Germany: beer sales fall to an all-time low, down 6%

Frankfurt (Germany), 2 February (LaPresse) – Last year, German breweries sold significantly less beer than in previous years. The volume fell by a record 6.0% to around 7.8 billion litres, as reported by the Federal Statistical Office. This is the lowest figure since statistics were first compiled in 1993. Even during the Covid-19 pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, breweries sold significantly more beer. Non-alcoholic beers and malt beverages are not included in the statistics. Imports from non-EU countries are also not taken into account. Beer sales in Germany have been declining for years. Among the reasons for this are a healthier, alcohol-free lifestyle, changing drinking habits and the general ageing of society. The German Brewers’ Association (Dbb) is also currently lamenting the negative consumer climate. ‘Like retailers and restaurants, breweries are also being hit hard by consumers’ reluctance to spend,’ said Holger Eichele, managing director of the Dbb.