Annual volume of beer consumed per capita in Czechia 2009-2023

The annual volume of beer per capita consumed in Czechia has decreased since 2009. In 2023, it amounted to 128 liters of beer per capita, 25 liters less than in 2009. The figure in 2023 was the lowest since 1963. Nevertheless, Czechia remained the country with the most beer consumed per capita in Europe.

Is beer not popular anymore?

Czechs are famously known for their love of beer. However, this drop in beer consumption has been a long-term trend for many reasons. Lifestyles have changed over the past decades, and young people often try to live healthier and not drink as much beer as they used to be normal. This is also reflected in the rising number of alcohol abstainers. Another reason for lower beer consumption is that the previous generations with different drinking habits are slowly dying out.
The price changes of beer have also affected consumption trends. Draft beers served in restaurants have become pricier with time. The high inflation in 2022 and 2023 especially drove up restaurant food and drink prices. However, bottled beer has not seen this significant increase in price. While it has gone up, it remains much cheaper and more accessible to people than beer in restaurants and pubs. Additionally, during the coronavirus pandemic lockdowns, beer was only available in shops in supermarkets.

Czechia, the beer capital of the world

Despite its small size and population, Czechia is on top of the world in per person beer consumption. No other nationality drinks as much beer as the Czechs do. When looking at Europe specifically, Central Europe dominates the entire continent regarding beer drinking habits, with Czechia followed by its neighboring countries, Austria, Poland, and Germany. The same cannot be said for total beer consumption, as it depends almost entirely on the country’s population. Despite this, Czechia still ranks eighth in Europe in this regard, placing ahead of more populous countries like the Netherlands or Belgium.