Alcoholic drinks in 2024: The big picture
Even though the macroeconomic situation in the Czech Republic improved in 2024 – with inflation falling significantly compared to the previous year–this stabilisation translated only modestly into alcoholic drinks sales. Consumers continue to face elevated living costs and remain cautious in their discretionary spending. As a result, overall market recovery remains slow.
2024 key trends
Beer remained the largest category within alcoholic drinks in 2024, although it recorded a decline in volume sales. The Czech Republic is internationally recognised for its beer culture, and beer continues to dominate overall consumption. However, volume sales have been negatively impacted by a drop in on-trade consumption, which reflects both the lingering effects of economic uncertainty and the increase in on-trade beer prices due to VAT changes – from a reduced 10% rate to the standard 21%.
Competitive landscape
Plzenský Prazdroj as remained the leading company in alcoholic drinks in 2024, supported by a broad and well-recognised portfolio that includes Pilsner Urquell, Gambrinus, and Birell across the beer and non-alcoholic beer categories. The company maintained its top position by continuing to innovate in line with shifting consumer preferences, especially among younger consumers. It has focused heavily on the development and promotion of non-alcoholic and flavoured beers, including the fortified Birell Active, reinforcing its dominance in this fast-growing segment.
Retail developments
While hypermarkets remain the dominant retail format for alcoholic drinks in the Czech Republic, their importance has gradually declined in recent years. This trend is linked to a post-pandemic shift in consumer shopping habits, with many households favouring convenience over scale. As a result, there has been a visible migration toward smaller-format stores, such as supermarkets and neighbourhood retailers. This shift has been further reinforced by retailers themselves, including players like Albert and Tesco, who have actively reduced the number of large hypermarket locations while expanding their networks of smaller stores to better align with evolving consumer needs.
On-trade vs off-trade split
Over two-thirds of the volume of alcoholic drinks in the Czech Republic was sold through the off-trade in 2024, while just over a quarter was sold through the on-trade. This continued the long-standing dominance of off-trade sales, a trend that has intensified since the pandemic. Although there was a partial recovery in 2022, the on-trade channel has still not returned to pre-pandemic levels, and it is increasingly unlikely that it will do so during the forecast period.
What next for alcoholic drinks?
Volume sales of alcoholic drinks are set to decline at a modest CAGR over the forecast period, with overall volumes expected to fall as younger generations continue to shift away from alcohol consumption. This generational change is one of the most significant challenges facing the industry. Health-conscious behaviours are becoming more deeply ingrained, with many younger consumers opting for healthier alternatives such as non-alcoholic drinks or even cannabis-based products, which are increasingly viewed as substitutes for alcohol.
Delivery:
Files are delivered directly into your account soon after payment is received and any tax certification is verified (where applicable).
This report comes in PDF with additional info in Excel included.
Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Alcoholic Drinks industry in Czech Republic with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to the following key categories, where applicable:
- Beer
- Wine
- Spirits
- Cider and Perry
- RTDs
If you're in the Alcoholic Drinks industry in Czech Republic, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty
The Alcoholic Drinks in Czech Republic report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Alcoholic Drinks in Czech Republic?
- Where is consumer demand for Alcoholic Drinks focussed?
- Which is being consumed more; beer, wine or spirits?
- Where is demand growing? Stagnating?
- How is the operating environment for alcoholic drinks changing?
- Which are the leading brands in Czech Republic?
- How are products distributed in Czech Republic?
- What are the key trends in new product development?
- Do consumers want value for money or added value?
- How will macroeconomic context and shifting cultural values shape future growth?
- How will COVID-19 and recession impact the alcoholic drinks industry?
- Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
Alcoholic Drinks in the Czech Republic
Alcoholic drinks in 2024: The big picture
2024 key trends
Competitive landscape
Retail developments
On-trade vs off-trade split
What next for alcoholic drinks?
