EU beer production experienced a decline in 2025, reaching a total of 34.4 billion liters. This decrease is notable as the shift toward alcohol-free beer continues to expand within the market. Germany has maintained its position as the largest beer producer in the European Union, followed closely by Spain, which also saw an increase in its beer production.

Of the 34.4 billion liters produced in the EU, 32.3 billion liters were beers with an alcohol content greater than 0.5% ABV, while the alcohol-free segment constituted approximately 2.1 billion liters, representing just over 6% of total production. This aligns with trends from previous years, showing a stagnation in conventional beer production, which contrasts sharply with the growth in the alcohol-free sector.

While Germany leads in production of alcohol-free beer, with output doubling over the past decade, Spain holds the highest consumption rates. In fact, one in four alcohol-free beers consumed in the EU is enjoyed in Spain, where sales of alcohol-free beer increased by 4.6% to 3.3 million hectoliters last year. Notably, this category now makes up about 14% of all beer consumed in Spain, highlighting its mainstream acceptance.

Interestingly, alcohol-free beer does not appear to be completely replacing regular beer. Research indicates that about 90% of those who drink alcohol-free beer also consume traditional beer. This evolution in consumer preferences reflects not only a growing acceptance of alcohol-free alternatives but also an improvement in the quality and marketing of these products, making them more appealing to the mainstream demographic.

Overall, the continued penetration of alcohol-free beer into the market signifies a shift in consumer trends, with younger drinkers leading this transition. As breweries adapt to declining sales of alcoholic beverages, the emphasis on quality and variety in the alcohol-free segment is likely to expand further.