Czech beer consumption hits record low amidst shifting trends

Last year, the average beer consumption per person declined from 136 to 128 liters, marking a significant decrease compared to previous years. This downward trend is particularly notable when compared to figures from 1989, where consumption stood at 151 liters per person.

While beer consumption had remained relatively stable above 140 liters for almost a decade, a notable decline began in 2021, dropping to 129 liters before hitting the record low of 128 liters in 2023.

Tomáš Slunečko, director of the brewers’ union, attributed this decline to a combination of factors, including the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and changing consumer preferences. He noted a shift towards non-alcoholic beer and beer-based mixed drinks, which saw a significant increase in production and consumption.

Despite efforts to adapt to changing tastes, including an expansion of non-alcoholic beer offerings, the Czech beer industry faced challenges in 2023. Beer production decreased by 2.7 percent compared to the previous year, marking the fourth consecutive year of decline below 2010 levels.

Furthermore, beer exports experienced a downturn, falling by 4.3 percent year-on-year to 5.17 million hectoliters. Despite this decline, key export markets such as Slovakia, Germany, and Poland remain significant for Czech beer exports.

In terms of packaging preferences, Czech consumers continue to favor glass bottles, which comprise 40 percent of total production. However, there is a growing interest in cans, particularly driven by the sale of non-alcoholic beer and beer mixes, which accounted for 20 percent of production.

The decline in keg sales reflects the slower recovery of the hospitality sector, with consumers returning to pubs and restaurants at a subdued pace. Meanwhile, beer in PET bottles maintains a steady eight percent share of total production, highlighting continued consumer demand for alternative packaging formats.