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Spain has taken the number one spot in Europe for both the consumption and production of non-alcoholic beer, as drinkers increasingly swap traditional pints for alcohol-free options.

 

Industry figures show that sales of non-alcoholic beer grew by 4% in 2024, even as the overall beer market slowed slightly. Today, it accounts for 14% of all beer sold in the country and 16% of beer drunk at home. What was once a niche choice is now a mainstream part of Spanish life.

 

One of the reasons for this shift is Spain’s Mediterranean drinking culture. Beer here is often enjoyed with food, in company and in moderation. Around 81% of Spaniards drink beer socially, mainly in bars and restaurants, and more than one in four now choose the non-alcoholic version when the occasion calls for it, particularly if they are driving.

 

The Spanish Brewers Association says the change is also linked to a growing focus on health, education and responsible drinking. “Today’s consumer values keeping their social and gastronomic habits without compromising safety,” the industry body explains. This approach has attracted attention from international business schools, which are studying Spain as a case study in how to promote moderation without heavy-handed restrictions.

 

Over the past decade, the hospitality industry has adapted quickly. Bars now offer a wider range of alcohol-free beers, from classic lagers to IPAs, stouts and unfiltered varieties, including gluten-free options. Around 90% of beer drinking occasions in Spain still take place alongside food, often at aperitif time or over tapas, and younger people in particular are embracing alcohol-free choices.

 

The trend reflects a broader change in drinking habits. More than half of young adults in Spain say they have cut down on alcohol, and a significant number report going a full month without drinking. Those aged 35 to 49 are also reducing their intake, while the over-50s have kept their habits more steady.

 

Bars and restaurants remain the heart of beer culture in Spain, although home drinking is growing too. In the hospitality trade, over 81% of beer is served in reusable containers, making it the most environmentally sustainable channel. At home, can sales rose by 2.5% last year.

 

Spain’s non-alcoholic beer success is also good news for the economy. The country is now the second-largest producer in Europe and the eighth in the world, with brands such as Mahou-San Miguel, Damm and Estrella Galicia featuring in the global top rankings. The beer sector supports more than 540,000 jobs and contributes 1.3% to national GDP, with knock-on benefits for tourism, agriculture and manufacturing.

 

Exports are booming too, with 3.37 million hectolitres shipped abroad in 2024, mainly to Cuba, the UK and Italy. And with most barley and hops now sourced from Spanish farms, the drink’s popularity is also supporting rural communities.

 

With health concerns, active lifestyles and better brewing techniques driving demand worldwide, Spain’s lead in the alcohol-free market looks set to continue. For many here, whether it’s a caña with tapas or a cold one after work, there is no longer any need for the beer to come with a buzz.

 

 

Image: cottonbro studio/Pexels and Mabel Amber/Pixabay