25 Inebriating Beer Industry Statistics for 2023

Beer is frequently consumed around the world and is in third place on the list of most popular beverages altogether, right after water and tea. Moreover, various studies show that beer is more nutritious than many alcoholic drinks. 

Made out of yeast, water, hops, and malt, beer was brewed thousands of years before the Common Era. If you want to learn more about beer industry statistics, scroll down and keep reading. We guarantee you beer and skittles!

Top 10 Global Beer Industry Statistics 

• By 2030, the global beer market is expected to register a CAGR of 2.7%.
• Non-alcoholic beer sales went up 37% in 2020.
• The US beer industry shipped 204.8 million barrels of beer in 2020.
• For every 8,654 people, Main has one brewery.
• Craft beer stats indicate that 57% of millennials drink craft beer every week. 
• 44% of consumers aged 21 and above favor craft beer.
• The international craft beer market will grow at an 8% CAGR by 2025.
• Corona was the most valuable beer brand in 2021.
• China produced around 341.11 million hectoliters of beer in 2020.
• The Czech Republic leads in beer consumption, with 143.3 liters per person.

Beer Industry Market Share and Related Stats

This section deals with trends in the beer industry and statistics surrounding the most consumed alcoholic drink worldwide.

1. During the 2021–2030 period, the global beer market will register a CAGR of 2.7%.

(Allied Market Research)

This will occur due to a rapid improvement in most countries’ financial conditions, leading to a transition in consumers’ choices and spending habits. This will especially be noticeable among youth, who will shift from traditional beer and rum to more modern beer brands and tastes. 

The current industry trends are projected to persist in this period, as the beer market size value is expected to grow from $605,246 million in 2020 to $816,848 million in 2030. 

2. In 2020, non-alcoholic beer sales went up 37%.

(Beverage Industry, Statista)

There has been a constant growth in choice for low-alcohol and no-alcohol beers due to the growing interest from consumers more conscious of their health. Besides, low-alcohol beers are cheaper than their counterparts with a higher percentage of alcohol. 

According to the beer industry statistics, while the global non-alcoholic beer market was valued at around $18 billion in 2020, it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5%, reaching a value of $25 billion by 2024.

3. The US beer industry shipped 204.8 million barrels of beer in 2020.

(NBWA)

In other words, the US beer industry sold the equivalent of around 2.8 billion cases with 24 12-ounce containers. On top of that, 3.3 million barrels (45.5 million cases) of fermented products such as cider were shipped.

4. On-premise US beer sales recorded in 2020 experienced an enormous decline compared to 2019.

(Statista)

Due to on-premise restrictions at bars, off-premise sales displayed remarkable growth in recent years. To be exact, $28 billion in on-premise sales were recorded in 2020, while $72.78 billion were registered in off-premise retail sales.

5. The North American beer market is projected to grow at a 4.7% CAGR between 2021 and 2026.

(Mordor Intelligence, MarketWatch)

According to the United States beer consumption statistics, not only is beer considered one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in North America, but this region also occupies fourth place among the largest beer markets globally.

6. By 2025, the Asia-Pacific market is expected to record a CAGR of 7.45%.

(Mordor Intelligence)

This expected expansion is partly caused by the growing microbrew market share in Asian countries. Since beer is one of the most popular beverages in this region, the Asia-Pacific beer market is projected to reach $335 billion by 2025. 

Craft Beer Statistics and Data

Beers made by small, independent, and traditional breweries are becoming increasingly popular, so read on to find out more about microbrewery statistics.

7. The global craft beer market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 8% between 2018 and 2025.

(Allied Market Research)

Valued at $108,912 million in 2018, the global craft beer market is by 2025 expected to reach $186,590 million. On top of that, craft beer industry statistics show that Europe accounted for almost 43.6% of the craft beer market in 2018.

8. Craft beer production decreased from 2019 to 2020 in the US.

(Statista)

Although in terms of production, there was a reduction from 26.3 million barrels in 2019 to 23.1 million barrels in 2020, the number of craft breweries in the US reached a new high in 2020, with 8,764 craft breweries throughout the nation. 

