- Domestic and Export Markets See Significant Decrease
Wiesbaden, Germany – The German beer market witnessed a notable decline in 2023, with total sales plummeting by 4.5% or 394.2 million liters compared to the previous year. This downturn in beer sales was reported by the Federal Statistical Office of Germany (Destatis), highlighting a total of approximately 8.4 billion liters of beer sold by domestic breweries and beer warehouses.
Domestic and Export Sales Trends
The decrease in beer sales was evident both domestically and in exports. In Germany, the domestic sales dipped by 4.2%, while beer exports experienced a more pronounced drop of 5.9% compared to the previous year. This decline indicates a sustained trend of diminishing beer sales in the country.
A Decade of Declining Beer Sales
The year 2023’s decline in beer sales is not an isolated event but part of a longer-term trend. Over the past decade, from 2013 to 2023, German breweries and beer warehouses have reported a significant reduction in beer sales, amounting to an 11.5% decrease. This trend continued despite a slight increase of 2.7% in 2022, underscoring a persistent challenge in the German beer industry.
Statistical Exclusions
It’s important to note that the reported figures by Destatis exclude non-alcoholic beers, malt beverages, and beers imported from countries outside the European Union (EU). This exclusion suggests that the decline in beer sales is focused on traditional alcoholic beer segments.
Implications for the Beer Industry
This decline in beer sales may have various implications for the German beer industry, ranging from potential shifts in consumer preferences to broader economic challenges. The industry might need to adapt to changing market conditions and explore innovative strategies to revitalize beer sales both domestically and internationally.