Europe’s brewers are urging policymakers for “more stability and support” as the region’s beer market continues to decline.
A report from trade body The Brewers of Europe shows production, consumption and exports all falling for a fifth consecutive year, with EU beer output down to 345m hl in 2024 from 346.18m hl a year earlier. In 2019, production was 367m hl.
The association said early 2025 indicators point to further tightening but did not release figures.
Exports, which had previously helped offset weakening domestic demand, have slowed for a second year, according to the report.
Christian Weber, president of The Brewers of Europe, said the trend reflects “more than a temporary dip”.
“Consumers have lost confidence and are spending less. Brewers are facing rising costs, tighter regulations and increasing pressure across the value chain. We remain resilient and optimistic by nature, but we need more stability and support to continue believing in a bright future,” Weber said.
According to the report, beer production across the EU27 plus Norway, Switzerland and the UK was 387.45m hl in 2024, down from 412.72m hl in 2019.
Germany remained the largest producer at 83.92m hl, followed by Spain at 41.29m hl and the UK at 36.08m hl.
The report indicates a continued shift from on-trade to off-trade. Between 2019 and 2024, Germany’s on/off-premise split moved from 18/82 to 14/86, while Spain shifted from 68/32 to 63/37.
On-trade drinking in pubs, cafés and restaurants, which once represented about one-third of all beer consumed in Europe, has dropped to around one-quarter.
After a decade of steady expansion, brewery numbers in the EU have now plateaued at around 9,700.
The report cites inflation, high input costs, global transport disruption and climate-related pressures on raw materials as “major contributors” to the downturn.
“Low consumer confidence continues to reshape spending patterns, affecting products closely linked to social occasions and hospitality,” it added.
Non-alcohol beer remains the “fastest-growing” segment, having increased by 25% over five years and now accounting for 7.5% of EU beer consumption.
Stressing the need for a supportive regulatory framework, Julia Leferman, secretary general of The Brewers of Europe, said: “Brewers are committed to sustainability, moderation and cultural value. But this is a moment for clear support – not disproportionate or counterproductive regulation.
“Our sector can contribute to Europe’s competitiveness and cultural vibrancy if given the stability needed to invest, innovate and grow.”
