Germans bought less beer last year, resuming a long-term downward trend

German beer sales dropped 4.5% last year, resuming a long-term downward trend, official figures showed Thursday. German brewers have been struggling with a long-term downward trend fueled by health concerns and other factors. The statistics office said last year's sales were 11.3% lower than in 2013 and 25.3% lower than in 1993.