German beer sales 2023: A financial expert analyzes the development and its economic impact

German beer sales 2023: A financial expert analyzes the development and its economic impact

According to a report by web.de, German breweries reported a sharp decline in beer sales. Consumption has fallen by over a quarter in the past 30 years. Beer sales in Germany fell last year and the long-term trend is that the numbers continue to decline. Sales fell by 4.5 percent or 394.2 million liters in 2023 year-on-year. It was 11.5 percent below the level of 2013 and 25.3 percent below sales in 1993. Exports fell by 5.9 percent, especially exports to third countries outside the EU fell significantly.

The long-term decline in beer sales in Germany has a significant impact on the brewery industry and the beer market as a whole. The breweries are feeling the effects in the form of a “ravely black year for the German brewing industry,” as the German Brewers Association put it. The consumer reluctance in retail and gastronomy is having a major impact on breweries. Breweries' costs are rising, and the ongoing decline in beer sales represents a major challenge for the approximately 1,500 breweries in Germany.

In addition, exports to third countries outside the EU show a significant decline, which indicates weaker international demand for German beer. This could have an impact on export revenues and the international competitiveness of German breweries.

However, the breweries are hoping for positive impulses from the European Football Championship, which could boost beer sales again. Despite these hopes, however, they expect the year to continue to be difficult. The industry faces the challenge of adapting to changing market conditions and potentially rethinking its strategies to promote future growth.