Global Beer Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032

Global Beer Market Size

The global beer market reached a value of almost USD 649.63 billion in the year 2023. The beer market is further expected to grow at a CAGR of 3% between 2024 and 2032 to reach a value of almost USD 847.65 billion by 2032.

Beer Market Outlook

• As per industry reports, China is the largest consumer of beer, with a total volume of 34,979 thousand tonnes in 2021.

• In Europe, Czech Republic has the highest per capita consumption of beer, with 140.12 litres consumed per person in 2021.

• Collectively, mall and independent brewers produced 23.4 million barrels of beer in 2023.

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Beer Market Growth

Beer is referred to as an alcoholic beverage made with water, starch source (such as malted barley), brewer's yeast, flavouring such as hops, and various cereal grains, such as rice, wheat, corn, and rye. It has an alcohol content ranging from below 3% to 40% alcohol by volume (ABV), depending upon the style and recipe of the formulation. Beer like ale and lager are largely consumed across the world.

The beer market expansion is being fuelled by the premiumisation of beer as manufacturers are utilising high-quality ingredients and advanced brewing techniques to produce superior and high-end products. The market is further impelled by the introduction of new flavours, including blueberry, strawberry, peach, chocolate, and lemon, which enhances the taste of beer. For instance, American brewing company Anheuser-Busch’s Natural Light, a reduced-calorie light beer brand, recently launched Naturdays, a strawberry lemonade-flavoured beer. Further, the beer market is witnessing an increase in the demand for beer, particularly in emerging economies due to a large base of young population, leading to a rise in the investments by various international alcohol brands.

Key Trends and Developments

Growth of RTDs and hard seltzers, proliferation of craft beer, and increasing digital marketing initiatives are key trends leading the beer market development

June 2024

Hulk Hogan, the legendary WWE wrestler, is launching his own beer brand called "Real American Beer", with American-style light lager beers. The brand has secured distribution across 17 states and initial launch will happen in Florida, Minnesota, Missouri, and Colorado.

June 2024

Uptown Columbus is welcoming a new bar that will offer a variety of craft beers, canned cocktails, and wines, and will host live music and food from local vendors. The event is a fundraiser for Uptown Columbus, Inc. and will help support free events throughout the year.

June 2024

Bira 91, a craft beer company, has secured USD 25 million from Kirin Holdings to close a USD 50-million round. The funds will be used to support the company's expansion plans.

May 2024

Ontario is accelerating its expansion of alcohol sales, with up to USD 225 million in public money going to The Beer Store. This expansion will add up to 8,500 new places where people can buy alcohol, supporting local breweries and wineries.

Growth of RTDs and hard seltzers

RTDs and hard seltzers have gained a significant beer market share, influencing breweries to expand their product ranges to include these types of beverages, which offer convenience, portability, and low sugar, calorie, and carbohydrate content.

Proliferation of craft beer

The rise of craft beer has disrupted the traditional market, with consumers seeking unique and artisanal offerings. Anheuser-Busch InBev has recently expanded its craft beer portfolio through acquisitions and new product launches, such as its Goose Island and Golden Road brands.

Expansion of e-commerce and online sales

The growth of e-commerce has transformed the beer market outlook by offering consumers greater convenience and choice. Anheuser-Busch InBev has invested in its e-commerce capabilities, partnering with online retailers like Drizly to expand its online sales.

Rising shift to low/no-alcohol options

Health-conscious consumers are driving demand for low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beer options. Heineken has seen double-digit growth in its non-alcoholic beer portfolio, with its Heineken 0.0 brand being a key contributor.

Beer Market Trends

One of the key trends in the market is rising popularity of no/low alcohol beer alternatives, driven by health and wellness concerns, improvement in product quality, reduced societal stigma surrounding no/low alcohol consumption, and a growing array of choices available to consumers. Notably, ale beer was the only segment to demonstrate volume growth in 2022, reflecting this shift in consumer preferences.

The importance of digital connections and social media marketing for beer also propels the beer market growth. Breweries are leveraging digital marketing to reach new audiences and connect with existing customers through virtual tastings, influencer collaborations, and engaging content. Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter have become crucial for showcasing products and building a loyal following. Additionally, breweries are using hashtags, memes, and humor to capture attention and create a sense of community. The rise of beer-centric social media platforms like Untappd has also enabled breweries to connect with beer enthusiasts and attract new customers.

