The Czech brewing industry experienced notable growth in 2024, with total beer production climbing to 20.9 million hectoliters. A key contributor to this rise was the strong performance of non-alcoholic beer, which saw a 13.7% year-over-year increase to 1.613 million hectoliters—now comprising about 10% of overall output. According to the Czech Beer and Malt Association, this trend aligns with consumers’ shift toward healthier lifestyles and alcohol-free options for social and sporting occasions.

Export demand also played a crucial role, with 5.9 million hectoliters—over a quarter of total production—shipped abroad, marking the highest export volume since 2009. The European Union remained the primary export destination, with particularly strong demand from Germany and Slovakia. Meanwhile, domestic consumption patterns shifted further toward retail, as nearly 75% of beer sales occurred in stores rather than on-premise venues like pubs or restaurants.

Packaging preferences are evolving as well, with canned beer now accounting for nearly a quarter of all sales, although glass bottles still dominate. Lager beers (11–12° Plato) continue to be the most produced and consumed variety, representing 58.3% of total output. Despite the overall production boost, the average Czech consumed 126 liters of alcoholic beer in 2024—two liters less than the previous year—confirming a gradual long-term decline in traditional beer drinking habits.

Source: Czech Daily

Prepared by the team of foreign offices CzechTrade Osaka and Tokyo