German breweries produce record 616 million liters of non-alcoholic beer in 2025 as traditional beer declines

German breweries are pivoting toward alcohol-free beer as health-conscious consumers reshape the country's drinking habits. Data released by the Federal Statistical Office on Tuesday show non-alcoholic beer production rose 6.5% in 2025 to 616 million liters, while traditional beer output continued a long decline.

Non-alcoholic segment accelerates

Production of alcohol-free beer (including non-alcoholic mixed drinks with up to 0.5% alcohol by volume) reached 616 million liters, up from 579 million liters in 2024. The segment's production value climbed to €696 million ($796 million). The German Brewers' Association (DBB), which tracks the entire industry including smaller operations, puts total non-alcoholic beer output at 750 million liters for 2025, a 7.6% increase. According to the DBB, alcohol-free beer now accounts for 11% of total beer consumption and ranks as the third most popular type after Pils and Helles. Industry observers attribute the trend to growing health awareness and changing social norms, especially among younger drinkers.

Traditional beer loses ground

Alcoholic beer production fell 5.8% to 6.8 billion liters, down from 7.2 billion liters in 2024. Despite the volume decline, traditional beer remains economically dominant, with a production value of €6.4 billion, more than nine times the value of the non-alcoholic segment. The ratio of alcoholic to non-alcoholic beer produced narrowed from 12.5 to 1 in 2024 to 11.1 to 1 in 2025.

Mixed drinks also slip

Beer-based mixed drinks such as Radler saw production drop 5.7% to 343 million liters, from nearly 364 million liters the previous year. The decline mirrors the broader trend away from alcoholic ready-mixed beverages.

Industry under pressure

Germany's brewery landscape, which ranges from small inn-based brewers to international conglomerates, has been contracting. The number of breweries peaked at 1,552 in 2019; since then, 137 have closed, leaving 1,415 in operation, the DBB reported. Employment in the sector has remained broadly stable at around 27,400. The association notes that the country's 1,500 breweries are expanding their alcohol-free ranges, with craft and smaller producers driving innovation.