9. In 2020, California had the most extensive collection of craft breweries, with close to 960 establishments.

(Statista)

California topped the list with almost a thousand craft breweries when it comes to the number of breweries in the US in 2020. The states in second and third place, i.e., New York and Pennsylvania, had around 450 breweries each. 

On top of that, that same year, Califonia also produced the most barrels of craft beer.

10. As per recent statistics from 2021, Main has one brewery for every 8,654 people.

(Bangor Daily News)

Craft beer industry growth has become evident in recent years, especially in the US, where the number of breweries is rapidly growing. In 2021, Maine managed to overtake Vermont and take the number one place for the highest number of breweries per capita in the US. 

With 156 active breweries in total, Maine has one brewery for every 8,654 people. On the other hand, Vermont has 72 active breweries, meaning one for every 8,657 people.

11. According to recent brewery statistics, to open a microbrewery, you would need around $500,000.

(How to Start an LLC)

Apart from renting space for 12 months, you would need to pay operational costs for the first three months, then the microbrewery equipment, start-up inventory, store equipment, and legal costs. 

If this sounds too much, you have an option to start a nanobrewery which, as some beer industry statistics show, typically produce less than 20 barrels per year and cost a lot less. Of course, since only 30% of small businesses break even, make sure you know what you are getting into first.

12. According to one survey, 45% of craft beer drinkers prefer hoppy beer.

(YouGovAmerica)

While 24% of interviewees said they dislike hoppy beer, 45% prefer this flavor, typical for India Pale Ales or American Pale Ales. When it comes to other beer attributes, craft beer statistics show that 76% said they like their beer to be clean and crisp, while 52% said they like it fruity.

What Demographic Buys the Most Beer?

In this section, we are taking a look at beer industry demographics and some of the most exciting facts concerning global sales.

13. Out of 60% of US adults who drink alcohol, 39% prefer beer.

(Gallup)

Around 60% of US adults have consistently reported alcohol use ever since the late 1990s. Moreover, according to the recent beer consumption statistics, almost 40% of American alcohol drinkers prefer beer over other beverages.

14. 44% of drinkers aged 21 and above prefer craft beer.

(Brewers Association)

The increasing popularity of craft beer created a steady base of consumers. The percentage of craft consumers older than 21 years has by 2020 risen to 44% from 35% in 2015. 

As for the beer industry statistics for 2022 and the years following, these numbers will likely keep growing, but we will have to wait and see.

15. 51% of male and 33% of female drinkers had craft beer weekly in 2019.

(Statista, Statista)

These numbers are based on craft beer consumer statistics in the US. What’s more, 52% of craft beer drinkers aged 35 to 44 also stated that they drank weekly.

16. 57% of millennials claim they drink craft beer every week, as per craft beer demographics from 2020.

(FHE Health)

This comes as no surprise since millennials are more likely than others to eat at a restaurant or attend dinner parties, where they often have a drink while dining. On top of that, 69% of men believe beer companies market to them, while only 21% of women think they do.

17. 75% of global consumers state they consume beer at home or somebody else’s house.

(New Food Magazine)

According to a survey from 2020 about global beer sales, 45% of global consumers claim to drink beer out of home. 

Furthermore, 52% state they will most likely drink beer with a meal, which comes as no surprise since eating out and drinking with friends is the highest non-essential monthly expenditure of an average American. 

18. 59% of global consumers stated they have lowered beer intake to better their health.

(New Food Magazine)

Beer consumption trends might be showing a plunge in beer consumption rate because 57% of global beer drinkers say they are buying less beer due to financial reasons. Likewise, 25% are concerned this habit will impact their health, while 62% are most concerned about weight gain.

Popular Brands and Beer Sales by State

According to some estimates, there are close to 20,000 beer brands around. In this section, we will be examining global sales by these brands and the popularity of certain companies.

