European beer production and consumption decline, while non-alcohol beer continues to grow

Brussels, 9 July 2026 - As millions of Europeans gather on terraces, in cafés, restaurants and beer gardens this summer, the latest European Beer Trends report reminds us that beer is more than a refreshing drink. While beer production and consumption continued to decline in 2025, Europe's brewers are adapting to changing consumer preferences through innovation, with non-alcohol beer continuing its remarkable growth, and hospitality's share of the overall beer market showing some signs of stabilising after years of falling. Beer remains an agri-food product that supports farmers, brewers, hospitality businesses and local communities across Europe.

Across the European Union, beer production fell by 2.9% and beer consumption by 3.2% compared with 2024, reflecting continued economic uncertainty and cautious consumer spending. Since 2019, production has declined by 8.6% and consumption by 9.2%, illustrating the ongoing challenges facing Europe's brewing sector.

Yet the figures also tell a story of innovation and resilience.

The standout trend is the continued growth of non-alcohol beer. Volumes increased by 5.87% in 2025 and have grown by more than 38% since 2020. Today, one in every twelve beers consumed in the European Union is non-alcohol, reflecting changing consumer preferences, a growing quest for moderation and brewers' continued investment in innovation, quality and consumer choice.

"Beer is much more than what is poured into a glass. It brings people together while supporting farmers, brewers, hospitality businesses and local communities across Europe. Even in a challenging economic environment, our sector continues to innovate and respond to changing consumer expectations. The continued growth of non-alcohol beer shows how brewers are evolving to offer consumers more choice and opportunities to moderate than ever," said Julia Leferman, Secretary General of The Brewers of Europe.

The report also highlights some encouraging signs for Europe's hospitality sector. After years of decline in on-trade consumption, the share of beer consumed in pubs, bars and restaurants stabilised again in 2025, underlining beer's important contribution to Europe's hospitality businesses and social life.

Despite the challenges, brewing remains one of Europe's leading agri-food sectors. Around 10,000 breweries operate across Europe, supporting approximately 2 million direct and indirect jobs and generating around €52 billion in annual value added through strong links with farming, manufacturing, hospitality and tourism.

Key findings from European Beer Trends 2026

• Beer production in the EU declined by 2.9% in 2025.
• Beer consumption fell by 3.2% compared with the previous year.
• Non-alcohol beer grew by 5.9%, with one in every twelve beers now consumed in the EU being non-alcohol.
• The hospitality sector's share of overall beer consumption stabilised again in 2025, with notable difference nevertheless across markets.
• European beer exports fell to their lowest level since 2014.
• Around 10,000 breweries continue to support Europe's agri-food economy, hospitality sector and local communities.

As Europeans enjoy the summer season, the report is a reminder that beer is more than a refreshing drink. It is an agri-food product rooted in European farming, a driver of hospitality and tourism, a source of innovation and consumer choice, and a contributor to vibrant local economies and communities across the continent.

Download: European Beer Trends - 2026 Edition and previous years

Contact:

Bernadette Buess, [email protected], @brewersofeurope

About The Brewers of Europe:

Founded in 1958, The Brewers of Europe brings together national brewers' associations and companies from 28 European countries to represent the united voice of Europe's 10,000+ breweries towards European and global institutions. Together, beer in the European Union creates over 2 million jobs, with annual consumer spending of €110 billion generating an average of €52 billion in value-added and €40 billion in government tax revenues every year.