The Maltese gulp down more than 21 million litres of beer every year but still consume among the lowest amounts in Europe, according to a new report.

Statistics released this week by Brewers of Europe, a Brussels-based lobby, show that Malta downed 48 litres of beer per capita last year, just a third of the 144 litres consumed on average by people in the Czech Republic.

A central European trio of Germany, Austria and Poland were the next highest consumers, while at the other end, only Spain, Portugal, France and Italy drank less per capita than Malta.

A spokeswoman for Farsons, which produces Cisk beers, said the figures were consistent with the company’s own estimates.

“Although one of the lowest per capitas in Europe, it is actually higher than some of the Southern European markets,” she said. “Malta is not traditionally a beer- drinking country. Due to the Italian influence, wine is still a very popular beverage, particularly with meals.”

After years of mass production beer, during which big industries and famous brands dominated the market, people are recognising that there could be more behind a pint of beer

The spokeswoman noted that, as in nearby countries, interest in beer was undergoing a revival in recent years, with people growing more interested in the “facts and stories” behind their brews.

According to the report, beer production in Malta continued a slow but steady rise in 2014, with 15.3 million litres produced, compared to 12.6 million in 2009.

Across Europe, the report found that the number of active breweries had doubled since 2008 to more than 6,500.

So-called microbreweries, smaller producers typically focused on small-batch artisanal beers, have also surged in recent years, with more than 5,000 now in active operation, compared to some 2,700 five years ago.

“After years of mass production beer, during which big industries and famous brands dominated the market, nowadays people are recognising that there could be more behind a pint of beer,” said Valentina Rossetto from Lord Chambray microbrewery in Gozo, which opened last year.

“People are looking for beer with taste and character. These are aspects which identify and distinguish craft beer from industrial beer, which is more oriented towards quantity than quality.”