Czech breweries produced 20.9 million hectoliters of beer in 2024, marking a 4.2% increase over the previous year, driven by record-breaking exports and rising demand for non-alcoholic varieties.
Despite a continued decline in domestic consumption of traditional beer, the Czech brewing sector is showing signs of recovery, according to data released by the Czech Breweries and Maltsters Association.
Per capita consumption of alcoholic beer fell for the fourth consecutive year, reaching 126 liters—16 liters less than in 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the industry’s overall production figures reflect a shift in consumer preferences rather than a decrease in total market activity.
Non-Alcoholic Beer Production Soars
Production of non-alcoholic and flavored non-alcoholic beers climbed to 1.613 million hectoliters in 2024, a 13.7% year-on-year increase. Compared to 2019, output in this segment has more than doubled. Non-alcoholic beer now accounts for 10% of all beer sold in the Czech Republic.
Breweries have responded to this evolving demand by expanding their portfolios, introducing a wider range of flavors and alcohol-free versions of popular beer styles to attract health-conscious and younger consumers.
Exports Reach 15-Year High
Exports played a major role in driving overall growth. Czech breweries exported 5.9 million hectoliters in 2024, the highest volume since 2009 and an increase of 788,000 hectoliters compared to the previous year.
Demand from EU markets, particularly Germany and Slovakia, fueled the rise. Additionally, 1.16 million hectoliters were shipped to destinations outside the European Union, underlining the global appeal of Czech beer.
While beer imports to Czechia rose by 9%—mainly from other European countries—imported beer still accounts for only 3% of total domestic consumption. Locally brewed beer continues to dominate, making up 97% of all beer consumed in the country.
Shift Toward At-Home Consumption
Consumption patterns continued to shift toward home drinking. In 2024, nearly 75% of beer was purchased in retail stores, the highest proportion outside the COVID-19 pandemic years.
Packaging trends mirrored this shift. Canned beer now represents almost a quarter of all beer packaging—a more than 10% increase from 2023. Although glass bottles remain the most common form of packaging, their market share fell slightly to 39%. PET bottles and kegged beer both saw declines, reflecting decreased consumption in pubs and restaurants.
The figures suggest that while traditional drinking habits are waning, the Czech brewing industry is adapting through innovation and expansion into new markets, both domestic and international.
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