Beer manufacturing in the European Union reaches 34.7 billion liters
In 2024, the European Union (EU) saw a vibrant beer production landscape, with Germany, Spain, and Poland leading the charge.
Germany, the undisputed leader, produced a staggering 7.2 billion litres of beer, accounting for 22.2% of the total EU production. Spain followed closely, with 4.0 billion litres (12.3%), and Poland rounded off the top three with 3.4 billion litres (10.6%).
Belgium and Lithuania also contributed significantly to the EU's beer production, with Belgium producing 2.1 billion litres and Lithuania around 306 million litres.
The Netherlands, a notable player in the EU beer market, exported a substantial 1.5 billion litres in 2024, leading among EU countries. However, the Netherlands experienced a 12% decrease in beer exports compared to the previous year.
France emerged as the largest importer of beer in the EU, with 0.8 billion litres.
Interestingly, the production of non-alcoholic beer in the EU saw a notable increase of 11.1% compared to 2023. Unfortunately, specific figures for individual countries' non-alcoholic beer production were not available.
Estonia, Latvia, and other countries in the EU also contributed to the overall beer production. Estonia produced approximately 135 million litres, while Latvia produced around 83 million litres in 2024.
Despite the decrease in Dutch beer exports, the production of alcoholic beer in the EU increased by 0.6% compared to 2023. Germany remained the largest beer producer in the EU, with 7.2 billion litres in 2024.
Overall, the EU produced a total of 34.7 billion litres of beer in 2024, demonstrating the continent's robust beer production capabilities. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these trends develop in the coming years.
The Netherlands, aside from its role as a leading exporter, also has a thriving finance sector, with its beer exports impacting the country's business landscape. Meanwhile, catering to the growing demand for healthier lifestyle options, the production of non-alcoholic beer witnessed an increase, providing an opportunity for food-and-drink businesses in the EU.
