Beer exports hit €330m but tariffs now challenging sector

Drinks Ireland report also shows non-alcohol beer sales grew by 25%

Drinks Ireland’s annual beer market report for 2024 published on Monday shows to overall, beer production levels increased by 10.7%, driven by exports.

Exports of Irish beer increased to €330m last year but the effect of US tariffs presents a "challenging environment” to brewers, according to a new report by Drinks Ireland.

Drinks Ireland’s annual beer market report for 2024 published on Monday shows to overall, beer production levels increased by 10.7%, driven by exports. Beer sales in Ireland declined by 1.6% in 2024 – the second consecutive year of decline, with per capita consumption falling by 3%. Drinks Ireland is part of Ibec and represents the alcohol drinks manufacturers and suppliers sector.

Irish beer exports grew by 3.8% to €330m, building on a post-covid recovery since 2022. Exports to the United Kingdom were worth €152m last year and account for almost 50% of total exports, followed by exports to the United States worth €62m (14%), France €33m (10%) and Germany and Canada both €16m (4.8%).

Lager is the most popular beer in Ireland.

“While domestic consumption continues to fall, exports are rising. However, the international environment remains challenging. Exports to the United States – Ireland’s second-largest market – now face a 15% tariff, a weaker dollar, and ongoing trade uncertainty,” said Drinks Ireland director Cormac Healy.

 “This presents a challenging environment for all exporters. We support the Government and European Commission’s continued push for the removal of these new tariffs and a return to zero-for-zero tariff trading. Additionally, beer cans are now faced with a further steel/ aluminium linked tariff which needs to be removed. In the face of these export challenges, we emphasise the importance of increased Government investment through state agencies such as Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland to support market development and diversification.” 

Non-alcohol beer sales in Ireland grew by a 25%, whilst production grew by 77% in 2024. According to the report, non-alcohol beer now accounts for more than 2.5% of the overall beer market — a 150% increase in market share over five years.

In June, Diageo said sales of Guinness 0.0 in bars grew 27% in the last year, with the non-alcoholic version to take up 12% of total stout production at the Dublin brewery next year.

“There is evidently a growing acceptance and appreciation for non-alcohol products, one of the most significant innovations in the Irish drinks industry in decades,” said Mr Healy. “In the EU, one in 15 beers consumed is now a non-alcohol beer. We predict consumption levels in Ireland can reach similar levels with proper government support.” 

Beer remains Ireland’s most popular alcohol beverage, with a 43.3% share of the alcohol market in 2024 – a gain of nearly 1% compared to 2023.

The majority of the beer sales in Ireland - 63.7% - comes from the on-trade sector, which includes pubs, restaurants, and hotels.

Ireland had the second highest rate of excise tax on alcohol in the EU, behind Finland. Beer excise reciepts totalled €397m in 2024 In the past decade, the Irish beer sector has contributed over €4.4bn in excise receipts. On every pint of lager, €1.70 is paid to Revenue when combining excise and VAT.