Czech Alcohol Consumption Declines, Non-Alcoholic Alternatives Rise

Alcohol consumption in the Czech Republic is steadily declining, a trend observed across various categories – beer, wine and spirits – according to recent data from the Czech Statistical Office (CSO) and market analysis from retailers. Simultaneously, the market for non-alcoholic beverages, particularly sparkling wines, is experiencing significant growth, driven by health consciousness and changing consumer preferences.

Declining Alcohol Consumption

Data from the CSO indicates a decrease in overall alcohol consumption. In 2019, the average adult in the Czech Republic consumed 173 liters of pure alcohol annually. By 2024, this figure had fallen to 156 liters Czech Statistical Office. While beer remains the dominant alcoholic beverage, with approximately 130 liters consumed per person per year, its consumption is also decreasing. Wine consumption has remained relatively stable at around 19 liters per person annually, while spirits have seen the most significant decline, falling to six liters per person per year.

Shifting Consumer Behavior

Retailers are observing changes in consumer purchasing habits. Hana Krevňáková, representing the online retailer Rohlík, noted a shift in how consumers purchase alcohol. The share of orders including beer and cider decreased from roughly 20 percent in 2020 to approximately 12 percent in 2025. Yet, Krevňáková clarified that this doesn’t signify a complete rejection of alcohol, but rather a move towards more occasion-based purchasing rather than automatic inclusion with every order.

Globus chain spokeswoman Aneta Turnovská reported smaller alcohol purchases in January, attributing it to customers starting the year with resolutions to reduce consumption. Tesco spokeswoman Lucie Loučková observed that customers are buying alcohol less impulsively and pre-stocking less, with increased engagement in initiatives like Dry February.

František Brož from Košík.cz also noted stagnation in wine sales, attributing it to both a generational shift away from alcohol and a growing variety of options in the non-alcoholic segment.

Growth of the Non-Alcoholic Market

The non-alcoholic beverage market is experiencing rapid growth, particularly in the sparkling wine sector. Over 1.5 million bottles of de-alcoholized sparkling wine are sold annually in the Czech Republic, representing approximately eight percent of the entire sparkling wine market. Bohemia Sekt holds the largest market share in this segment, accounting for around 60 percent.

Martin Fousek, marketing director at Bohemia Sekt, highlighted that the non-alcoholic category is becoming a standard offering in restaurants and bars, representing a year-round trend, not just a seasonal one.

Retailers are responding to this trend by expanding their non-alcoholic offerings. Tesco is strengthening its range of non-alcoholic wines, beers, and spirits, while Globus has seen increased sales of bottled water and sodas, alongside non-alcoholic gins, rums, prosecco, wines, and beers.

Dry February and Beyond

The Dry February campaign, encouraging a break from alcohol during February, is acknowledged by retailers, but its direct impact on sales is considered limited. However, both Tesco and Globus have observed increased sales of non-alcoholic alternatives during February, alongside events like Valentine’s Day contributing to sparkling wine sales.

The Czech Republic is witnessing a clear shift in consumer attitudes towards alcohol, with a decline in traditional consumption and a growing embrace of non-alcoholic alternatives. This trend is expected to continue as health consciousness rises and the variety of non-alcoholic options expands.