Alcohol-free era change: challenges and opportunities in the global beer industry

European beer producers remain at a disadvantage in the US market, as the United States treats canned beer as an aluminum derivative, thus imposing a 25% tariff on industrial products. Although the US has ordered a 90-day break on the imposition of extra tariffs, beer remains on the list with higher tariffs, the European Brewers’ Association pointed out.

According to Sándor Kántor, director of the Hungarian Brewers’ Association, the differences are not only in tariffs, but also in industry regulations: American small breweries enjoy tax breaks up to a much higher volume than their European counterparts, and transport costs also seriously affect exporters.

In addition to the global difficulties, the Index article discusses in detail the dynamic growth of the non-alcoholic beer segment. Spain, Germany and Poland are already leading the way: in the former, non-alcoholic products account for 15% of beer consumption. The European Union’s combined annual production in this category is 22 million hectoliters.

The change is also noticeable in Hungary: according to 2024 data, 8.1% of total domestic beer consumption will be non-alcoholic or low-alcohol products. At home, flavored types are currently the most popular, but according to professional expectations, unflavored 0.0% products will also grow strongly in the coming years.

The Index article highlights that future developments will be determined by technological innovation and sustainability. In addition to processes ranging from reverse osmosis to suspended fermentation, the use of new yeast strains will also help produce fuller, richer-tasting non-alcoholic beers – with lower energy consumption.