Production of non‑alcoholic beer is rising while traditional beer output declines, signalling a shift in consumer preferences toward healthier beverages
Executive summary: Production of non‑alcoholic beer rose in 2025 while output of traditional beer declined, according to German statistics. Signals a shift in consumer preferences toward healthier drinks, affecting brewers’ product mix and market dynamics.
Who is involved: German brewers, statistical offices, consumers.
Likely next: Brewers will likely expand low‑alcohol portfolios and retailers will adjust shelf allocation to accommodate growing demand for alcohol‑free options.
German statistics show that alcohol‑free beer production increased in 2025, while conventional beer and radler output fell. This trend reflects growing consumer interest in lower‑alcohol options for health and lifestyle reasons. Brewers are responding by expanding their alcohol‑free portfolios and retailers are adjusting shelf space accordingly.
Timeline
- — Bier: Alkoholfreies Bier legt bei Produktion zu – klassisches Bier verliert (Der Spiegel — Wirtschaft)
- — Trend hält an: Alkoholfreies Bier legt weiter zu – Marktanteil wächst (Handelsblatt)
Analysis — what this means
Likely next events
- Further growth in non‑alcoholic beer sales expected through 2027
Sectors affected
- Brewing
- Beverage retail
- Advertising
Historical parallels
- Similar shift seen with low‑calorie soft drinks in the 2000s
- Rise of nicotine‑free vaping products as consumers sought less harmful alternatives
Key entities
Sources
- Bier: Alkoholfreies Bier legt bei Produktion zu – klassisches Bier verliert — Der Spiegel — Wirtschaft
- Trend hält an: Alkoholfreies Bier legt weiter zu – Marktanteil wächst — Handelsblatt
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