Summary

The global beer market is a highly fragmented space dominated by major international players such as AbinBev, Heineken, and CR Snow, alongside a vast number of independent local breweries. While traditional beer types like white, blond, red or amber, and dark beers prevail, there's a notable consumer shift towards premium brands and niche, craft beers. While overall alcohol consumption has seen a decline, particularly among younger demographics, the craft beer segment is bucking the trend and is anticipated to expand significantly, with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8% from 2020 to 2025. Despite the decline in general alcohol intake, domestic production remains strong, accounting for 82% of all beer consumed domestically, signaling a sustained preference for local products. Renowned brands such as Carlsberg, Corona, Heineken, Bud Light, and Budweiser continue to hold strong recognition, with Guinness, Heineken, and Corona listed as preferred brands in the American market..Trends in the Beer Market: Embracing Diversity and Premiumization In the world of beer, consumers have shown a fondness for an extensive variety of tastes and styles. White beers, known for their wheat and pale malt mix, serve those looking for lighter, often citrus-inflected options. For those with a preference for the conventional, blond beers remain a staple, crafted predominantly with pale barley malts. Alternatively, red or amber beers cater to those desiring a deeper flavor, with their roastier barley malts. The most robust in taste, dark beers, appeal to individuals who savor the intensity of exceptionally roasted brown malts. Despite the strong presence of beer giants such as AbinBev, Heineken, and CR Snow, the market doesn’t shy away from a plethora of independent local breweries. Consumers in this country have greatly favored domestic brews, which, as recently as 2018, comprised between 80 to 85 percent of all beer consumption. Notably recognized brands like Carlsberg, Corona, Heineken, Bud Light, and Budweiser have made their mark globally. In particular, American brands Guinness, Heineken, and Corona have become preferred choices, indicating a taste for well-established international beers. While overall alcohol consumption sees a downward trend, particularly among younger generations, there’s a silver lining for the beer industry. A surge of interest in premium brands and niche products has emerged. These preferences aren't just fleeting; they are part of a growth trajectory projected to continue for craft beer, with an expected CAGR of between 7.5 and 8.5 percent over a decade from 2015 to 2025. This trend signals a shift in consumer tastes toward specialty beers that offer unique flavors and quality ingredients. In sum, the beer market of this country is a testament to diversity and a move towards premiumization, even as it navigates changes in overall alcohol consumption habits..### Global Titans of the Beer Industry: Navigating the Dominant Breweries In the effervescent world of beer, a few global giants reign supreme, drawing connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike into their storied traditions and expansive beverage portfolios. These brewing behemoths not only lead the market in terms of volume but also wield significant influence over beer culture and innovation. **AbInBev**: This colossus of the brewing industry boasts an impressive lineage that traces back to the 1366 founding of its subsidiary Stella Artois. AbInBev was created through a series of mergers and acquisitions, most notably the combination of three international breweries: Interbrew from Belgium, AmBev from Brazil, and Anheuser-Busch from the United States. Today, AbInBev's empire encompasses well-known brands like Budweiser, Corona, and Stella Artois, making it a dominant force in nearly every corner of the global market. **Heineken**: Originating from the Netherlands, Heineken has become synonymous with the iconic green bottle and red star, filling glasses in over 170 countries. Founded in 1864 by Gerard Adriaan Heineken, the company has grown into the second-largest brewer worldwide. With a rich history and a diverse portfolio that includes brands such as Amstel, Newcastle Brown Ale, and Strongbow cider, Heineken continues to charm beer enthusiasts with its consistency and quality. **CR Snow**: This joint venture between China Resources Enterprise and SABMiller (now part of AbInBev) gave birth to China's largest brewing company, CR Snow. It is best known for Snow Beer, which is not only the best-selling beer in China but also claims the title of the most popular beer worldwide by sales volume. CR Snow's remarkable growth is a testament to the burgeoning beer market in China, riding the wave of the country's increasing consumption and appetite for beer. The presence of these leading players is bolstered by their vast distribution networks, strategic marketing campaigns, and continual product innovation. They cater to a broad range of tastes and preferences, offering everything from light lagers to rich, dark stouts. As the market becomes more saturated and competitive, these titans are also expanding their reach into the craft beer segment, either by acquiring existing craft breweries or launching their own craft-style labels. Their positioning remains strong as they adapt to changing consumer tastes, such as the trend towards premiumization and the quest for unique and artisanal beers. While they
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Summary and extracts

1 Market overview

1.1 Definition and presentation

Beer is mainly produced from barley malt with sometimes other cereals as a supplement. It is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the world.

Beer can be consumed in bottles, cans or through kegs. Among the most popular kind of beers we can find:

  • White beers: brewed with wheat and pale malts.
  • Blond beers: brewed with pale barley malts.
  • Red beers or amber: brewed with more roasted barley malts.
  • Dark beers: brewed with extremely roasted brown malts.

The world beer market is dominated by some major international players (AbinBev, Heineken, CR Snow). The rest of the market is composed of a very large number of independent local actors.

The beer market is highly fragmented, and domestic demand is large; in 2018, 82 percent of all beer was domestically produced. [NBWA] Widely recognized brands include Carlsberg, Corona, Heineken, Bud Light, and Budweiser. According to YouGov, American’s brands of preference include Guinness, Heineken, and Corona.

Alcohol consumption is on the decline, especially amongst younger generations; however, recent years have demonstrated consumer preferences for premium brands and more niched products. The global craft beer market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8% from 2015 to 2025.

List of charts

  • Evolution de la production de bière
  • Classement des plus gros pays producteurs de bière
  • Prévisions de l'évolution du chiffre d'affaires du marché de la bière
  • Evolution du chiffre d'affaires de fournisseurs de bières
  • Evolution de la quantité de bière produite
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Latest news

E-commerce now accounts for 13% of Walmart's sales, with $73 billion. - 18/02/2022
  • The world's leading retailer posted sales of $572.8 billion in its last fiscal year.
  • Walmart has decided to double down on its drive, click&collect and delivery business
  • Sales for the Walmart US division reached $393.2 billion.
Heineken has raised the average price of its beers by 9% in recent months. - 01/08/2022
  • 110 million hectolitres of beer sold by 2022
  • Organic sales growth of 22% to 16.4 billion euros
  • Net profit up 40% to 1.33 billion euros
  • Average price increase of 8.9% in 2022
  • Group growth forecast in single digits in 2022 and single digits in 2023
Heineken withdraws permanently from Russia - 28/08/2023
  • Heineken, the world's second-largest brewer, sells its Russian assets for a symbolic one euro.
  • Heineken suffered a loss of some 300 million euros on the sale.
  • The assets include seven local breweries and other activities sold to the Arnest group, Russia's largest manufacturer of cosmetics, household goods and metal packaging.
  • Carlsberg has had its Russian operations seized by the authorities, and has therefore not yet left the country.
  • The Anheuser-Busch InBev group (Corona, Budweiser, Stella Artois) still owns a stake in a Russian beer manufacturer.
  • Russia accounts for only 2% of Heineken's beer sales
  • Its Russian company employs 1,800 people

Companies quoted in this study

This study contains a complete overview of the companies in the market, with the latest figures and news for each company. :

AB InBev
Walmart
Kroger
Tesco
Constellation Brands (Svedka)
Heineken International BV
Boston Beer Co
Sierra Nevada Brewing
Molson Coors

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