Whiskies market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The whisky market volume in Germany showed significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2021, falling to 20 812 thousand liters in 2019 from 31 842 thousand liters, then recovering to a peak of 34 954 thousand liters in 2020 before declining again to 22 990 thousand liters in 2021. The market value mirrored this volatility, reaching $258.5 million in 2020.

Market volume grew to 26 455 thousand liters in 2023, even as the market value dropped sharply to $175.7 million, indicating a shift toward more affordable products or lower average prices. Scotland's whisky exports to Germany were valued at approximately £470 million that year, highlighting the market's sustained dependence on imported supply.

In 2024, the market volume increased further to 29 729 thousand liters, with value recovering to $216.3 million. Whisky imports into Germany fell during the first half of the year, partly due to Brexit-related challenges and softer demand, while domestic production rose. The introduction of the Whisky Arena online marketplace for German whiskies and growing interest from younger consumer generations helped diversify and strengthen the local segment.

Production whiskies in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Germany's whisky production value has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, whisky output in Germany was valued at 18 630 K $ US, representing a 21.2% increase compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 42%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K l

After two years of decline, Germany's whisky production volume has rebounded. In 2020, Germany produced 6 799 K l of whisky, marking a solid 16.7% increase from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production rose by 11%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 3.5%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2019 at 5 828 K l, which also saw the largest decline of 4.0%.

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

Exports whiskies from Germany

Exports in kind, K l

Germany's whisky exports have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 16 857 K l, reflecting a significant 31.8% decrease compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 37.6%, with a compound annual decline rate of 14.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany's whisky export market was diverse, with a broad portfolio of buyers. The Netherlands accounted for 23.1% of exports in volume, Belgium for 8.2%, and Luxembourg for 5.7%, together contributing 37.0% of total exports. Many other countries held smaller but notable shares.

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

Germany's whisky export value has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 196.0 M $ US, showing a 37.3% year-on-year decrease. From 2017 to 2020, exports dropped by 42.5%, with a compound annual decline rate of 16.9%.

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

An analysis of whisky export values from 2017 to 2020 reveals a wide distribution across many markets. The Netherlands represented 23.0% of exports in value, Belgium 8.2%, and Luxembourg 5.6%, together accounting for 36.8% of total flows. The remaining 63.2% was distributed among other trading partners.

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

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

Imports whiskies to Germany

Imports in kind, K l

Germany's whisky import volume increased in 2020, reaching 45 012 K l, which is a 13.4% rise compared to the previous year. However, from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 4.1%, with a compound annual decline rate of 1.4%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 39 702 K l, following the largest decline of 23.7% that year. The highest volume was in 2018 at 52 041 K l.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom and the United States were the dominant sources for Germany's whisky imports in volume, while other countries together made up the remainder.

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

Germany's whisky import value has declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 435.9 M $ US, a 14.2% decrease relative to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 18.5%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 6.6%. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 559.5 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 4.6%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom and the United States were the key partners for Germany's whisky imports in value terms, together accounting for 88.6% of total flows. Other partners represented the remaining share.

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

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