In this article, we discuss the top 5 beer drinking countries in the world. If you want to read our analysis of the beer industry and global beer consumption, go directly to the Top 15 Beer Drinking Countries in the World.
5. Mexico
Total Consumption: 8,660 thousand kiloliters
The pandemic resulted in people staying indoors, often voluntarily, which ultimately resulted in an increase in beer consumption in Mexico in 2021. In fact, it was the most preferred alcoholic beverage in the country as it was considered to be more appropriate to drink in the confines of homes, compared to other alcoholic drinks. Another consumption trend witnessed was that a significant majority of beer drinkers moved away from mid-priced beers and onto premium ones to accumulate new experiences.
In 2021, the per capita beer drinking stood at 66.5 liters and there was a growth of 4.7% in consumption. In the same year, Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD)’s subsidiary, Grupo Modelo, was the most popular beer brand in the country.
4. Russia
Total Consumption: 8,937 thousand kiloliters
Out of the top 15 beer drinking countries in the world, Russia’s beer consumption increased by 7.6% compared to the pre-COVID levels i.e. 2019. In 2021, beer consumption was 8,937 thousand kiloliters, up from 8,646 thousand kiloliters in 2020.
One of the effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on the Russian beer market was that a few international alcohol brands stopped operations in the country which gave way to local breweries like Dreamteam Brew. Russian beer is most popular among the locals as around 99% of the consumption is domestic.
3. Brazil
Total Consumption: 14,540 thousand kiloliters
Taking the third spot on our list, Brazil’s beer consumption is significantly more than that of Russia at 14,540 thousand kiloliters and 67.9 liters per capita in 2021. One of the largest countries in South America, Brazil covers 7.8% of the global market share and consumption increased by 9.5% as opposed to 2019’s levels. By 2026, beer consumption is estimated to decline ever so slightly by 0.3% per annum.
During 2020, the off-premise segment thrived in the country but as COVID-related restrictions were eased, the revival of the on-premise segment resulted in an increase in beer consumption throughout the country.
2. United States of America
Total Consumption: 24,170 thousand kiloliters
With 24,170 thousand kiloliters of beer consumption in 2021, the United States of America has 13% of the global market share. Some of the top beer companies in the world are from the country, like Molson Coors Beverage Company (NYSE:TAP), Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ), and The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM).
Beer is said to be Americans’ preferred choice of alcoholic beverage and is among the 5 most consumed beverages in the country. Among the recent beer trends seen, a surprising trend (when compared to the rest of the world) is that beers with high alcohol content are making their way into the country. The forecast for beer consumption by 2026 is that it will decrease by 0.6% compared to 2021.
1. China
Total Consumption: 38,093 thousand kiloliters
China has been taking the first spot on the list of the top 15 beer drinking countries in the world for the last 19 years. The country’s consumption increased by 5.6% from 2020 and it lords over the beer market with a massive global market share of 20.5%.
CR Snow owned by China Resources Beer (Holdings) Company Limited (0291.HK), Tsingtao Brewery Company Limited (OTC:TSGTY), and Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD) have the biggest beer market share in the country.
You can also take a look at the 15 Countries That Produce the Best Engineers in the World and the Top 20 Beer Companies in the World.
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