Czech breweries produced nearly 20.9 million hectoliters of beer last year, marking a 4.2% increase from 2023. This growth was primarily driven by increased exports and the rising popularity of non-alcoholic beer. However, the average consumption of alcoholic beer per capita continued to decline, reaching 126 liters – two liters less than in 2023.
The non-alcoholic beer sector showed remarkable growth, with production reaching 1.613 million hectoliters, representing a 13.7% year-over-year increase. This segment now accounts for approximately 10% of domestic brewery output. According to Tomáš Slunečko, the executive director of the Czech Beer and Malt Association, this trend reflects Czechs’ active lifestyle choices and growing preference for alcohol-free alternatives during sports activities or when alcohol consumption isn’t desired.
Export figures reached their highest level since 2009, with more than a quarter of production (5.9 million hectoliters) destined for foreign markets. The European Union, particularly Germany and Slovakia, showed the strongest demand for Czech beer.
The shift in consumption patterns continues, with nearly three-quarters of beer sales now occurring in retail stores rather than pubs and restaurants – a historic high outside of COVID years. Canned beer has gained popularity, now representing almost a quarter of all beer packaging, while traditional glass bottles remain the most popular container despite a slight decline.
Lager beer (11-12 degrees) maintains its position as the Czech favorite, accounting for 58.3% of total production.