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Our list of the largest breweries in Germany provides you with comprehensive insights into the highest-revenue players in the German brewery industry. In addition to current revenue and employee figures, you will also find valuable information on industry focus, executives, and contact details. The data is conveniently available as an Excel file for direct download.
Bitburger Brewery Group is the Largest German Brewery in 2025
The Bitburger Brewery Group (Th. Simon GmbH & Co. KG) tops the exclusive German brewery ranking of ResearchGermany in 2025 – measured by the most recent available consolidated figures for 2023. The audited consolidated financial statements report revenues of €1,417.3 million and confirm its leading position in the German market environment.
Why Bitburger is at the Top
- Clear revenue leadership 2023: With €1,417.3 million in revenue, the group is well ahead of other major German breweries, which remain below this level according to their available 2023 financial statements.
- Strong brand and location portfolio: The group includes Bitburger Brewery (Bitburg), König Brewery (Duisburg), Köstritzer Schwarzbierbrauerei (Bad Köstritz), and Licher Privatbrauerei (Lich). The business is complemented by the beverage wholesale unit trinkkontor.
- Resilience despite market headwinds: Despite declining beer sales in Germany (–4.5% compared to 2022), the group’s consolidated revenues increased by +4.9% and EBITDA rose to €300.6 million.
- Solid financial base: An equity ratio of 53.9%, a positive operating cash flow of €143.3 million, and targeted investments (including €90.1 million in fixed assets) underscore its stability.
- Diversification through holdings: Bitburger Holding strengthens the group – including majority stakes in Gerolsteiner Brunnen and the Wera Group – and reduces cyclical risks.
Performance Data of the Bitburger Brewery Group (Excerpt 2023)
- Revenue: €1,417.3 million (previous year: €1,351.3 million)
- EBITDA: €300.6 million (+18.5% compared to previous year)
- Employees: 4,446 (average, previous year: 4,600)
- Equity: €1,022.7 million (equity ratio 53.9%)
- Operating cash flow: +€143.3 million
Market Environment 2023 Overview
The German beer market recorded a decline in total beer sales of –4.5% in 2023 to 83.8 million hl; domestic sales were –4.2% below the previous year. Despite inflation and restrained consumption, the group proved operationally resilient, supporting results through price/mix effects and consistent brand and sales work.
Comparison of Leading German Brewery Groups (Revenue 2023)
All figures in € million; as of audited or published 2023 annual reports – based on the ResearchGermany list of the largest breweries:
| Company | Revenue 2023 | Revenue 2022 | Employees 2023 | Headquarters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bitburger Brewery Group GmbH | 1,417 | 1,351 | 4,446 | Bitburg |
| Flensburger Brauerei Emil Petersen GmbH & Co. KG | 1,008 | 1,120 | 1,420 | Flensburg |
| Paulaner Brewery Group GmbH & Co. KGaA | 914 | 808 | 2,637 | Munich |
| Anheuser-Busch InBev Germany Holding GmbH | tba | 719 | tba | Bremen |
| Krombacher Brewery Bernhard Schadeberg GmbH & Co. KG | tba | 685 | tba | Kreuztal |
Image source: Getty Images, 03.09.2026
Last Updated on 4 months ago
