In this article, we are going to discuss the 25 countries with the most beer consumption in 2024.
The importance of beer is recorded in one of the first recorded laws. The famous Code of Hammurabi decreed a daily beer ration to citizens of ancient Babylon. The drink was distributed according to social standing – common laborers received two liters daily, while priests and bureaucrats got five. In ancient Egypt, beer was essential for laborers, like those building the pyramids of Giza, who were provided with a daily ration of over 10 pints of the delicious brew. Despite traditional belief, it was not slaves but a paid labor force that built some of the most iconic structures in world history. And it was beer that fueled that labor.
Global Beer Market:
If your idea of relaxing at the end of the day involves cracking open a cold one, you’re not alone. Beer is the Most Consumed Alcohol in the World. As we mentioned in our article – 20 Countries that Drink the Least Beer per Capita – the global beer market was valued at $793.74 billion last year and is projected to grow from $821.39 billion in 2023 to $1.07 trillion by 2030, with a CAGR of 3.88% during the forecast period. The overall demand for premium and low-calorie beers, the rising popularity of craft beer, and the expansion of distribution networks in emerging markets are expected to continue driving growth in the global beer market over the next few years.
The Local Production of Imported Beer Brands:
Foreign beers usually tend to cost more than their local counterparts. Imported beer faces import duties and travels long distances, while licensed beers frequently encounter diseconomies of scale or profit-sharing arrangements with external licensors. However, revenues per hectoliter are also high as consumers generally see the product as a premium brew. As a result, many foreign beers have attractive margins.
However, as costs are increasing, margins are coming under pressure and the attractiveness of imported beer is changing in the U.S. Beer coming from Europe, which makes up nearly 20% of the American beer imports, has been particularly hit hard as European imports are facing high container rates on the Europe-North America route, high fuel costs for road transport, and high packaging costs. Around 60% of U.S. beer imports arrive in glass bottles and furnaces in Europe now pay high natural gas prices due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In this context, moving production from Europe to the U.S. has obvious advantages.
One of the Best Imported Beers in USA is Stella Artois. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD) announced in 2021 that it would shift production of the signature Belgian brand from Europe to four of its U.S. breweries, including its St. Louis flagship, which would produce the beverage for domestic consumers. The move was part of the two-year $1 billion capital investment program that Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD) announced for its production facilities in America. In addition to the brewery upgrades, the company also committed to spend $296 million more for the domestic production and distribution of Stella Artois in the U.S. over the same two-year period.
Although the move was heavily criticized by the American beer lovers, who feared that their beloved brand would lose its originality, it was announced last year that so far, both consumer perception and sales volumes of Stella Artois have held up well.
Similarly, Sapporo has also started the domestic production of its beers after its recent $165 acquisition of the California-based Stone Brewing.
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD) is ranked among the Best Brewery and Distillery Stocks to Buy Now.
Sustainability in the Beer Industry:
The modern consumer has become increasingly aware of the climate emergency we unfortunately find ourselves in, and actively seeks out sustainable brands, even if it means paying extra. So, as beer makers find themselves in an increasingly competitive market, committing psychologically and economically to reducing their impact on the planet may also be the only means to make their businesses sustainable in the long run.
Keeping this in mind, the industry giant Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) announced in 2022 that it would invest over $220 million in a purpose-built carbon neutral brewery on a greenfield site in Ireland. The new facility will brew brands including Rockshore, Harp, Hop House 13, Smithwick’s, Kilkenny, and Carlsberg, with a full operational capacity of 2 million hectoliters.
The ‘state-of-the-art’ brewery will be powered with 100% renewable energy and will harness the latest process technology to minimize overall energy and water consumption. This will enable the facility to avoid up to 15,000 metric tons of carbon emissions annually.
Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) also announced last year that it has provided funding to establish the British Aluminium Consortium for Advanced Alloys (BACALL) – a collective of industry experts who will create a circular economy for aluminum in the U.K. This is all in line with the Guinness-maker’s Society 2030: Spirit of Progress plan that promotes sustainability from grain to glass.
Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) sits among the Largest Alcohol Companies in the World in 2023.
With that said, here are the Countries with the Highest Beer Consumption.
Photo by Wil Stewart on Unsplash
Methodology:
To collect data for this article, we have referred to the Global Beer Consumption Report by Kirin Holdings, looking for Countries that Drink the Most Beer per Capita. The report is based on findings obtained from questionnaires sent by Kirin Holdings to various brewers’ associations around the world, as well as the latest industry statistics available overseas.
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25. United Kingdom
Annual Beer Consumption per Capita: 67.6 liters
Part of British culture is to enjoy every sip of the drink, and of course, this sip is usually taken from a cold brew. However, the U.K.’s brewing industry is ‘in real crisis’ due to soaring costs and consumers having less disposable income, an MP has warned. About 80 breweries in the country called time in 2022, and it is feared that more than triple the number could be gone also last year.
The U.K. ranks among the Largest Beer Drinking Countries in 2024.
