Spanish beer exports declined by approximately 19% in 2024 to 3.37 million hectolitres, marking the second consecutive year of contraction, according to data released by the Asociación de Cerveceros de España.
The downturn follows a record high in 2022, when exports reached 4.28 million hectolitres. The industry association described the trend as part of “a new phase in the internationalisation of the sector,” highlighting that Spanish brewers have now consolidated their presence in key global markets.
Cuba emerged as the leading importer of Spanish beer in 2024, accounting for 26% of total exports. The United Kingdom followed with 14%, maintaining a similar share to the previous year. Italy saw a notable 97% increase in imported volumes, representing 3% of Spain’s total beer exports.
Conversely, beer imports into Spain grew by 1% year-on-year, totaling 5.77 million hectolitres. Belgium remained the top exporter to Spain, supplying 2.5 million hectolitres — 44% of the country’s total beer imports. Portugal and France followed with shares of 16% and 12%, respectively.
Domestic beer sales in Spain experienced a slight dip of 0.2% in 2024, reaching 38.6 million hectolitres. While smaller than the 0.7% decline recorded in 2023, the latest figures suggest that the Spanish brewing sector has yet to show signs of a significant rebound.
Per capita beer consumption in Spain also dropped, falling 4.9% to 52.8 litres. The report attributed this to a “more restrained consumption pattern among the Spanish population,” noting that moderation remains a defining characteristic of consumer behavior. Spain now ranks among the European nations with the lowest per capita beer consumption.
Rising inflation, economic uncertainty, and increased planning around social outings were cited as key factors behind the decline in consumption.
Despite the overall downturn in beer sales, the non-alcoholic segment showed resilience. Sales of non-alcoholic beer in Spain rose by 4% in 2024, making up 14% of total domestic beer consumption. Of that share, 16% was consumed at home. Spanish non-alcoholic beer also represented 25% of all such products consumed across the European Union.
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