Beer price increases for Krombacher and Veltins: What that means for them!

Beer price increases for Krombacher and Veltins: What that means for them!

The largest German breweries are planning massive price increases for beer, which will be effective from autumn 2025. This applies above all to the popular Krombacher and Veltins brands, who have announced price increases for both bottle beer and barrel beer. Specifically, Krombacher will increase prices from October 1, 2025, while Veltins will implement its price adjustments from October 16, 2025. The price increases not only affect retail and catering customers, but could also affect the overall demand for beer in Germany that has declined in recent years.

The decline in beer sales in Germany amounted to over 570,000 hectoliters compared to the previous year in 2025. This is part of a long-term trend confirmed by the German Brewer Association. The campaign prices for large Pils brands have hardly increased in the past ten years, while the shelf prices have increased continuously. Many consumers are currently buying beer under the shelf price, which increases the pressure on the breweries.

Details on the price increases

The price increases by Krombacher and Veltins are remarkable. Krombacher announced an increase of about one euro per box (20 half -liter bottles) and uses a similar price approach, as Veltins also plans. Veltins increases the delivery prices for bottle beers by 0.66 euros for 24 x 0.33 liter and 20 x 0.5 liter boxes, while the canned products are more expensive by 0.03 euros per can. Gastronomy binders also become more expensive, with a surcharge of 14 euros per hectoliter, regardless of the barrel size.

The price increases in the two breweries could make deeper waves in the market. Veltins had recently increased prices two years ago, while Krombacher had recently made his own adjustment. Both companies justify the need for the price increases with stable prices despite increasing costs in recent years. It remains to be seen whether other major breweries will follow, since similar developments in the past have often led to industry -wide effects.

market environment and challenges

The German beer market is currently characterized by overcapacity and strong competition. Many family -run breweries face challenges, especially against the background of customs problems associated with the export of German beer to the USA. From April 5, 2025, a 10% customs set applies to German beer, and an increase could be increased to 20% in July 2025, should there be no agreement between the USA and the EU.

In addition, the decline in domestic beer consumption is alarming. In 2022, average beer consumption per capita in Germany fell to 88 liters, compared to almost 100 liters in 2017. By 2024, a decline in domestic sales is forecast by over 15%. This has caused the breweries to diversify their product portfolios and to offer alcohol -free drinks that are becoming increasingly popular.

The coming months will be decisive how these price adjustments are reflected in the market and whether consumers are willing to accept higher prices without further reducing their beer consumption.