Beer Overtakes Wine as Most Consumed Alcohol in France
- France has hit a historic beverage milestone as beer consumption nearly matches wine, according to data from industry bodies and international reporting.
- According to figures from the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), wine consumption in France fell to 22 million hectoliters in 2025.
- The contraction in wine drinking is part of a structural downward trend that has pushed OIV-tracked consumption to its lowest point in roughly 70 years.
France has hit a historic beverage milestone as beer consumption nearly matches wine, according to data from industry bodies and international reporting. Sales figures highlight a decades-long decline in traditional wine consumption running parallel to a rising preference for lower-alcohol drinks among younger French consumers.
A Symbolic Shift in French Drinking Habits
According to figures from the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), wine consumption in France fell to 22 million hectoliters in 2025. That level marks a steep 37 percent drop over three decades, down from approximately 35 million hectoliters in 1995 despite a growing national population. Against that decline, French beer consumption has stabilized and edged upward. Trade association Brasseurs de France reported a beer consumption volume of 22,1 million hectoliters in 2025, narrowly surpassing wine. De Tijd noted that the shift has altered dining norms across the country, quoting observers who point out that beer is now regularly served even in star establishments.
Drivers Behind the Decline of Wine
The contraction in wine drinking is part of a structural downward trend that has pushed OIV-tracked consumption to its lowest point in roughly 70 years. Red wine in particular has lost favor among the public. Research indicates that many modern consumers find the standard alcohol percentage of wine—typically ranging between 10 and 14 percent—relatively high. Government health campaigns have added momentum to the trend. Daily alcohol intake across France dropped by 13 percent between 2021 and 2023. The cultural shift is especially visible among younger demographics. Data shows that nearly 20 percent of 17-year-olds have never consumed alcohol, compared with just 7 percent two decades ago.
Why Beer Is Gaining Ground
While per-capita beer consumption in France remains stable at roughly 33 liters per person annually—one of the lowest rates in the European Union—the beverage continues to capture market share. A standard beer contains about 5 percent alcohol, roughly half the potency of many wines, matching consumer demand for lighter options.
The non-alcoholic segment represents the fastest-growing category in the French market, expanding at 11.5 percent annually and accounting for nearly 6 percent of all supermarket beer sales. Beer expert Raphaël Marfaing stated that the beer world has changed more in the past 20 to 25 years than in the 100 years before that.
The proliferation of microbreweries since the year 2000 has driven consumer interest toward diverse styles, flavors, and aromas beyond the traditional pilsner offering. France now hosts approximately 2,500 breweries, positioning the country among the European countries with the most brewing locations.
