A beer garden without alcohol is unthinkable at Oktoberfest
The trend is clear: More and more Germans are opting for enjoyment without intoxication. With the increasing demand for alcohol-free refreshments, the supply is also growing - but not at the Munich Oktoberfest. In the Bavarian capital, beer remains the clear and constant focus.
Alcohol-free beverages are trending - even at the Munich Oktoberfest. Despite its fame for beer, last year's festival also saw water as a hit. The demand for alcohol-free beer has slightly increased and stood at about four percent, said Oktoberfest waiter spokesman Peter Inselkammer. Nationwide, the German per capita consumption of beer was 88 liters last year, with nearly 8 liters being alcohol-free, according to the German Brewers' Association.
According to the Brewers' Association CEO Holger Eichele, German alcohol-free beer is increasingly becoming an export hit - for instance, to other EU countries and the USA.
However, the Oktoberfest is skeptical. An exclusive alcohol-free drinks garden on the Wiesn, like the one recently opened near Munich's central station, is not supported by Oktoberfest chief Clemens Baumgaertner, Peter Inselkammer, and the second waiter spokesman Christian Schottenhamel.
"That's pure nonsense!" said Schottenhamel. No one is forced to drink alcohol in the beer gardens. And there is an alcohol-free option available, said Inselkammer. "People didn't switch to alcohol-free beer last year, but rather to other alcohol-free drinks," he said about the consumption behavior. The sales of Spezi, lemonade, and apple juice increased significantly.
The Oktoberfest will take place in 2024 from September 21 to October 6.
Although alcohol-free beverages are gaining popularity across Germany, the Oktoberfest remains committed to its focus on beer. Health and safety measures at the festive event include providing various alcohol-free options, such as water, lemonade, and apple juice, to cater to diverse preferences.
