Beer sales in Germany fell once again in 2025, and significantly so. The 6% decrease compared with the previous year marks the steepest drop since the statistical series began in 1993, the Federal Statistical Office in Wiesbaden reported on Monday. “Breweries, like retailers and restaurants, are feeling the effects of consumers’ significantly reduced spending,” the German Brewers Federation said in response to the figures.
According to the data, sales slipped to around 7.8 billion liters, dropping below the eight-billion-liter threshold for the first time. The downward trend has been evident for years. Ten years ago, in 2015, sales were still 1.8 billion liters higher. Domestic sales fell by 5.8% to a total of 6.4 billion liters. Exports of German beer to EU countries declined by 1.3%, while exports to countries outside the EU dropped by a steep 14.2%.
The Brewers Federation explained that the economic climate is a major factor behind the sharp decline, not only in Germany but in many other European countries as well. In Germany, the situation in the hospitality sector “remains alarming,” the federation said, noting that many establishments have not recovered since the pandemic.
Alcohol-free beers are not included in the statistics. According to the Brewers Federation, they are the fastest-growing category in the German beer market. Alcohol-free beers and beer-mixed beverages surpassed the 10% revenue mark in retail in 2025, and “this threshold could be reached for market share as well this year.”
Alcohol-free varieties currently hold a 9.5% market share, the federation said. Pils remains the "undisputed market leader," with close to a 50% share. In second place are pale lagers (Hellbiere), with roughly 12%.
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