Data from the Czech Association of Breweries and Malthouses shows that roughly 20 million hectoliters of beer were brewed last year, which was 2.7 percent less year-on-year.

The association also found that, compared to 2022, the average consumption per capita went from 136 to 128 liters per year.

This is the lowest figure since the association started collecting data in 2009, but data from the Czech Statistical Office shows that consumption is now at its lowest since 1963, when the Czech Republic was still part of Czechoslovakia.

So, according to the association, consumption is at its lowest point in the Czech Republic’s 31-year history.

Director of the union, Tomas Slunecko, said: “For the fourth year already, the values ​​of the annual beer exhibition for the domestic market are below the level of 2010.

“Unfortunately, the expected revival of sales last year was hampered directly and indirectly by the unfavorable economic situation.

“This trend continues to have a negative effect on pubs and restaurants, especially those in smaller towns and villages.”

He added that the habits of consumers are also changing, with an increasing number leaning towards non-alcoholic beer or beer-based mixed drinks.

The association also found that after two years of growth, last year's export of beer abroad also decreased by 4.3 percent to 5.17 million hectoliters.

This roughly corresponds to the amounts ​​from 2018, according to the association. The most important export markets are still Slovakia, Germany, and Poland.