Less beer exported in 2017

In 2017, beer production in the Netherlands increased by 1.5 percent to 2.7 billion litres. Based on the assumption that breweries maintained the same quantities in stock, this means that beer consumption in the Netherlands was up by around 150 million litres relative to 2016; consumption stood at 1.3 billion litres in 2017, not including non-alcoholic beer.

Fifth largest beer producer in the EU

With a total sales value of 2.5 billion euros, the Netherlands was the fifth-largest beer manufacturer of the European Union in 2017, dropping one place in favour of Belgium. Germany topped the rankings at 5.6 billion euros, followed by the United Kingdom (4.2 billion euros). Sales soared in virtually all major beer-producing EU countries,particularly in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Belgium. The sales value not only depends on fluctuations in production but also on price developments. In the case of the UK, the value (in euros) is also determined by the pound sterling exchange rate against the euro.

United States the main export market

Last year, the Dutch export value of beer dropped by 2.2 percent to 1.7 billion euros. The United States is by far the most important market abroad for beer from the Netherlands. In 2017, approximately 680 million euros worth of beer were exported to the US, i.e. almost 40 percent of total beer exports. After the US, the largest export destinations for Dutch beer were: France (150 million euros), Taiwan (80 million euros) and Canada (73 million euros). Compared to 2016, more beer was exported mainly to France, Canada, South Korea and Singapore.