A strike led by the Food, Beverages and Catering Union (NGG) has disrupted operations at several breweries in Germany, spotlighting a broader labor dispute over fair wages within the brewing industry. The NGG, which represents brewery workers, confirmed the strike began on Monday as part of ongoing collective bargaining negotiations.
At the center of the dispute is the union’s demand for a 6.6% wage increase for all brewery employees in 2025. In contrast, employers have countered with an offer of 2% for this year and an additional 2.2% in 2026—an offer the union deems insufficient.
The timing of the strike has raised concerns among beer enthusiasts, particularly with the high-demand holidays of Ascension Day and Pentecost approaching. There are fears that unresolved negotiations could disrupt beer production at major breweries such as Krombacher during the peak summer season.
Speaking to regional media, Isabell Mura, deputy North Rhine-Westphalia regional chair of the NGG and managing director of the NGG South Westphalia, emphasized the potential impact on consumers, warning that reduced beer output could leave summer festivals and barbecues with diminished supplies.
Krombacher, one of Germany’s largest and most technologically advanced breweries, currently distributes its beer to over 50 markets worldwide. Despite broader market pressures, the Krombacher Group has reported steady annual results. The flagship Krombacher brand saw only a slight decline of 0.3% in 2024, with production totaling 5.739 million hectolitres—outperforming many industry peers.
In the UK, the brand has continued to expand, now with more than 300 draught taps in operation across pubs and restaurants. Its bottled products are widely stocked by major retailers, including Tesco, Morrisons, Majestic, Ocado, and Booths.
Mura stressed the need for more equitable pay, arguing that full-time brewery employees should see monthly wage increases of at least €280. She further advocated for improved compensation for apprentices, proposing a raise of around €130 per month. According to Mura, the current 2% offer fails to reflect the value of skilled brewing labor.
In response, Krombacher’s head of communications, Peter Lemm, declined to comment directly on the strike or the wage negotiations. However, he assured that the strike has not disrupted production or delivery operations, stating that the brewery remains fully operational and able to meet demand.
A third round of negotiations between the union and brewery employers in the Sauerland and Siegerland regions is scheduled for 8 July. The outcome of this meeting will determine whether industrial action continues into the summer months.
Meanwhile, Germany’s beer industry faces broader challenges. Data from the Federal Statistical Office (Statistisches Bundesamt) show that global demand for German beer is waning. In 2024, Germany exported 1.45 billion litres of beer—a 6% decline from 2014. Over half of these exports (55.7%) were destined for fellow EU countries, underscoring a diminishing appetite for German beer both domestically and internationally.
As wage pressures mount and consumer interest cools, Germany’s brewing sector finds itself at a pivotal crossroads.
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