The latest figures from the Federal Statistical Office reveal that German beer sales experienced a 4.5% decrease in the previous year, continuing the long-term downward trend. In total, German-based breweries and distributors sold approximately 8.4 billion liters (2.2 billion gallons) of beer in 2023. It is important to note that this figure does not include non-alcoholic beer or beer imported from outside the European Union.
Following a recovery in demand at home and in the EU after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, beer sales had increased by 2.7% in 2022. However, both markets experienced lower demand once again in 2023.
Within Germany alone, accounting for more than four-fifths of the total sales, there was a 4.2% decline, amounting to 6.9 billion liters (1.8 billion gallons) sold.
On the export front, there was an overall decrease of 5.9%. Sales to other countries in the 27-nation EU experienced a relatively modest drop of 2.6%, with a total of 784 million liters (207 million gallons) of German beer purchased. Meanwhile, sales to countries outside the EU declined by 9.6%, reaching 646.7 million liters (170.8 million gallons).
German brewers have been grappling with an enduring downward trend influenced by health concerns and various other factors. Compared to 2013, last year’s sales were 11.3% lower, and there has been a substantial drop of 25.3% since 1993.
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