Overview

• Germany now has 1,459 breweries, down from 1,552 five years ago, marking a 6% decline attributed to economic challenges and shifting consumer habits.
• Both traditional family-run breweries and newer craft beer startups have been significantly impacted, with many forced to close due to financial strain.
• Bavaria experienced the largest absolute decline, losing 50 breweries, though it still leads the country with 598 breweries remaining.
• Energy costs, which can account for up to 20% or more of production costs for smaller breweries, remain a major burden, exacerbating financial difficulties.
• Breweries face additional challenges as they prepare for costly investments in climate-neutral production by 2045, requiring substantial technological upgrades.