As the Italian Government prepares the 2026 Budget Law, AssoBirra is calling for a reduction in beer excise duties from €2.99 to €2.97 per hectolitre per degree Plato. The association argues that a lighter tax burden is crucial to support a sector that represents a key pillar of the national agri-food economy.
The beer industry produces €10.4 billion in shared value and accounts for around 112,000 jobs. Each brewery employee generates an additional 31 jobs along the supply chain. Over the last decade, the sector has created €92 billion in wealth and 24,000 new jobs, contributing approximately €4 billion per year to public finances, including €1.5 billion in VAT and €689 million in excise duties in 2024.
Despite its structural strength, the sector has experienced a downturn in production, consumption and exports over the past two years. The increase in excise duties alone added €20 million in 2024, while consumption fell by 1.5% and exports by 7.8%. Inflation and declining purchasing power further impacted the market in 2025, particularly during the summer months, which are crucial for the industry.
Excise duty is a significant component of the final price: up to 40% of the shelf price of popular formats such as 66 cl bottles, and around 80 cents on a draught beer, reducing consumer purchasing power and undermining the competitiveness of Italian producers.
“Beer is a dynamic and strategic supply chain that brings together agriculture, industry and distribution, generating value for the entire country. A long-term fiscal vision is essential: lowering excise duties means restoring momentum to investment, employment and innovation,” says Federico Sannella, President of AssoBirra.
Previous tax reductions between 2017 and 2022 delivered tangible benefits, including a 10% rise in domestic consumption, 11% in production, 5% in two-row barley cultivation and the launch of new Italian hop projects. A multi-year reduction for small breweries, introduced with the 2025 Budget Law, was welcomed but applies to only 3% of national production.
“Excise duty directly influences prices and purchasing power. Past reductions have stimulated growth, while increases have contributed to market contraction and inflation,” adds Paolo Merlin, Vice President of AssoBirra.
AssoBirra is therefore calling for a structural reduction of excise duties to support competitiveness and unlock investment in ecological transition, agriculture and industrial innovation. The proposed measure would reduce the rate from €2.99 to €2.97 per hectolitre-degree Plato at an estimated cost of €4.7 million in 2026 — a modest but strategic investment to sustain a sector that generates widespread economic value and qualified employment.