Czechia experienced a 2.4% decrease in local beer consumption in 2023, as reported by the Český svaz pivovarů a sladoven (ČSPS – Czech Brewery and Maltster Association). This decline was attributed to ongoing economic uncertainty and shifts in consumer behavior.
Additionally, beer exports from Czechia declined by 4.3% compared to the previous year, totaling 5.17 million hectolitres. The country’s beer production also saw a 2.7% decrease, amounting to just over 20 million hectolitres, with 15.2 million hectolitres consumed domestically and the remainder exported.
Compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, Czech beer consumption dropped by 1.35 million hectolitres in 2023. Tomáš Slunečko, the executive director of ČSPS, highlighted the ongoing challenge of recovering sales amid adverse economic conditions and changing consumer preferences, particularly observing a shift towards non-alcoholic beer and beer-based mixed drinks.
The on-trade sector experienced a significant decline of 30% in beer sales at pubs and restaurants, as more consumers opted for home consumption. This shift impacted the overall average beer consumption per inhabitant, reaching a historic low of 128 litres, surpassing figures observed during COVID-19 restrictions.
Traditional lagers with 11-12% alcohol content dominated sales, comprising 57.3% of the market, while draft beer’s share decreased to 38.2%.
Top importers of Czech beer remained Slovakia, Germany, and Poland, although beer imports to Czechia dropped by 21% in 2023. Non-alcoholic beer and beer mix consumption increased by 9.3%, reaching 1.42 million hectolitres.
Sales trends indicated glass bottles accounting for 40% of sales, while cans held a 20% share in the non-alcoholic beer and beer mix category. Keg sales decreased to below one-third of total sales due to slower consumer return to pubs and restaurants, while beer in PET bottles retained an 8% market share.
