Europe’s beer market continues to contract, with manufacturing, consumption and exports all declining for the fifth consecutive yr, in accordance with a brand new report.
The report highlights the “persistent challenges” going through the sector at EU-wide stage.
It says on-trade beer consumption in pubs, cafés and eating places — as soon as representing a 3rd of all beer consumed in Europe — has fallen to round 1 / 4.
Although smaller in quantity than retail, beer offered in hospitality venues generates a lot of the sector’s added worth and is claimed to assist lots of of hundreds of SMEs and native jobs.
The report says a weakened hospitality sector “due to this fact impacts the complete beer worth chain, from farmers to festivals and tourism”.
After years of regular development, the variety of lively breweries within the EU has now additionally plateaued at round 9,700, signalling a slowdown within the brewing dynamism that outlined the previous decade.
The report is from The Brewers of Europe and was printed on 4 December.
Christian Weber, President of The Brewers of Europe, warned that the downturn displays greater than a brief dip: “Consumers have misplaced confidence and are spending much less. Brewers are going through rising prices, tighter laws and rising strain throughout the worth chain. We stay resilient and optimistic by nature, however we’d like extra stability and assist to proceed believing in a vibrant future.”
EU beer manufacturing has fallen from 367 million hectolitres in 2019 to 345 million in 2024, with early 2025 figures displaying additional tightening. Exports — as soon as a buffer for home declines — have additionally slowed for a second yr.
The report factors to inflation, excessive enter prices, international transport disruptions and climate-related pressures on uncooked supplies as main contributors to the downturn. Low shopper confidence continues to reshape spending patterns, affecting merchandise carefully linked to social events and hospitality.
Despite these challenges, the sector continues to innovate. Non-alcohol beers stay the fastest-growing section, increasing by 25% over 5 years and now representing 7.5% of EU beer consumption.
Julia Leferman, Secretary General of The Brewers of Europe, emphasised the significance of the suitable regulatory atmosphere.
She stated: “Brewers are dedicated to sustainability, moderation and cultural worth. But this can be a second for clear assist — not disproportionate or counterproductive regulation. Our sector can contribute to Europe’s competitiveness and cultural vibrancy if given the soundness wanted to take a position, innovate and develop.”
The report was unveiled at this week’s twelfth annual Beer Serves Europe occasion in Brussels, bringing collectively brewers, companions from throughout the availability chain, policymakers and friends from EU establishments and member states.
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