10 Largest Beer Companies in the World for 2018

The 10 largest beer companies in the world for 2018 feature the best brands in one of the most lucrative global industries. Despite heavy taxation, health issues, and an increase in the legal regulations that apply to the production, sale, and consumption of alcohol, global beer production is stronger than ever, enduring every challenge thrown its collective way. These big brands remain resilient amid the industry’s troubles as they produce high-quality beers that suit the tastes and needs of the regions they serve.

Brewing beer has become a popular hobby that can be done in one’s garage or kitchen, and some home brew ventures have even grown into small and medium enterprises that cater to distinct markets. But even with craft beers in the pool, there is enough money to go around for everyone. While the U.S remains the biggest beer market worldwide, the Asia Pacific region’s demand for beer is growing, thereby providing the industry with new opportunities for expansion in the coming years.

The beer industry has gone through constant consolidation in recent years via acquisitions and mergers. One of the biggest was AB InBev’s acquisition of SABMiller. The merger allowed the new company to own almost 30% of the industry’s global market share even after it divested some of its assets to please regulators. With such consolidations, there will be slight changes in the list of the 2018 biggest beer companies in the world. Some big names will no longer be visible because of such mergers, while a few companies will make their debut on this list.

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As expected from a company who owns the largest chunk of market share, Anheuser-Busch InBev cemented its place on top of the list of the industry’s key players last year. The company has also tested the waters in the craft-beer segment by making five big purchases, which increased the number of craft breweries that it owns to eight.

On the following pages you’ll find the names and a short profile of the companies who are the biggest players in this intoxicating industry. The list was sourced from Statista, one of the leading online statistics companies and is based on 2017 sales in US dollars.

The major players in the global beer industry for 2018 based on that data include the following, in alphabetical order: Anheuser Busch InBev (NYSE:BUD), Asahi Breweries, Carlsberg Group, Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ), Heineken Holding, Jiangsu Yanghe Brewery, Kirin Holdings Co Ltd, Molson Coors Brewing Co (NYSE:TAP), Oettinger, and Thai Beverage, Ltd (OTC:ASBRF). Check out the list of the 10 largest beer companies in the world for 2018 beginning on the next page.

If you love this list, you might want to also browse our list of the 10 best selling beer brands in the world.

10. Oettinger

One of Germany’s biggest beer brands, Oettinger offers its beers for the lowest possible price by doing away with expensive advertisements, delivering directly to stores without the use of intermediaries, and automating its brewing process to produce more beer without the need for additional manpower.

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9. Jiangsu Yanghe Brewery

This China-based company primarily distributes its products locally, with Jiangsu Province being its biggest market. Among its famous liquor and red wine products are Shuanggou, Siyang, and Yanghe Series.

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8. Molson Coors Brewing Co (NYSE:TAP)

With a brewing history that dates back to 1774, Molson Coors Brewing Co (NYSE:TAP) is backed by its centuries-old brewing greatness and industry experience. Its acquisition of the MillerCoors joint venture made it the third-largest brewer in the world. It is the company behind the Coors Light, Carling, and Molson Canadian brands as well as Cobra, Doom Bar, and other craft and specialty beers.

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7. Thailand Beverage

Commonly known as ThaiBev, Thailand Beverage is one of the biggest names in the Southeast Asia alcohol market. The company has distilleries not only in Thailand but also in China and Scotland. ThaiBev produces and distributes some of the most famous beverage brands in Asia, including Mekhong, SangSom rum, and Chang beer.

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6. Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ)

Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ), which ranks sixth on our list of the 10 largest beer companies in the world for 2018, is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Victor, New York. This global producer and distributor of beer, wine, and spirits has over 100 brands under its sleeves including famous brands Corona, Ballast, Negra Modelo, Modelo Especial, and Pacifico.

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5. Carlsberg Group

Backed by its huge portfolio of beer and other beverage brands, Carlsberg Group has become one of the leaders in the brewing industry, achieving $9.3 billion in sales in 2017 from more than 150 markets. Carlsberg, one of the world’s most renowned beer brands is the company’s flagship brand. Its Tuborg, Baltika, and Carlsberg brands are among Europe’s eight largest brands, with Baltika also ranking as one of Russia’s best-selling beers.

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4. Asahi Breweries, Ltd (OTC:ASBRF)

Since it was established in 1889 as Osaka Beer Brewing Company, Asahi Breweries’ top-quality domestic beer—the Asahi Beer—quickly dominated the domestic market and became Japan’s best-selling beer. In 1987, the company launched a sort of revolution in Japan’s beer industry with the introduction of Asahi Super Dry. This product not only made waves in Japan, but also revolutionized the global beer landscape. With its 147 subsidiaries and 95 plants across the globe, Asahi Breweries was able to meet the intense market demands for its products, pulling in $15.7 billion sales in 2017.

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3. Kirin Holdings Co Ltd

An integrated beverages company, Kirin Holdings Co. Ltd has Kirin Beverages Company, Limited, Kirin Brewery Company and Mercian Corporation as major operating units. Kirin Brewery produces and sells two of Japan’s most popular beers — Kirin Lager and Ichiban Shibori. The company also handles the domestic distribution of import brands like Heineken and Budweiser. Through its strategic subsidiaries, alliances, and affiliates, Kirin has been able to extend its operations to the United States, the Philippines, China, Australia, New Zealand, and Taiwan.

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2. Heineken Holding N.V.

Founded in 1864, this Dutch brewing company produces 250 local, regional, global and specialty beers and ciders. As of 2017, Heineken has more than 165 breweries in over 70 countries and is now the world’s second-largest brewer.

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1. Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE:BUD)

With $45.6 billion in sales in 2017, Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE:BUD) tops our list of the 10 largest beer companies in the world for 2018. This Brazilian-Belgian transnational beverage and brewing company is not only the world’s largest brewer, but is also among the world’s biggest fast-moving consumer goods companies. Its brands include Budweiser, Brahma, Harbin, Bud Light, Skol, and Snow.

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