As the summer starts, let’s celebrate beer, Europe’s choice

For many, the start of summer heralds the holidays - and what better way to toast the new season than with a refreshing beer, Europe's quintessential drink?

The allure of beer is about more than its ability to quench our thirst on a hot day. It is a drink deeply rooted in European culture, representing centuries of innovation and heritage.

Brewing has long blended creativity and ingenuity. From the medieval monks who meticulously perfected ales, to the trailblazers perfecting world-famous European brands, to the bold craft brewers pushing boundaries today, beer has always been at the forefront of innovation.

Beer's deep history is a testament to the inventive spirit driving European brewers to experiment and refine their craft. Modern brewers continue this legacy, blending traditional techniques with contemporary insights to create new flavours in the pursuit of perfection and consistency.

These efforts go beyond solely taste. In recent years, brewers have developed a range of beers with lower or no alcohol - and they've done so without sacrificing flavour. These lower and non-alcoholic beers expand the options for EU consumers while also creating greater choices to consume in moderation.

And the innovation also goes beyond the beer itself. The brewing process is now a model of sustainability, aligning with Europe's broader environmental ethos. Green growth is where brewers excel. Many European breweries lead the way in adopting sustainable practices that minimise environmental impact. From energy-efficient brewing processes and the use of renewable energy sources to water conservation efforts, from cutting waste by finding uses for the secondary products of brewing to reducing, reusing and recycling our packaging, the beer sector is committed to a greener future.

Moreover, the sourcing of ingredients plays a critical role in sustainability. European brewers often emphasise provenance and locally-sourced ingredients, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation, whilst supporting local agriculture, communities, bar jobs and tourism in the villages of Europe. As tourists travel around Europe this summer, many will find themselves on a sunny terrace, appreciating a beer that has been brewed locally, imbibing part of the local culture. This commitment to our communities and to sustainability ensures that beer production can continue to thrive without compromising the health of our planet.

The Brewers of Europe recognise how innovation is still a driver for beer. In our 2024-2029 Manifesto for a sustainable brewing future, published earlier this year, we called on EU decision-makers to recognise beer's role in supporting growth, the environment and the well-being of Europeans through policies. That includes ensuring the brewing sector can continue to pioneer new beers that are sustainably brewed, offer a lower-alcohol choice and are ever more refreshing.

Whatever beer you're sipping - whether in a sunlit beer garden, at a beachside bar, by the barbecue or sheltering in a pub from the latest rain shower - remember the brewers, past and present, whose ingenuity and dedication have made beer the perfect companion for the summer's many celebrations.

Cheers!

Simon Spillane
Head of Operations
[email protected]
@brewersofeurope

ABOUT THE BREWERS OF EUROPE:

Based in Brussels, The Brewers of Europe brings together national brewers' associations and companies from 28 European countries to support the united interests of Europe's 10,000+ breweries. Our vision is to ensure a competitive, responsible and sustainable European brewing sector, creating shared value across the entire value chain and enriching European culture.