Germany: Beer consumption down to 1958 level

According to the German Brewers’ Association, the nation’s beer consumption showed a record decline last year. On average, each German citizen consumed 88 litres of beer in 2020 – 4 litres less than in 2019.

Although it remains one of the world’s highest figures, Germany’s beer consumption is down to post-World War II level. Such a low per capita consumption hasn’t been registered since 1958 (when statistics were only reported for West Germany).

At the same time, demand for zero-alcohol beer and malt beverages remained stable – about 5 litres per capita. In 2019, per capita beer consumption was 92 litres (including alcohol beer only). If zero-alcohol brands are included, the figure stood at 99.7 litres per person.

Closure of restaurants and bars in an attempt to contain the spread of COVID-19 is cited as the main reason of decline in consumption. Before COVID times, about 20% of beer was sold in the HoReCa sector. Smaller regional breweries have been affected the most, as restaurants and beer festivals accounted for 90% of their sales.

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