Overview
- Germany’s beer market contracted by more than 6% in 2025—about 5 million hectoliters—with retail down 4%, gastronomy down 8%, and exports down 7% according to Veltins’ analysis.
- Veltins lifted shipments 0.3% to roughly 3.37 million hectoliters and revenue to €461 million, driven by a 13.6% gain for its bright lager Pülleken and double‑digit growth in alcohol‑free drinks.
- Krombacher kept beer volumes roughly flat at 5.95 million hectoliters as alcohol‑free variants grew and its flagship Pils fell 0.8%, while group revenue climbed 1.8% to about €962 million.
- Multiple brewers executed late‑2025 price increases, with a 20‑bottle crate reported about €1 higher in some places, even as retailers continue aggressive beer promotions.
- Veltins warns of consolidation pressures and is advancing product and investment plans, including an announced alcohol‑free helles for 2026, full integration of Karamalz, and new renewable‑energy projects at Grevenstein.