Beer consumption in Germany has experienced significant changes, with sales hitting a 30-year low. According to Germany’s Destatis federal statistics office, overall beer sales fell by 6.3%, translating to a decline of approximately 262 million liters, resulting in around 3.9 billion liters in the first half of 2025. Notably, this marks the first instance of sales dipping below 4 billion liters in a half-year period.
While traditional beer consumption is declining, non-alcoholic beer sales have surged, increasing by 109% since 2013. Stefan Kreisz, chief executive of the Erdinger brewery near Munich, reports that nearly one-quarter of their production consists of non-alcoholic varieties. He emphasizes the need to appeal to younger consumers by adapting to their social habits.
In Munich, barman Louis von Tucher notes a shift in customer attitudes, with more patrons becoming health-conscious. He observes a trend where individuals are integrating non-alcoholic options into their drinking routines, sharing that past suggestions for water would have offended some customers. Today, there’s a broader acceptance of alcohol-free beverages.
Despite the downturn in overall beer sales, some regions still highlight a strong beer culture. At the Sandkerwa folk festival in Bamberg, festivities continue to bustle with beer stalls and casual drinkers. Locals like Pascal express the importance of beer to the city’s identity, while student Magdalena acknowledges both a decrease in daily consumption among her generation and the cultural significance of beer in Bavarian life.
Overall, while non-alcoholic beer rises in prominence, full-strength beer remains a staple in various social settings, illustrating a nuanced portrait of drinking habits in Germany.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gm424mk2lo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss