In 2025, breweries in Germany recorded the most significant decline in sales since the start of statistics in 1993. According to official data from the Federal Statistical Office, the volume of beer sold in domestic and foreign markets fell below 8 billion liters for the first time in over 30 years.
This is reported by Finway
Reasons for the Decline in Beer Consumption
Industry experts attribute the sharp drop in sales to changing consumer preferences. In particular, an increasing number of Germans are opting for non-alcoholic beer, and there is a general trend towards reduced consumption of alcoholic beverages. This trend is especially noticeable among the youth, which positively impacts the health of the population.
“Alcohol consumption is decreasing, especially among the youth, which is certainly good for the health of the population,” said Anke Rehlinger, the Minister-President of the Saarland and the “Beer Ambassador” for 2025.
According to Anke Rehlinger, brewing remains an important part of German culture, combining tradition with modern innovations.
Non-Alcoholic Beer is Rapidly Gaining Popularity
The Association of Brewers in Germany reported that non-alcoholic beer has become the fastest-growing segment of the market. In 2025, this type of product accounted for 10% of the total beer sales volume, securing it third place in popularity among other beer categories in the country.
More than 80% of beer was sold in the domestic market. However, the statistics do not account for the sales volumes of non-alcoholic beer and malt beverages.