Overview
In 2025 Spaniards drank less beer than the year before. The average person consumed 50.5 liters, which is a 4.4 % drop compared with 2024. Even with the decline, beer remains a big part of Spain’s culture and economy.
What the Numbers Show
- Per‑capita consumption: 50.5 L / person / year (‑4.4 %).
- Total beer sold: still enough to keep Spain as the second‑largest beer maker in the EU.
- Non‑alcoholic beer: sales rose 4.6 %, reaching 3.3 million hectoliters (about 14 % of all beer drunk).
Where the Drop Happened
- Bars, restaurants, and hospitality: volume fell 2.4 %.
- Retail (supermarkets, shops): grew only 0.4 %.
Why It’s Happening
- Inflation‑driven spending control: people are watching their wallets more closely.
- Changing leisure habits: Spaniards are choosing other activities or drinks when they go out.
- Health trends: more interest in low‑alcohol or alcohol‑free options.
Rise of Non‑Alcoholic Beer
- One in seven beers sold now is 0.0 % alcohol.
- Almost every bar and restaurant offers a non‑alcoholic tap option.
- The category’s growth shows that younger drinkers are open to alternatives that still taste like beer.
Production and Export Highlights
- Production: 41.52 million hectoliters (‑0.5 % change, still a record high).
- Facilities: 261 active breweries across the country.
- EU ranking: 2nd biggest producer, behind only Germany.
- Global rank: 8th worldwide.
- Exports: up 8 % to 3.64 million hectoliters; traditional beer exports grew around 10 %.
- Imports: down 4 %, with Belgium supplying almost half of the imported beer.
Jobs and Economic Impact
- Beer contributes 1.3 % of Spain’s GDP and 2.6 % of public revenue.
- The sector supports 540,000 jobs.
- Tourists spend over 5.2 billion euros on beer while visiting Spain.
Where Spaniards Drink Beer
- Hospitality channel: 44 % of all drinks ordered are beer; in small venues this jumps to 40 % of turnover.
- Serving style: 82.4 % of hospitality beer comes in reusable containers, a preference that grew by one point since 2024.
- Social moments: beer tops the list for aperitifs (64 %), afternoon drinks (53 %), and dinners (44 %).
- Tourist influence: international visitors increased their beer consumption by 4.1 %, accounting for roughly 30 % of total beer drunk in Spain.
Conclusion
Even though Spaniards are drinking a bit less beer overall, the beverage remains central to social life, tourism, and the national economy. The shift toward non‑alcoholic options and the steadfast love for beer in bars and restaurants show that the market is adapting rather than disappearing. Spain’s strong production base, export growth, and commitment to locally sourced ingredients keep it a key player in Europe’s beer scene.
For more details, see the original report: Source
Images Credit: www.diariodeibiza.es