Legislation
Legal purchasing age and legal drinking age
Drink driving
Advertising
Smoking ban
Opening hours
On-trade establishments
TAXATION AND DUTY LEVIES
Contraband/parallel trade
Duty free
Cross-border/private imports
Outlook
DISCLAIMER
Beer in the Czech Republic
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Beer consumption declines as price sensitivity and moderation reshape demand
Non-alcoholic innovation and brand collaborations target younger demographics
Discounters and online retail expand as distribution patterns evolve
Non-alcoholic beer drives modest growth as traditional consumption declines
Craft beer and microbreweries gain visibility through tourism and authenticity
Innovation in flavour and function reshapes beer’s appeal to younger audiences
Lager price band methodology
Cider/Perry in the Czech Republic
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Stagnating growth amid mounting competition from alternative low-alcohol options
Brand consolidation leads to duopolistic market structure
Discounters and e-commerce gain ground as cider distribution diversifies
Low-alcohol preferences among younger adults to support non-alcoholic cider growth
Rising support for local producers and sustainable sourcing
Flavour experimentation and events to drive innovation and consumer engagement
Rtds in the Czech Republic
KEY DATA FINDINGS
RTDs surge in popularity as consumers prioritise convenience and mindful drinking
Rising competition as new players energise the RTD landscape
Evolving distribution landscape supports RTD category growth
RTDs set to lead alcoholic drinks growth as health consciousness shapes future consumption
In-store displays enhance product visibility and drive sales uplift
Flavour experimentation and packaging innovation set to shape future NPD
Spirits in the Czech Republic
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Spirits face structural decline amid tax increases and shifting demographics
Stock Plzen-Božkov retains dominance despite category contraction
Price sensitivity and convenience shape distribution landscape
Ongoing tax increases and shifting preferences signal long-term volume decline
Non-alcoholic spirits and RTDs tap into wellness and versatility
Innovation and sustainability play key roles in product development
Vodka, gin, other blended Scotch whisky, dark rum and white rum price band methodology
Wine in the Czech Republic
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Wine consumption remains stable as affordability and health perceptions support demand
Producers navigate new constraints while driving innovation across wine formats
Convenience shapes retail dynamics as traditional formats lose ground
Non-alcoholic and sparkling wines expected to drive modest growth
Sustainability shapes production practices and consumer preferences
Single-serve innovation redefines convenience and shelf appeal
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Alcoholic Drinks
-
-
- Ale
- Sorghum
- Weissbier/Weizen/Wheat Beer
-
- Flavoured/Mixed Lager
-
-
- Domestic Premium Lager
- Imported Premium Lager
-
- Domestic Mid-Priced Lager
- Imported Mid-Priced Lager
-
- Domestic Economy Lager
- Imported Economy Lager
-
-
-
- Domestic Premium Lager
- Domestic Mid-Priced Lager
- Domestic Economy Lager
-
- Imported Premium Lager
- Imported Mid-Priced Lager
- Imported Economy Lager
-
-
- Low Alcohol Beer
- Non Alcoholic Beer
- Stout
-
-
- Regular Cider/Perry
- Non Alcoholic Cider/Perry
-
- Malt-based RTDs
- Spirit-based RTDs
- Wine-based RTDs
- Other RTDs
