EU beer production fell 2.9% last year, while consumption dropped 3.2% compared with 2024. Since 2019, production has declined 8.6% and consumption 9.2%, amid economic uncertainty and cautious consumer spending.
Non-alcohol beer remained the sector’s strongest growth area, with volumes rising 5.9% in 2025 and more than 38% since 2020. The report said one in every twelve beers consumed in the EU is now non-alcoholic.
“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 found that beer’s share of consumption in pubs, bars and restaurants stabilised in 2025 after years of decline. Europe’s brewing industry continues to support around 10,000 breweries, approximately 2 million direct and indirect jobs, and an estimated €52 billion in annual value added across agriculture, manufacturing, hospitality and tourism.
Source: The Brewers of Europe, European Beer Trends – 2026 Edition.
