Beer drinking in Germany is declining, while alcohol-free varieties are experiencing strong growth. The federal statistics office reports sales of alcohol-free beer have risen by 109 percent since 2013. At the same time, overall beer sales are at their lowest level in more than 30 years.
For the first time, total sales fell below four billion liters in a six-month period. Between January and June 2025, German breweries sold around 3.9 billion liters. That represents a drop of 6.3 percent, or 262 million liters, compared with the same period in 2024.
breweries respond to changing habits
The Erdinger brewery near Munich has been producing beer since the 1880s. Chief executive Stefan Kreisz observes that drinking habits are evolving. Today, roughly a quarter of Erdinger’s production is alcohol-free.
He says breweries must appeal to younger generations. “You need to understand how they meet and how they celebrate. No algorithm tells you to drink beer,” he explains.
Kreisz remains confident in German beer culture. Erdinger promotes its alcohol-free beers at sporting events as a natural alternative to energy drinks.
mindful drinking shapes behavior
At Café Kosmos in Munich, barman Louis von Tucher notices more health-conscious habits. “In the 2000s, people were offended if you suggested water,” he recalls. “Now guests are more aware. They still drink alcohol, but more carefully, with alcohol-free options in between.”
Still, von Tucher emphasizes that traditional beer remains dominant. “It’s only a slight shift,” he says. “We sell 150 to 500 liters of regular beer per night, but only around 20 liters of alcohol-free. The gap is still huge.”
festivals keep beer traditions alive
At Bamberg’s Sandkerwa folk festival, beer culture remains vibrant. The five-day event fills medieval streets with music, food stalls and bustling beer stands.
In the old town, Pascal enjoys a beer with a friend. “Beer is very important here. We have many breweries. Visitors come for the beer and the fest. I don’t think consumption has dropped,” he says.
Magdalena, a student, agrees as she observes the crowd outside a beer garden. “Everyone has a glass of beer. It’s a big part of daily life, even if unhealthy. We all know that,” she admits. “In my generation, people drink less daily, but it’s still Germany, and it’s still Bavaria.”
