BERLIN (AP) - German beer sales experienced a decline last year, continuing a long-standing downward trend that has seen sales decrease by over 10% in the past decade. This decline marks the lowest level of beer sales in Germany since at least the early 1990s, despite the country hosting the highly anticipated European Football Championship.

Official data released on Monday revealed that breweries and distributors based in Germany sold approximately 8.3 billion liters (nearly 2.2 billion gallons) of beer in the previous year, reflecting a 1.4% decrease from the year prior. It is important to note that this figure excludes non-alcoholic beer and beer imported from outside the European Union.

This decline of 1.4% is less significant compared to the steeper 4.5% drop seen in 2023, a year in which sales resumed their downward trajectory following a temporary recovery that occurred in the wake of the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. Over the span of ten years, beer sales were reported to be 13.7% lower than they were in 2014, according to the Federal Statistical Office.

German brewers have been grappling with a protracted downward trend attributed to various factors, including increasing health concerns among consumers. The figures indicate that domestic sales, which constitute over 80% of total beer sales, fell by 2% last year, amounting to 6.8 billion liters.

Although exports rose by 1.6%, driven largely by a 3.1% increase in sales to other countries within the European Union, these gains were insufficient to offset the decline in domestic consumption. Notably, sales to non-EU countries experienced a slight decrease of 0.3%.

The context of the beer sales decline is particularly noteworthy as Germany hosted the annual European soccer competition in June and July of last year. This event typically attracts large crowds and is known for its association with beer consumption. However, unusually wet summer weather may have deterred fans from frequenting beer gardens and other venues that traditionally see higher beer sales.

In summary, the circumstances surrounding beer sales in Germany highlight a worrying trend for the country's iconic brewing industry. As health awareness increases among the populace and external factors such as weather impact consumer behavior, the outlook for German beer sales remains uncertain. The combination of a longstanding decrease in domestic consumption, along with only marginal growth in export markets, underscores the challenges facing breweries in the region.