Overview
- BarthHaas reported Tuesday that global beer production fell about 0.7% in 2025, a decline of roughly 1.4 billion liters to about 189.6 billion liters.
- German output dropped about 5.6% to 79.24 million hectoliters in 2025, falling below 80 million hectoliters for the first time and matching official data that show sales near 7.8 billion liters at their lowest level since the early 1990s.
- Worldwide hop acreage and harvest fell in 2025 yet still exceeded brewers' needs, producing a persistent oversupply that weighs on hop prices and farm incomes.
- Changing consumer habits favoring alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks, higher energy and transport costs, and weaker post-pandemic demand in bars and restaurants are cutting volumes and squeezing brewery margins.
- BarthHaas expects 2026 output to be broadly stable or slightly lower and industry groups warn the trend will accelerate consolidation, more plant closures and job losses across Germany and other traditional markets.