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The development of alcohol-free beer, the use of artificial intelligence and adaptation to climate change are among the central topics at the 40th European Brewery Convention (EBC) Congress, taking place in Rotterdam from Sept. 6-9.
Sándor Kántor, director of the Hungarian Brewers Association and a member of the general assembly of the Brewers of Europe, is participating in the industry event.
Hungary’s five largest brewers sold 353,000 hectoliters of alcohol-free beer domestically between January and August, representing an 11.7% increase from 316,000 hectoliters in the same period of 2025.
Growth was particularly strong in August, when domestic sales reached 55,000 hectoliters, compared with 41,000 hectoliters a year earlier. This represented an increase of more than 34%.
The sharp rise coincided with exceptionally hot weather. According to HungaroMet, August 2026 was the hottest August recorded in Hungary since 1901.
One of the EBC Congress’ main topics is the development of new technologies for producing alcohol-free and low-alcohol beer. Current research is examining methods for gently removing alcohol, the use of new yeast strains and improvements to the aroma and flavor profiles of alcohol-free products.
An important objective is to bring the taste and aroma of low-alcohol and alcohol-free beers closer to those of conventional products while making them more widely available on tap.
Artificial intelligence is also gaining ground in the brewing industry. Presentations at the congress are examining how AI can support research into consumer preferences and accelerate assessments of the quality of barley used for malting.
In addition to consumer research and data analysis, the technology could offer new opportunities in brewery operations, including improving production efficiency and maintaining continuity in manufacturing processes.
“Domestic brewers are continuously developing their products and technologies in response to changing consumer trends and environmental challenges,” Kántor said at the conference.
“The growing share of alcohol-free beer clearly shows that the category is becoming an increasingly important part of the Hungarian beer market. Alongside the development of alcohol-free beer, the use of AI and adaptation to climate change are also playing an increasingly important role. The aim is to ensure that these developments support the competitive and sustainable operation of the Hungarian brewing industry over the long term,” he added.
Climate change is affecting both the cultivation and quality of malting barley, one of the brewing industry’s most important raw materials.
Several presentations at the EBC Congress focus on how growers can continue to produce barley of sufficient quality for malting under changing environmental conditions. The program also examines cultivation and breeding methods that could support adaptation.
“Research and development related to this field also play an important role in Hungary in improving barley cultivation, malt production and the quality of raw materials,” said Gabriella Kun-Farkas, associate professor at the Department of Brewing and Distilling at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE).
Sustainability is a central theme throughout the congress, covering developments from agricultural raw materials to brewery operations.
Topics include the sustainable use of advanced hop products, reducing water consumption in breweries and the potential for zero-carbon brewing and malt production.
A growing range of technologies aims to improve water and energy efficiency while reducing emissions. Such solutions are expected to play an increasingly important role in the industry’s long-term development.
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