German beer sales see sharpest decline since 1993

The German beer industry is facing a significant downturn. According to the Federal Statistical Office, beer sales in Germany fell by six percent in 2025 compared to the previous year, marking the sharpest decline since 1993. This statistic specifically tracks alcoholic beer, excluding the growing market for non-alcoholic varieties.

The number of breweries in Germany has also decreased, falling to 1,415 in 2025, which is 53 fewer than in 2024. Bavaria remains the leader in the number of breweries with 588 establishments, though this is a notable drop from 648 in the previous year. More than half of German breweries are small-scale operations producing a maximum of 100,000 liters annually.

Despite these broader trends, there is growth within the organic, craft, and regional brewery sectors. In Munich, new establishments such as Haderner Bräu, Germeringer Brauhaus, and Munich Brew Mafia have emerged. Stefan Stang of the Association of Private Breweries noted that consumer interest in regional products remains strong, exemplified by Giesinger Brauerei’s investments to qualify as a Munich-based beer.