Europe Craft Beer Market

Market Overview:

The Europe craft beer market size reached USD 40.2 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 71.2 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 6.24% during 2025-2033. The rising consumer demand for diverse and flavorful beer experiences, emerging beer tourism, and the growing prominence of local and regional products among the masses, along with increasing support for small, independent businesses, represent some of the key factors driving the market.

Craft beers have become immensely popular among the youth, enabling consumers to explore a diverse range of flavors and types. There is an uptrend in demand for drinks with low alcohol content owing to the increasing interest from health-conscious individuals. Europe has witnessed a rapid growth in the number of active microbreweries in countries including France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy among others. Furthermore, the increasing emergence of macro-breweries in the market has resulted from a shift in customer preferences toward unique flavors. The active engagement of macro brewers in the market is fostering the expansion of the craft beer industry in the region. 

There is a significant surge in the number of craft breweries and microbreweries in Europe over the recent years. This has led to a consequent rise in the employment rate in the region. As per The Brewers of Europe’s data, there are over 10,000+ breweries across the European continent, which has created over 2 million jobs, right from production to delivery. The industry is witnessing launches of exceptional products from brewers; these products are focused on catering to the unique taste preferences of consumers. Furthermore, the demand for craft beer is witnessing a significant uptrend in the region's emerging economies including Romania, Croatia, Serbia, and others. These economies are experiencing a substantial growth in disposable income and an increased consumption of low-alcohol content craft brews. 

Europe Craft Beer Market Trends:

Diverse Offerings from Craft Beer Providers 

The increasing consumer demand for diverse and flavorful beer experiences is significantly impacting the European craft beer market. Craft breweries offer a wide range of beer styles, including India pale ales (IPAs), stouts, wheat beers, sours, and experimental brews. This variety appeals to consumers who are looking for alternatives to mass-produced beers and are willing to explore new flavors and brewing techniques. Craft beer provides a more nuanced and artisanal drinking experience, catering to evolving consumer preferences, thereby contributing to the market growth. Another significant factor is the growing prominence of local and regional products. Craft breweries often have strong ties to their local communities, sourcing ingredients locally and supporting local economies. Consumers are interested in supporting small, independent businesses and seeking out locally produced goods, including craft beer. This sense of community and connection resonates with consumers, leading to escalating demand for craft beer across Europe.

Enhanced Brewery Experiences with Beer Tourism 

Tourists and beer drinkers are often interested in exploring breweries and other similar attractions. Beer tourism is witnessing a rapid expansion with increasing number of companies offering tours to beer brewing countries. Many craft breweries have opened their doors to visitors, offering tours, tastings, and on-site experiences. Beer enthusiasts are now traveling to different regions to explore and discover new breweries, creating a thriving beer tourism industry. This trend is providing a boost to the visibility and accessibility of craft beer, contributing to its overall market growth. The growing influx of beer tourists is increasingly stimulating local economies, with breweries entering into strategic partnerships with local restaurants and attractions to create enhanced travel experiences. This collaborative approach boosts the overall appeal of beer tourism and supplements the market growth by drawing in a steady stream of enthusiastic consumers. 

Increasing Focus on Sustainability 

The growing emphasis on eco-friendly practices and sustainability among European craft breweries is projected to transform the market dynamics. With environmental concerns becoming more critical, a number of craft brewers are adopting green initiatives for limiting their carbon footprint and endorsing responsible brewing. These initiatives include implementing energy-efficient brewing technologies, efforts to limit waste with the help of recycling and upcycling, and sourcing ingredients locally for reducing emissions caused by transportation. Some craft breweries are also exploring efficient sustainable packaging options made of recyclable or biodegradable materials, to further limit the environmental impact. For instance, in April 2024, DW Reusables announced plans to launch packaging produced from 100% post-consumer plastic waste. Another craft brewery, Fuerst Wiacek, which is based in Berlin, Germany, recycles spent grain by donating it to a local farmer for livestock feed. Additionally, it sources a portion of its energy from solar power, with plans to expand its solar panel usage. All beers produced by the brewery are natural and free from preservatives or chemicals, with each batch tested and under six months old. Fuerst Wiacek also uses distinctive tin packaging that is lighter for shipping and has a higher recycling rate compared to glass in Germany. 

Europe Craft Beer Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the Europe craft beer market report, along with forecasts at the regional and country levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on product type, age group and distribution channel.

Product Type Insights:

• Ales
• Lagers
• Others
   

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the product type. This includes ales, lagers, and others.

Age Group Insights:

• 21-35 Years Old
• 40-54 Years Old
• 55 Years and Above
   

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the age group has also been provided in the report. This includes 21-35 years old, 40-54 years old, 55 years and above.

Distribution Channel Insights:

• On-Trade
• Off-Trade
   

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the distribution channel. This includes on-trade and off-trade.

Country Insights:

• Germany
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Spain
• Others
   

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain and others.

Competitive Landscape:

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape of the craft beer market in Europe. Competitive analysis such as market structure, key player positioning, top winning strategies, competitive dashboard, and company evaluation quadrant has been covered in the report. Also, detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided.

Europe Craft Beer Market Report Coverage:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the Europe craft beer market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the Europe craft beer market?
• What is the breakup of the Europe craft beer market on the basis of product type?
• What is the breakup of the Europe craft beer market on the basis of age group?
• What is the breakup of the Europe craft beer market on the basis of distribution channel?
• What are the various stages in the value chain of the Europe craft beer market?
• What are the key driving factors and challenges in the Europe craft beer market?
• What is the structure of the Europe craft beer market and who are the key players?
• What is the degree of competition in the Europe craft beer market?

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the Europe craft beer market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the Europe craft beer market.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the Europe craft beer industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.