- Non Alcoholic RTDs
-
-
- Brandy
- Cognac
-
- Bitters
- Cream-based Liqueurs
- Other Liqueurs
- Non Alcoholic Spirits
-
-
- Prestige Dark Rum
- Ultra Premium Dark Rum
- Super Premium Dark Rum
- Premium Dark Rum
- Standard Dark Rum
- Economy Dark Rum
-
- Prestige White Rum
- Ultra Premium White Rum
- Super Premium White Rum
- Premium White Rum
- Standard White Rum
- Economy White Rum
-
- Tequila (and Mezcal)
-
- Bourbon/Other US Whiskey
- Canadian Whisky
- Irish Whiskey
- Japanese Whisky
-
-
- Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
-
- Prestige Other Blended Scotch Whisky
- Ultra Premium Other Blended Scotch Whisky
- Super Premium Other Blended Scotch Whisky
- Premium Other Blended Scotch Whisky
- Standard Other Blended Scotch Whisky
- Economy Other Blended Scotch Whisky
- Single Grain Scotch Whisky
- Single Malt Scotch Whisky
-
- Other Whiskies
-
-
-
- Prestige English Gin
- Ultra Premium English Gin
- Super Premium English Gin
- Premium English Gin
- Standard English Gin
- Economy English Gin
- Dutch Gin
-
-
- Prestige Vodka
- Ultra Premium Vodka
- Super Premium Vodka
- Premium Vodka
- Standard Vodka
- Economy Vodka
-
-
- Absinthe
- Ad-Mix Brandy
- Ad-Mix Gin
- Ad-Mix Rum
- Ad-Mix Vodka
- Ad-Mix Whisky
- Aguardente/Aguardiente
- Aguardiente De Caña
- Akvavit/Aquavit
- Aniseed-Flavoured Spirits
- Borovicka
- Boukha
- Brandy Type Distilled Spirits
- Cachaça
- Calvados
- Cane
- Chacha
- Charanda
- Chinese Herbal Spirits
- Chinese Spirits
- Cut Brandy
- Destilados De Agave
- Distilled Fruit Spirits
- Domestic Brandy
- Domestic Rum
- Doppelkorn
- Economy Chinese Spirits
- Flavoured Spirits
- Flavoured Vodka-based Drinks
- Fynbos gin/Local Gin
- Gin-flavoured spirits
- Goldbrand/Goldkrone
- Grappa
- Grappamiel
- Guaro
- Kirsch
- Komovica
- Korn
- Lambanog
- Limoncello
- Local White Spirits
- Lower Mid-Range Chinese Spirits
- Lozovaca
- Maesilju
- Mahia Rabi Amrane
- Mead
- Mixed Spirits
- Nalivka/Nalewka
- Nastoyka
- National Specialities
- Obstbrände
- Ouzo
- Pacharán
- Palinca/Pálinka
- Pear and Apple Distillates
- Pisco
- Premium Chinese Spirits
- Prune
- Punsch
- Rachiu/Rakija
- Rum-Flavoured Spirits
- Samane
- Sambuca
- Samsu
- Schnapps
- Shochu/Soju
- Singani
- Sljivovica/Slivovice
- Steinhäeger
- Strong African Spirits
- Super Premium Chinese Spirits
- Sura Khao
- Tequila Flavoured Spirits
- Travarica
- Tsipouro
- Upper Mid-Range Chinese Spirits
- Vieux
- Viina
- Vodka Type Distilled Spirits
- Other Distilled Beverages
-
-
-
- Port
- Sherry
- Vermouth
- Other Fortified Wine
-
- Apple Wine
- Bokbunjaju
- Cheongju
- Chinese Wine
- Economy Rice Wine
- Fortified Fruit Wine
- Fruit and Berry Wine
- Fruit and Herbal Wine
- Fruit and Honey based Wine
- Fruit Wine
- Lower Mid-Range Rice Wine
- Non-Grape Dessert Wine
- Premium Rice Wine
- Sake
- Takju
- Upper Mid-Range Rice Wine
- Yakju
- Yellow Wine
- Other Non-Grape Wine
-
- Champagne
- Other Sparkling Wine
-
- Still Red Wine
- Still Rosé Wine
- Still White Wine
- Non Alcoholic Wine
-
Alcoholic Drinks
Alcoholic drinks is the aggregation of beer, wine, spirits, cider/perry and RTDs.
See all of our definitionsWhy buy this report?
- Gain competitive intelligence about market leaders.
- Track key industry trends, opportunities and threats.
- Inform your marketing, brand, strategy and market development, sales and supply functions.
This report originates from Passport, our Alcoholic Drinks research and analysis database.
NEW REPORT GUARANTEE
If you purchase a report that is updated in the next 60 days, we will send you the new edition and data extraction Free!