Alcohol -free at the Oktoberfest: trend or marginal phenomenon?

Alcohol -free at the Oktoberfest: trend or marginal phenomenon?

The Oktoberfest, which is known worldwide for its traditional beer, has had a remarkable development with regard to alcohol-free drinks in recent years. Despite the preference of the festival visitors for the local beer, the increasing demand for non -alcoholic alternatives shows that the drinking behavior has changed. This is particularly relevant at a time when health considerations and more conscious consumption of alcohol in society are becoming increasingly important.

changes in consumer behavior

Last year, the demand for non-alcoholic beer during the Oktoberfest was around four percent. This proportion may seem to be low, but it reflects a trend that is important for the entire beer consumption culture in Germany. According to the German Brewers' Association, the per capita consumption of non-alcoholic beer last year was almost 8 liters of 88 liters as a whole.

international importance of non -alcoholic beers

Holger Eichele, general manager of the brewer bundle, emphasizes that non-alcoholic beer from Germany is increasingly required as an export hit. In the EU countries and the USA, interest in these products is growing, which gives the German brewing culture internationally in influence.

contradiction to a non -alcoholic beer garden

Although the trend towards non-alcoholic beverages is skeptical, those responsible for the Oktoberfest are skeptical about a special beer garden for alcohol-free drinks. Clemens Baumgärtner (CSU), Peter Inselkammer and Christian Schottenhamel clearly comment on this idea. Schottenhamel describes the project as "Such a Schmarrn!" What means "nonsense" in the Bavarian dialect.

possibilities for non -alcoholic alternatives

There are already non-alcoholic options in the beer gardens of the Oktoberfest, even if there is no separate area for this. The festival visitors often switch to other non -alcoholic drinks such as special, lemonade and apple spritzer. According to the island chamber, the paragraph of these drinks has increased significantly, which indicates changed consumption behavior.

look into the future

The Oktoberfest 2024, which will take place from September 21 to October 6, could offer another year to observe these developments. Experts are excited to see whether the trend towards non -alcoholic beverages will stop at the visitors and what role this could play for the festival culture in Munich.