24. Brazil
Annual Beer Consumption per Capita: 67.9 liters
The importance of the brewing sector is increasing rapidly in the Brazilian economy and MAPA – the Brazilian Ministry for Livestock Farming and Supply – created the ‘Sectorial Chamber for Beer’ in 2019 to support the sector.
Owned by the Carlsberg group, Skol is a popular beer brand in the South American country. Brazil exported $131.53 million worth of beer in 2021, putting it among the Top 20 Beer Exporting Countries in the World.
23. Bosnia-Herzegovina
Annual Beer Consumption per Capita: 68.5 liters
A vibrant craft brewing culture is flourishing throughout Bosnia, despite the small size of the market. Especially since 2014, several small breweries have been established in Bosnian towns and cities including Sarajevo, Vogosca, Banja Luka, Mostar, Doboj, Livno, and Siroki Brijeg.
The most popular Bosnian beers include Sarajevsko Pivo, Tuzlanski Pivo, and Mostarsko Pivo.
22. Netherlands
Annual Beer Consumption per Capita: 68.6 liters
Not only is beer the most popular alcoholic drink in the Netherlands, but it is also one of the country’s biggest export products, as famous Dutch beer brands are sold all over the world. The Netherlands is home to Heineken – one of the Most Popular Beers in the World in 2024.
21. Hungary
Annual Beer Consumption per Capita: 69.7 liters
Hungary is among the Countries with the Highest Rates of Alcoholism in the World. Along with pálinka – a high-alcohol fruit brandy – beer is also a popular tipple in the Central European country. According to Eurostat, Hungary has the cheapest prices of alcohol for any country in the European Union.
20. Panama
Annual Beer Consumption per Capita: 71.7 liters
The hot and humid climate in Panama makes beer a refreshing and popular choice among consumers. Although the country has a blossoming craft beer scene now, the most popular brews are still Panama, Atlas, Balboa, and Soberana.
Panama is the Country with the Highest Beer Consumption in Latin America.
19. Australia
Annual Beer Consumption per Capita: 71.8 liters
The Land Down Under has a very large variety of beer styles to choose from. IRI Australia, a market research company, has revealed the biggest selling beers at liquor retailers in 2022, with Great Northern coming first for the second year in a row, ahead of Carlton Dry in second place, and XXXX in third.
Australia is counted among the Best Beer Countries Heading Into 2024.
18. Finland
Annual Beer Consumption per Capita: 72.4 liters
Over the last few years, beer culture has become increasingly popular in Finland, resulting in a booming craft beer industry in the country. The most traditional beer style in Finland would perhaps be sahti – a dark, often red-brown, thick and sweet unfiltered natural beer, that was fermented with baking yeast and often spiced with juniper.
17. United States of America
Annual Beer Consumption per Capita: 72.6 liters
Small and independent American craft brewers are recognized as leaders in innovation and quality in what has become a global craft beer revolution. America’s beer sector has been flourishing for a few decades now and there were 9,709 breweries operating in the country in 2022 – the highest figures ever in history.
San Diego, with its rich and historic beer culture, is one of the Best Beer Cities in the World. With over 150 breweries, countless beer bars, and innovative tasting rooms, the craft beer experience is massive in this region. The city even has a signature craft style – The West Coast-Style IPA, known for its massive flavor and ridiculous amount of hops packed into one pint.
The United States is the second-largest beer market in the world, after China.
16. Bulgaria
Annual Beer Consumption per Capita: 78.4 liters
Beer was introduced in Bulgaria by foreigners in the 19th century and until then the Balkan nation was mainly a rakia and wine drinking country. Most of the Bulgarian breweries are currently owned by foreign companies, such as Heineken N.V. and Molson Coors.
The Bulgarians are placed among the Top Beer Drinkers in the World.
15. Republic of Ireland
Annual Beer Consumption per Capita: 78.5 liters
The Irish craft beer scene has experienced explosive growth, with new breweries popping up across the country at an impressive rate. According to recent statistics, the number of breweries in Ireland has more than quadrupled in the last decade, surpassing the 100 mark and still counting.
14. Slovenia
Annual Beer Consumption per Capita: 78.7 liters
Despite its small size, Slovenia has a very strong and rich brewing industry, in which small boutique, nomadic, and other breweries dominate. Slovenes love their beer, as the beverage is the most popular alcoholic drink in the country. The two most popular brands of Slovenian beer, now united under the ownership of Heineken N.V., are Laško and Union.
Slovenia sits among the Countries with the Highest Average Beer Consumption per Year.
13. Slovak Republic
Annual Beer Consumption per Capita: 79.8 liters
Beer may not be the national drink of Slovakia – that honor belongs to borovička, a juniper spirit – but it might as well be. Zlatý Bažant, an old beer brand now owned by Heineken N.V., is a popular name in the country but there is more to Slovakian brews than just the major brands.
Slovakia’s craft beer industry is burgeoning and today there are nearly 70 microbreweries – or mini-breweries, as Slovakians like to call them – in the country.
