The Czech Republic: Beer production up 4.2% in 2024 despite consumption decline

Czech breweries produced nearly 20.9 million hectolitres of beer last year�4.2% more than in 2023, Prague Monitoring reported on May 21.

The growth was driven by record exports and surging demand for non-alcoholic beer, which continues to reshape domestic consumption habits.

While alcoholic beer consumption declined for the fourth consecutive year, dipping to 126 liters per person, breweries are seeing a different kind of boom.

Compared to 2019�before the COVID-19 pandemic�Czech drinkers are consuming 16 liters less beer annually. Despite this trend, the brewing industry is showing signs of recovery after years of downturn, according to the Czech Breweries and Maltsters Association.

In 2024, breweries produced 1.613 million hectoliters of non-alcoholic and flavored non-alcoholic beers�a 13.7% year-on-year increase. Compared to 2019, output has more than doubled, and non-alcoholic beer now makes up 10% of all beer sold on the Czech market.

In response, breweries have broadened their offerings, introducing new flavors and non-alcoholic versions of popular styles, keeping up with evolving consumer preferences.

Czech beer exports also surged. Out of the total volume brewed, 5.9 million hectoliters were exported, the highest figure since 2009. That marks a 788,000-hectoliter increase over the previous year.

The boost is mainly due to increased demand from EU countries, especially Germany and Slovakia. An additional 1.16 million hectoliters went to markets outside the EU.

Beer imports into Czechia rose 9% year-on-year, mainly from Europe. However, imported beers still make up just 3% of domestic consumption, while 97% of all beer drunk in the country was brewed locally.

Czechs are continuing to drink more at home. In 2024, nearly 75% of beer was bought in stores, the highest share outside of the pandemic years.

Canned beer is on the rise, now making up almost a quarter of all packaging, a more than 10% increase over 2023. Glass bottles remain the most common packaging type but dropped slightly to 39% of the market. PET bottles and keg beer saw declines, reflecting reduced consumption in pubs and restaurants.

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