Spain has made the global beer top ten. Although I’m still trying to work out if it’s something to be proud of! According to new figures on beer consumption, Spain now ranks among the world’s biggest beer-drinking nations.
Whether this is a badge of honour, a talking point for the bar, or simply proof that a cold caña is hard to resist, depends very much on who you ask.
Beer remains one of the most popular alcoholic drinks in the world. It is closely linked to culture, social life and national habits. In many countries, beer is more than a drink. It is part of daily life.
New data for 2024 shows where people drink the most beer per person. The figures come from Kirin Holdings, which tracks global alcohol consumption each year.
Beer drinking countries: Top spot
Once again, Czechia takes the top spot. It has now led the ranking for 32 years in a row, even though consumption has dipped slightly over the past two years. Beer has been brewed there since at least the 10th century, starting at the Břevnov Monastery.
The average person in Czechia drinks 148.8 litres of beer a year. That works out at around 419 standard bottles. It is roughly double the amount drunk in many other beer-loving countries.
Lithuania comes second with 110.6 litres per person, followed by Austria on 104.6 litres. Ireland takes fourth place with 99 litres. Croatia rounds out the top five.
Spain lands in seventh place worldwide, with an average consumption of 91.8 litres per person. That puts it ahead of Germany, which comes in tenth.
Europe leading the way
Europe dominates the top of the table, but beer is also hugely popular in Latin America. Countries such as Mexico, Panama, Brazil and Puerto Rico all feature strongly. Brazil is worth a special mention, as it is the third largest beer consumer in the world by total volume, behind only China and the United States.
So why do some countries drink more beer than others? Strong local traditions play a big role, along with affordability and easy access. In places where wine or spirits are more common, beer tends to take a back seat.
Demographics also matter. Many younger people are drinking less alcohol than previous generations. Ageing populations are also changing overall consumption patterns.
As for Spain, seventh place feels about right. Not excessive, not restrained, just enough to enjoy a beer with friends, preferably in the sun. Which, let us be honest, is how beer is meant to be drunk.