Drinking is very much a part of Slovak culture and some form of alcohol is usually present at any social occasion. With an average per capita alcohol consumption of 10.48 liters, Slovakia ranks among the Countries that Drink the Most Alcohol in the World.
12. Latvia
Annual Beer Consumption per Capita: 80.2 liters
Beer is by far the most popular alcoholic beverage in Latvia, and the locals’ love of the good stuff means they create some exceptional varieties too. Owned by the Carlsberg Group, Aldaris is a popular beer brand in the Baltic country.
11. Gabon
Annual Beer Consumption per Capita: 80.4 liters
Drinking is an extremely popular pastime in the Central African country, particularly in rural areas, and it’s often easier to find a bar than something to eat. Régab is the national beer of Gabon, brewed by the only brewing company of the country since 1966.
Gabon sits among the Top Beer Drinking Countries in Africa.
10. Croatia
Annual Beer Consumption per Capita: 82.4 liters
From light lagers to hoppy IPAs and rich stouts, Croatian beers cater to every taste preference. The two most popular Croatian beers are Ožujsko and Karlovačko.
Ožujsko is the flagship brand produced by Zagrebačka pivovara – the biggest brewery in the country – which is a part of the Molson Coors Beverage Company since 2013.
9. Namibia
Annual Beer Consumption per Capita: 85.7 liters
Namibia is famous for a number of things – its fantastic scenery, incredible wildlife, and award-winning beer. Heineken N.V. completed the acquisition of Distill and Namibia Breweries last year, in a deal that combines them to create a new business arm called Heineken Beverages.
8. Spain
Annual Beer Consumption per Capita: 88.5 liters
Spain ranks second in the European Union in terms of beer production, with 41.1 million hectoliters. There are three main companies that account for most of the brewing in the country – Heineken N.V., Mahou San-Miguel, and Damm.
Spanish beer has been steadily growing in international markets. In fact, it recorded exports of 3.63 million hectoliters in 2021 – a new record.
7. Germany
Annual Beer Consumption per Capita: 90.4 liters
Germany’s love affair with beer has existed for more than 1,000 years, spawning many types of brews and flavors. Beer is so integral to German culture that the country even came up with its own purity law as far back as 500 years ago.
Although the number of breweries has shrunk over the past 50 years from over 3,000 to around 1,600, most German towns and cities still pride themselves on their local brew.
Germany is included among the Top 10 Countries that Drink the Most Beer.
6. Estonia
Annual Beer Consumption per Capita: 91.4 liters
The Estonian beer market is one of the few in Europe to be showing healthy annual growth, and per capita beer consumption in the Baltic country increased by about 7% in 2022, as compared to the previous year.
5. Poland
Annual Beer Consumption per Capita: 94.1 liters
Poland is well-known for its beer culture and many varieties. The country’s large breweries are all owned by multinational companies, however, Poland’s craft beer scene has seen great evolution over the last decade.
Polish beers are not difficult to find in America, especially in this day and age of online shopping. Brands such as Żywiec, Lech, Dębowe etc. can be easily bought in online shops, or found in local Polish stores.
4. Romania
Annual Beer Consumption per Capita: 95.6 liters
Beer is the most popular alcoholic beverage in Romania and the country is home to several local breweries and craft beers. Ursus Breweries – the largest local producer in Romania – was acquired by the Japanese Asahi group in 2016, when it purchased the Eastern Europe portfolio of SABMiller in a transaction worth around $7.8 billion.
Romania is ranked among the Countries that Drink the Most Beer in Europe.
3. Lithuania
Annual Beer Consumption per Capita: 96.3 liters
Lithuanians mostly prefer to drink beer, which makes 44% of the total consumed alcohol in the country, while wine accounts for 15%. Local beers in Lithuania have started to attract international attention after beer bloggers discovered the country, inspiring a major feature article in Beer Connoisseur magazine, which then prompted the New York Times to list the Baltic nation as one of the 42 top places to visit on the strength of its village beers.
2. Austria
Annual Beer Consumption per Capita: 98.7 liters
You have to work really hard to find a bad beer in a typical Austrian store or bar. Over 300 breweries in the country produce more than 1,000 beers in total. The biggest brands in Vienna include Ottakringer, Stiegl, Zipfer and Gösser, but you can find plenty of small and private breweries and specialty beers as well, none of which should disappoint the discerning beer palate.
1. Czech Republic
Annual Beer Consumption per Capita: 184.1 liters
Beer is more than just a drink in the Czech Republic, it is a part of their history, culture, and national identity. Beer is literally cheaper than water in the Central European country and a half liter of the beverage costs just over $1 in most places.
Pilsner Urquell is a popular name in the birthplace of the pilsner beer. Brewed exclusively in the city of Plzeň, Pilsner Urquell is the most imported Czech beer brand in the world and 11 million hectolitres of the beer are produced every year. The brand is owned by the Japanese Asahi Group Holdings.
The Czech Republic is the Biggest Consumer of Beer per Person in the world.
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Disclosure: None. 25 Countries with the Most Beer Consumption in 2024 is originally published on Insider Monkey.
