The number of breweries in Saxony declined slightly last year. Most recently, there were 83 breweries in operation in the state—two fewer than in 2024, according to figures from the Federal Statistical Office released on International Beer Day (August 7). This means the Free State of Saxony is following a nationwide trend. Statisticians have been observing a decline in the number of breweries for several years. In 2025, there were 1,415 breweries in operation across Germany—53 fewer than the previous year.
This trend is driven by years of declining sales coupled with sharply rising costs. Although demand for non-alcoholic beer is rising, it cannot offset the decline in sales volume for conventional beer. In 2025, breweries and beer warehouses in Germany sold approximately 7.8 billion liters of beer, according to the statistical agency. That was 6.0 percent less than the previous year and 15.7 percent less than in 2019.
As recently as March of this year, the Mauritius Brewery in Zwickau filed for bankruptcy but has continued operations. The financial difficulties were also attributed to rising costs and the overall challenging situation facing the industry.
