Germany: Beer industry reports significant decrease in sales in 2024

Germany's beer industry has reported a significant decrease in sales, continuing a long-term trend that reflects changing consumer preferences. Despite the hosting of the UEFA European Championship in 2024, beer sales reached a historic low last year, dropping by 1.4% to 8.3 billion litres, according to the Federal Statistical Office.

This decline marks an ongoing decrease in beer consumption in the country, which has seen a 13.7% reduction in sales since 2014, equating to a loss of approximately 1.3 billion litres. The latest figures indicate that domestic sales fell by 2.0%, while exports saw a slight increase of 1.6% compared to the previous year. Notably, these statistics do not account for non-alcoholic beer, which has been experiencing steady growth.

Several factors have contributed to this downward trend. The German Brewer's Association attributes part of the decline to a shift towards healthier lifestyles, where lower alcohol consumption is becoming more favorable. Additionally, an aging population is influencing drinking habits, contributing to the reduced demand for beer.

The year 2024 was described as tumultuous for the beer market. Until May, there was a positive sales trend, with a 2.5% increase in domestic consumption. However, this was abruptly reversed over the summer months. Adverse weather conditions, including significant rainfall during the spring and summer, played a critical role. Many outdoor beer garden visits and events related to the European Championship were adversely affected by the weather, leading to a drop in sales. June, in particular, was reported as the worst month for beer sales, with a staggering decline of 13.5% compared to the previous year.

Industry experts continue to monitor these trends closely, recognizing that the landscape of beer consumption in Germany is evolving. The combination of demographic shifts, changing social norms, and climatic impacts during summer festivities poses ongoing challenges for breweries aiming to boost sales amidst a declining market.

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