Italian beer industry sees low‑alcohol surge and sold‑out collaborative craft brew

The Italian brewers’ association AssoBirra presented its Annual Report 2025 in Rome, showing total beer consumption at about 21.2 million hectolitres, only 2.5 % below the pre‑pandemic level. Domestic production fell to 16.8 million hl, a 2.5 % decline, while exports also slipped. The report highlighted a strong rise in the low‑ and non‑alcohol segment, which grew more than 85 % year‑on‑year to reach a 3.9 % market share. The sector sustains roughly 112 000 jobs and generates over €10 billion in shared value, and AssoBirra called for an industrial vision, fair taxation and investment to boost competitiveness.

Meanwhile, Unionbirrai celebrated thirty years of Italian craft brewing with the “Buona questa Birra!” project. Over 100 independent breweries from across the country collaborated on a shared Italian Pils recipe, which sold out within days during tastings on 23 June and the subsequent Open Brewery week. The initiative attracted more than 300 producers, received strong public approval and is set to continue expanding its collaborative model.

Both events underline the sector’s resilience, consumer interest in innovative and low‑alcohol products, and the growing momentum of cooperative projects among Italian craft brewers.