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Beer Industry Segmentation

The EMR’s report titled “Beer Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Product Type

• Standard Lager

• Premium Lager

• Speciality Beer

• Others

Market Breakup by Packaging

• Glass

• PET Bottle

• Metal Can

• Others

Market Breakup by Production

• Macro-Brewery 

• Micro-Brewery

• Others

Market Breakup by Alcohol Content

• High

• Low

• Alcohol Free

Market Breakup by Flavour

• Unflavoured

• Flavoured

Market Breakup by Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets

• On-Trades

• Speciality Stores

• Convenience Stores

• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• North America 

• Europe 

• Asia Pacific 

• Latin America 

• Middle East and Africa

Beer Market Share

The lager segment is the highest contributor to the market, driven by the trend towards on-premises serving and the rise in beer cafes, lounges, and party clubs

Standard lager accounts for the largest share of the market, driven by its affordability and widespread availability. This mass-produced, light-bodied segment caters to mainstream consumers. Major brewers like Anheuser-Busch InBev and Carlsberg Group dominate this segment with their flagship brands like Budweiser and Carlsberg.

The speciality beer segment in beer market report, encompassing unique styles like ales, stouts, and seasonal offerings, appeals to discerning consumers who desire distinctive, artisanal experiences. Craft breweries have been at the forefront of this trend, introducing a diverse array of flavours and styles to the market. Moreover, the total number of operating craft breweries reached an all-time high of 9,683 in 2023, including 2,071 microbreweries, 3,467 brewpubs, 3,900 taproom breweries, and 245 regional craft breweries. The rising number of craft breweries all over the world is contributing to this segment’s growth.

Macro-breweries have significant market presence and are expected to continue growing

Macro-breweries have a substantial beer market share as they are large-scale breweries that produce a significant volume of beer. They are known for their efficiency and ability to produce large quantities of beer at a lower cost. Macro-breweries are often associated with well-known brands such as Budweiser, Carlsberg, and Heineken. These breweries typically use large tanks and automated processes to brew their beer, which allows them to produce large quantities quickly and at a lower cost. For example, Anheuser-Busch InBev, one of the largest brewers in the world, produces over 30 billion liters of beer annually using its macro-brewery facilities.

Micro-breweries, on the other hand, are smaller, independent breweries that produce smaller quantities of beer. Such breweries are often associated with craft beer and are popular among beer enthusiasts. These breweries typically use smaller tanks and manual processes to brew their beer, which allows them to focus on quality and experimentation. For example, craft micro-breweries like Sierra Nevada and Dogfish Head are known for their unique beer styles and are popular among beer enthusiasts.

Leading Companies in the Beer Market

Market players are expanding production in regions such as Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, and LAMEA, while also engaging in product launches and partnerships

Asahi Group Holdings Ltd. is a Japanese beverage holding company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Founded in 1889, it is the largest brewer in Japan and has a significant presence in Europe. Its portfolio includes brands like Asahi Super Dry, Pilsner Urquell, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Kozel, and Grolsch.

Anheuser-Busch InBev, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, is the world's largest brewer. Founded in 1852, the company has over 500 brands, including iconic names like Budweiser, Corona, and Stella Artois. As a global leader, Anheuser-Busch InBev has a significant influence on the overall beer market.

Carlsberg Group, headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, is another major player in the market. Founded in 1847, the company has a portfolio of over 150 brands, with its flagship Carlsberg and Tuborg brands being recognized worldwide.

Heineken N.V., headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands, is the world's foremost international brewer. Founded in 1864, the company has a portfolio of over 300 brands, including its iconic Heineken and Amstel brands. Heineken has a strong presence in both developed and emerging economies.

Other key players in the global beer market include Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and United Breweries Ltd, among others.

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Beer Market Analysis by Region

The largest market is Asia Pacific, and North America is expected to be the fastest-growing market

North America dominates the market, driven by the United States which is one of the largest beer producers and consumers in the world.  The U.S. beer market has seen strong growth in recent years, with production reaching 24.8 million barrels in 2021, an 8% increase. This growth has been fueled by the rising popularity of craft beer, with the number of craft breweries in the U.S. reaching 9,118 in 2021, up from 8,391 in 2019.

Major beer companies have been expanding their presence in the region through new product launches and partnerships. For example, in March 2023, WWE star Stone Cold Steve Austin partnered with El Segundo Brewing to release Broken Skull American Lager beer. Additionally, the growing preference for low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beers has also contributed to the North American beer market growth.

The market in Asia Pacific, in contrast, is driven by the rising disposable incomes, urbanisation, and changing consumer preferences. Additionally, expanding young adult populations, increasing westernisation of lifestyles, and a growing beer culture contribute to the region's accelerating demand for various types of beer products. The increasing popularity of beer in social gatherings and the rise of beer tourism are other trends driving the growth of the market.

Key Highlights of the Report

Beer Market Report Snapshots

Beer Market Size

Beer Market Growth

Beer Market Trends

Beer Market Share

Beer Companies

Beer Market Regional Analysis