Plzeňský Prazdroj remains the driving force behind Czech beer exports: with almost two million hectolitres, more beer was exported abroad in 2024 than ever before. The traditional brewer from Pilsen is thus continuing its international success story – from Europe to Asia.
Plzeňský Prazdroj, best known for its legendary Pilsner Urquell, significantly increased its beer exports last year, confirming its leading position as the largest Czech beer exporter. With an export volume of 1.97 million hectolitres, the brewery group achieved a 10.2 per cent increase over the previous year – supplying nearly 50 countries worldwide, from Germany and Slovakia to markets as far afield as South Korea, Vietnam and the Philippines.
“The growth was mainly driven by strong demand in the European Union. But it is also encouraging that our beers are increasingly in demand in countries outside Europe,” explains Roman Trzaskalik, Sales Director at Plzeňský Prazdroj. Sales rose by 39 per cent in Sweden, 29 per cent in Spain and 14 per cent in the traditionally strong Slovakian market.
The undisputed export hit remains the classic Pilsner Urquell, which has now also established itself in exotic markets such as Singapore, Mongolia and Iceland. In the run-up to the EXPO 2025 world exhibition in Osaka, the company is increasingly focusing on its international brand presence: “We are delighted to be represented in Japan next year – and to be able to present not only our beer but also the art of proper tapping culture,” Trzaskalik continues.
Other brands in the group, such as Radegast and Gambrinus, also saw an increase in exports – particularly in countries such as Germany, Sweden and, once again, Slovakia. Around 43 per cent of foreign sales are now accounted for by canned beer, 33 per cent by glass bottles. The share of draught and tank beer was just under a quarter. The brewery now supplies over 170 tank beer pubs abroad, including in Austria, Hungary, Poland, Sweden, Italy and even the United Kingdom.
The growth in exports had a positive effect on the company’s total sales, which rose by 6.7 per cent to 23 billion crowns in 2024. However, net profit fell slightly by 0.8 per cent to 5.9 billion crowns, partly as a result of increased tax burdens. Overall, Prazdroj paid 6.6 billion crowns in taxes, more than ever before in the company’s history, partly due to increases in corporation tax and VAT on non-alcoholic beverages.
Despite the economic challenges, the group continued to invest heavily – including in a new bottling plant for returnable bottles in Pilsen (cost: 700 million crowns) and in supporting Czech restaurateurs. A total of 1.65 billion crowns was invested in the Czech Republic. Trzaskalik emphasises: “Our goal remains to promote Czech beer culture in a sustainable manner – from gastronomy and agriculture to the entire supply chain.”
