Non-alcoholic beer market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018, the non-alcoholic beer market in Germany began a significant expansion, rising from 280.6 million liters to 335.4 million liters by 2019. This initial surge was fueled by growing societal health awareness and a desire to reduce alcohol consumption, coupled with technological advances in dealcoholization methods and new yeast strains that enhanced product quality and variety. The entry of new product segments, such as craft-style non-alcoholic beers, further stimulated consumer interest.

After a period of stabilization around 330 million liters in 2020 and 2021, the market accelerated again from 2022 onward, reaching 400.3 million liters that year. This renewed growth was supported by increased shelf presence in retail and beverage markets, making non-alcoholic beer more accessible. Successful product launches, like Veltins 'helles Pülleken', and the emergence of non-alcoholic craft beers and IPA styles attracted new consumers. Additionally, the economic advantage of higher margins due to the absence of alcohol tax made production more attractive for breweries.

By 2024, production hit a record 578.8 million liters, with the market volume reaching 504.5 million liters. The category solidified its position as the third most popular beer type after Pils and Helles, holding an 8.9% market share. Legislative clarity, with a defined limit of 0.5% alcohol by volume for 'non-alcoholic' beer, provided a stable framework. Ongoing technological innovations in dealcoholization and digital brewing processes, along with continued expansion in gastronomy and retail shelf space, sustained momentum despite rising costs for raw materials, energy, and logistics.

Production non-alcoholic beer in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's non-alcoholic beer production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output value remained stable at 405.6 million US dollars, unchanged from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 59.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 16.7%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, M l

After two years of growth, Germany's non-alcoholic beer production declined. In 2020, 412.3 million liters were produced, marking a slight drop of 1.8% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 24.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.6%. The peak was in 2019 at 419.8 million liters, with the largest increase of 16.0% also recorded that year.

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

Exports non-alcoholic beer from Germany

Exports in kind, K l

Germany's non-alcoholic beer exports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 97 543 thousand liters, showing a slight gain of 1.9% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 16.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's non-alcoholic beer exports in volume were widely spread across markets. The United Kingdom accounted for 17.2% of exports, the United States for 14.3%, and Russia for 6.1%, together making up only 37.6% of total flows, indicating a diverse export base.

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, K $ US

After a two-year rise, Germany's non-alcoholic beer export volumes declined. In 2020, exports were recorded at 92 888 thousand US dollars, a slight drop of 1.6% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 11.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.6%. The highest value was in 2019 at 94 386 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase of 12.9% occurred in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States, with 19.2% of exports in value terms, the United Kingdom at 19.1%, and Russia at 5.9%, were among the largest buyers of German non-alcoholic beer. However, even combined, they represented just 44.2% of total export value, highlighting a broadly diversified partner base.

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

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

Imports non-alcoholic beer to Germany

Imports in kind, K l

Germany's non-alcoholic beer imports have risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 14 689 thousand liters, up by 29.7% compared to the previous year. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 10 905 thousand liters, with the largest decline of 24.9% also recorded that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria, with 67.2% of imports in volume, the Netherlands at 11.8%, and Denmark at 7.7%, together accounted for 86.7% of total imports, making them the main sources for non-alcoholic beer to Germany.

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, K $ US

In 2020, Germany's non-alcoholic beer import volume totaled 13 541 thousand US dollars, up by 20.1% relative to the prior year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 11.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.8%. The minimum value was in 2019 at 11 276 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline of 6.9% occurred in 2018.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Austria and the Netherlands clearly dominated Germany's non-alcoholic beer imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 80.4% of total flows, with other countries holding much smaller shares.

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

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