Overview

In 2024, the European Union surpassed a significant milestone by producing 34.7 billion litres of beer. The cumulative total includes 32.7 billion litres of beers containing more than 0.5 per cent alcohol and an additional 2 billion litres of beers that are either low or non-alcoholic. This achievement underscores the dynamic nature and resilience of the EU’s brewing industry.

Evolving Production Trends

The production volume for traditional alcoholic beers increased marginally by 0.6 per cent, amounting to an extra 0.2 billion litres compared with 2023. Contrasting this modest growth, production of low- and non-alcoholic beers surged by a robust 11.1 per cent across the bloc, also representing an increase of 0.2 billion litres. This shift reflects the evolving consumer preferences and market responsiveness within the beverage sector.

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Leaders in Production

Germany continued to dominate the production landscape by brewing 7.2 billion litres of beer, exceeding 0.5 per cent alcohol, accounting for 22.2 per cent of the total EU output. Spain followed in second place with 4.0 billion litres (12.3 percent), while Poland contributed 3.4 billion litres (10.6 percent). The Netherlands and Belgium secured the fourth and fifth positions, with 2.2 billion litres (6.8 percent) and 2.1 billion litres (6.3 percent), respectively.

Trade Insights and Export Dynamics

Trade data from Eurostat reveals notable export activities within the region. Cyprus, for instance, exported nearly 7 million litres of beer in total, of which approximately 1.31 million litres were shipped to non-EU markets, while 5.67 million litres were destined for other EU member states. The Netherlands emerged as the leading exporter of alcoholic beer, with total exports reaching 1.5 billion litres. However, this figure represents a 12 per cent decline compared with 2023. Germany and Belgium each exported 1.4 billion litres, followed by Czechia at 0.6 billion litres and Ireland at 0.5 billion litres.

Import Dynamics

On the import side, France maintained its position as the largest importer of alcoholic beer in the EU with 0.8 billion litres in 2024, while Italy imported over 0.7 billion litres. Both Spain and Germany imported close to 0.6 billion litres each. Additionally, the Netherlands, despite being the top exporter, also recorded imports nearing 0.5 billion litres, revealing a balanced trade dynamic.

The data not only underscores the robust nature of the EU’s beer industry but also highlights the shifting patterns in both production and trade, driven by consumer preferences and international market strategies. As the industry evolves, these trends will be crucial for stakeholders evaluating future investments and policy directions in the European beverage sector.