19. Beer industry statistics show that Corona was the most valuable beer brand in 2021.

(Brand Finance)

According to the latest stats, this Mexican pale lager had the largest brand value in 2021, estimated at $5,822 million. Second place belongs to Heineken, while Budweiser, valued at $4,790 million, is third.

20. China produced around 341.11 million hectoliters of beer in 2020.

(Statista)

Available beer stats also show that, following China in terms of production volume, was the US, with 211.17 million hectoliters.

21. Snow is the best-selling beer brand internationally, with 101 million hectolitres sold in 2017.

(Beer 100)

Despite the fact that it is being sold largely in China and that most people outside of this country have never heard of it, available beer sales statistics by brand show that Snow is the best-selling brand on a global level.

The brand was launched in 1993. It should also be noted that Snow controls nearly 30% of the Chinese beer market.

22. Beer sales statistics show that Bud Light is the most popular light beer in 25 US states. 

(Grill Cook Bake, USA Today)

Produced by the Belgian-Brazilian company AB InBev, Bud Light is the nation’s leading brand. Coors Light took second place, having been the most popular in 11 states. 

Bud light beer sales showed that this brand alone shipped 27.2 million barrels in 2019, while sales of the top three brands combined exceeded 53 million. 

23. In 2020, Anheuser-Busch InBev generated more than 52 billion in revenue worldwide.

(BizVibe, NBWA)

According to the global beer market share data, this company controlled 38% of the global beer market in 2020. The company produces and distributes various international brands, including Budweiser, Stella Artois, Corona, and Hoegaarden. 

There has been significant growth in the small brewery market in the past several years, according to beer industry trends from 2021. Still, Anheuser-Busch InBev remains at the top, as in 2020, it generated over $52.33 billion. 

24. Brewmeister Snake Venom is the strongest beer globally, with 67.5% ABV (alcohol by volume).

(Sound Brewery)

Brewmeister Snake Venom is so strong that it even has a warning on the label. The beer has a sweet, nutty, fruity, and smoky flavor.

25. The Czech Republic leads in beer consumption, with 143.3 liters per capita.

(World Population Review)

According to the latest beer sales statistics, with a population of around 10.7 million in 2021, the Czech Republic tops the list when it comes to consuming the most beer in the world.

This is no surprise since we know that the country invented the pilsner, and that the beer there is cheaper than bottled water.

FAQ

How big is the beer industry?

In 2020, the global beer market amounted to $623.2 billion, while it is projected to display stable growth in the period from 2021 to 2026.

Is the beer industry growing?

According to recent data, in 2020, there was a decline of 9% in terms of craft beer production when compared to 2019. Due to this, craft beer lost some of its market share, and it presently makes up 12.3% of the general beer market, compared to 13.6% the year before. 

On the positive side, craft beer trends remained strong, and the total number of operating craft breweries in the US continued to rise. Similar tendencies towards steady growth are also noticed in the beer industry as a whole.

What percentage of the beer market is craft beer?

Craft breweries were not too common in the US during the 2000s. However, in 2010, there were more than 100 craft brewery openings, while only 10 years after, that number jumped to around 716. At that point, in 2020, craft beer accounted for almost a quarter of the total US retail beer market. 

The Bottom Line

The diversity of craft beer styles is endless, and in spite of the pandemic, the number of working craft breweries reached an all-time high in 2020. 

These selected beer industry statistics show that the popularity of beer may decrease overall, but the variety of brands and styles will constantly keep improving, leading to new consumers and beer aficionados.

Sources

• Allied Market Research
• Bangor Daily News
• Beer 100
• Beverage Industry
• BizVibe
• Brand Finance
• Brewers Association
• FHE Health
• Fortune
• Gallup
• Globe News Wire
• Grill Cook Bake
• How to Start an LLC
• MarketWatch
• Mordor Intelligence
• Mordor Intelligence
• NBWA
• New Food Magazine
• Sound Brewery
• Statista
• Statista
• Statista
• Statista
• Statista
• Statista
• Statista
• Statista
• USA Today
• World Population Review
• YouGovAmerica

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