Phoenix 24
Europe is brewing slightly less beer, but consumer preferences are reshaping what fills the bottle.
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
European Union countries produced 34.4 billion litres of beer in 2025, according to Eurostat. Total output declined by 0.7% compared with 2024 but remained 2.2% above its 2020 level. The figures indicate a broadly stable industry in which traditional beer is stagnating while low-alcohol alternatives continue gaining ground.
Germany remained the EU’s largest producer with 7.4 billion litres, representing 21.6% of the bloc’s reported output. Spain ranked second with 5.3 billion litres, followed by Poland with 3.5 billion. The Netherlands produced 2.4 billion litres and France 2.1 billion, meaning the five leading countries accounted for approximately 60% of EU production.
Beer containing more than 0.5% alcohol represented 32.3 billion litres. Low-alcohol and alcohol-free varieties reached 2.1 billion litres, slightly more than 6% of total production. Germany leads manufacturing in this category, with its alcohol-free output nearly doubling over the past decade.
Spain presents a different distinction: it is Europe’s largest consumer of alcohol-free beer. Approximately one-quarter of every alcohol-free beer consumed across the EU is reportedly drunk in Spain. Domestic sales in this category rose by 4.6% to a record 330 million litres in 2025 and now represent around 14% of the country’s beer consumption.
The industry nevertheless faces weaker international demand. EU beer exports reportedly fell in 2025 to their lowest level since 2014, while traditional alcohol consumption continues declining in several major markets. Brewers are responding with alcohol-free products, premium varieties and new flavours. The production ranking still reflects Europe’s established brewing powers, but future growth increasingly depends on adapting tradition to consumers seeking moderation, health and greater choice.
Hechos que no se doblan. / Facts that do not bend.