Beer consumption in the Czech Republic fell to an all-time low in 2025. According to the Czech Brewers and Maltsters Association, per capita consumption dropped by 3.2 percent to 121 liters. Domestic breweries produced 19.96 million hectoliters—a 4.3 percent decline from the previous year and significantly below the pre-pandemic level of 2019.
Exports also declined: Following a record year in 2024, they fell by 8.2 percent. Association Director Tomáš Slunečko cites declining beer consumption in key neighboring countries such as Germany and Slovakia as a contributing factor.
The hospitality industry is suffering
The shift is particularly noticeable in the hospitality sector. Only 28 percent of domestic consumption was accounted for by bars and restaurants—a further decline from the previous year. The association warns that rising operating costs and falling patron numbers are putting particular pressure on establishments in smaller communities.
The only area of growth remains non-alcoholic beer: production rose by 4 percent to 1.68 million hectoliters; domestic consumption has more than doubled over the past ten years.
At the top of per capita consumption
Despite the decline, the Czech Republic remains the country with the world’s highest per capita beer consumption for the 32nd consecutive year. The industry is calling for political support, such as a reduced VAT rate on draft beer—but the Ministry of Finance has not yet implemented such measures
