Kingdom for 7.1%, together making up 45.9% of total exports. The remaining 54.1% was distributed among numerous smaller destinations.

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

Beer exports from the Netherlands have risen for the third year in a row. In 2021, exports were recorded at 2 320 million US dollars, an increase of 3.2% over the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 12.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.0%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, the United States was the leading market for Dutch beer exports in value terms, representing 36.4% of the total. France followed with 9.8%, and the United Kingdom with 4.8%. Together, these three countries accounted for 50.9% 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 beer to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, M l

In 2021, the Netherlands imported 619 million liters of beer, reflecting a modest gain of 4.9% over the past year. From 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 19.3%, with an annualized rate of 6.0%. The highest volume was in 2019 at 621 million liters, which saw the largest increase of 19.5%, while the largest decline occurred in 2020 at 4.9%.

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

Over the period 2018–2021, Belgium was the primary source of beer imports to the Netherlands, accounting for 57.2% of the volume. Germany contributed 15.6%, and France 7.5%. Together, these three countries absorbed 80.4% of total imports.

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

The Netherlands' beer imports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports stood at 601 million US dollars, showing a strong rise of 18.4% from a year earlier. From 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 34.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.4%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Belgium led in value terms for beer imports to the Netherlands, making up 57.5% of the total. Germany accounted for 14.4%, and the United Kingdom for 7.0%. 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