Who drinks the most beer in the world? The Czech Republic comes first. The answer comes from the ranking of per capita consumption, but the numbers tell only part of the story. The Czech Republic confirms its first-place position with 148.8 liters per capita, while Italy remains outside the top 20. This does not mean that there is little interest in beer in our country: it means that Italian beer culture is growing mainly through variety, exploration, and the discovery of new styles.
In this article, we start with the data and arrive at the glass: from the great European traditions to craft beers to try online on Maltese.
Source of the data cited: Kirin Holdings Global Beer Consumption Report 2024.
The Czech Republic remains the country of beer
With 148.8 liters consumed per person, the Czech Republic retains the world record for the 32nd consecutive year. This result reflects a deep relationship with beer, present in the country's daily life, social interactions, and culinary tradition.
Lithuania and Austria come immediately after, while Ireland and Croatia also enter the top five. The ranking therefore shows a strong European presence at the top, with countries where beer is an integral part of local habits, pubs, and culture.
Germany declines, Italy falls outside the top 20
An interesting figure is Germany's decline, dropping from eleventh to twelfth place according to the ranking reported. This is a curious change for a nation associated with beer and international events such as Oktoberfest.
Italy does not appear among the top 20 countries for per capita consumption. But reading this data solely as a weakness would be reductive. Our market is developing an increasingly strong interest in independent breweries, local production, and international styles.
Italy does not need to drink more: it needs to choose better
In Italy, beer is no longer just a drink for aperitifs or informal evenings. It has become a product to learn about, discuss, and pair with food. Customers are increasingly looking for a beer with a precise identity: an aromatic IPA, a clean lager, an original sour, an intense stout, or a wood-aged specialty.
This evolution has created space for a much broader range of products. Maltese brings together products from more than 200 breweries and offers a catalog of over 800 labels, along with kombucha, kefir, cider, sake, gin, and other beverages.
The point is therefore not simply to consume more liters. It is to find the right beer for your taste, a dish, a gift, or a special occasion.
From the world ranking to the glass
Each country in the ranking can become an invitation to explore a different style:
- Czech Republic: fresh, dry Pilsner characterized by noble hops.
- Germany and Austria: Helles, Märzen, Bock, and other lagers with a strong malt-forward identity.
- Belgium: Tripel, Dubbel, Saison, and abbey beers rich in aromas and nuances.
- Italy: craft interpretations ranging from hop-forward beers to barrel-aged and sipping specialties.
If you want to start with beers from our country, you can explore the selection of Italian craft beers. To broaden your journey through traditions and styles, you can also find European craft beers.
Which beer should you choose for each occasion?
For an easy, convivial evening
A lager, pilsner, or pale beer is a versatile, refreshing choice suitable for sharing. They are perfect for an aperitif, pizza, or an informal dinner.
For those seeking intense aromas
IPAs and Pale Ale offer aromas of citrus, tropical fruit, resin, and flowers. The selection of craft IPA and Pale Ale is the starting point for hop lovers.
For a gift or tasting
A craft beer tasting box lets you compare different styles, countries, and profiles without having to choose just one label.
For a sipping beer
Dark beers, high-alcohol specialties, and wood-aged beers require more time and attention. They are ideal for serving slowly, perhaps alongside dark chocolate, aged cheeses, or dessert.
The real value lies in the choice
The Czech Republic demonstrates that beer can be a central part of a country's culture. Italy is building its identity differently: not through per capita consumption, but through curiosity, quality, and the richness of its offering.
Today we can choose from hundreds of styles, regions, and interpretations. We can buy a Czech Pilsner, a German Helles, a Belgian Tripel, or an Italian IPA and turn every bottle into an opportunity to discover something new.
It is not just about drinking more beer. It is about finding the right one.
Explore the Maltese catalog and build your selection of Italian and European craft beers.
Frequently asked questions
Which country consumes the most beer per capita?
The Czech Republic, with 148.8 liters per capita according to the Kirin Holdings Global Beer Consumption Report 2024.
Is Italy among the countries that consume the most beer?
Italy does not appear among the top 20 countries in the per capita consumption ranking, but it is showing growing interest in craft beers and international styles.
Which Italian craft beers can you try?
The Italian beer scene includes IPA, Pale Ale, lagers, stouts, sour beers, barrel-aged specialties, and many other interpretations created by independent breweries.
How can I discover more beer styles?
A tasting box is a simple way to compare multiple labels, while selections by country or style help you navigate the different brewing traditions.
