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 The Largest Import Markets for Beer

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 The Largest Import Markets for Beer

When it comes to beer, there are a few countries that stand out as the top import markets in the world. These countries not only have a strong demand for beer but also a robust import market that allows them to satisfy their consumers appetite for this popular beverage. In this article, we will explore the world’s best import markets for beer, providing key statistics and insights.

1. United States

The United States takes the lead as the world’s largest import market for beer, with an import value of $6.7 billion in 2022. This comes as no surprise considering the vast population and the strong beer culture in the country. The United States is known for its diverse beer market, with a wide range of craft breweries and international beer brands catering to different tastes.

2. France

Next on the list is France, with an import value of $1.0 billion in 2022. Despite its strong domestic wine industry, France also has a significant demand for beer, especially among the younger population. The country’s vibrant nightlife and tourism industry contribute to the high import value of beer.

3. Italy

Italy follows closely behind, with an import value of $691.4 million in 2022. Italians have traditionally been wine enthusiasts, but the popularity of beer has been on the rise in recent years. Craft breweries and the introduction of international beer brands have contributed to the growth of Italy’s beer import market.

4. China

China, with its massive population, is also a major player in the global beer import market. In 2022, China imported beer worth $650.1 million. The rising middle class, changing consumer preferences, and increased exposure to international cultures have fueled the demand for beer in China.

5. United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is another prominent import market for beer, with an import value of $571.4 million in 2022. The country has a strong beer-drinking culture, with a wide variety of traditional British ales and lagers, as well as a growing interest in craft beers. The UK also enjoys a rich brewing history, which attracts beer enthusiasts from all over the world.

6. Netherlands

The Netherlands, famous for its breweries and beer festivals, imports beer worth $531.9 million in 2022. Dutch consumers have a preference for quality, and the country’s beer import market reflects their taste for a wide selection of international beer styles.

7. Germany

Germany, known for its beer purity law and iconic beer festivals like Oktoberfest, also imports a significant amount of beer. In 2022, Germany had an import value of $455.8 million. Despite having a flourishing domestic beer market, Germans appreciate the diversity and flavors offered by international beer brands.

8. Russia

Russia, with its growing middle class and changing consumer preferences, has become an important import market for beer. In 2022, Russia imported beer worth $425.9 million. The younger population’s increasing interest in beer and the influence of international trends have contributed to the growth of the Russian beer import market.

9. Canada

Canada, known for its beer festivals and strong beer-drinking culture, has an import value of $414.6 million in 2022. The country’s beer import market is driven by a mix of international beer brands and craft breweries that offer unique and flavorful options to Canadian consumers.

10. Spain

Finally, Spain wraps up the list with an import value of $379.7 million in 2022. The country’s warm climate and vibrant tourism industry make it an attractive market for beer. Spaniards often enjoy beer as a refreshing beverage, especially during the summer months.

The world’s best import markets for beer offer a fascinating insight into the global beer industry. These countries not only have a strong demand for beer but also provide a thriving import market that allows a wide variety of international beer brands to flourish. Understanding the preferences and trends in these markets is crucial for breweries and beer producers looking to expand their reach and satisfy the diverse tastes of beer lovers around the world.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform  

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The Asian-Pacific Beer Market Slows Down Against Lower Demand for Imported Beer in China

IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘Asia-Pacific – Beer Made From Malt (Excluding Non-Alcoholic Beer) – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends And Insights’. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

The Asia-Pacific beer market contracted modestly to $52.2B in 2019, shrinking by -1.8% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers’ margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 12% year-to-year. As a result, consumption reached a peak level of $56.4B. From 2018 to 2019, the growth of the market remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Consumption by Country

China (58M tonnes) remains the largest beer consuming country in Asia-Pacific, comprising approx. 78% of the total volume. Moreover, beer consumption in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest consumer, Japan (2.6M tonnes), more than tenfold. South Korea (2.4M tonnes) ranked third in terms of total consumption with a 3.2% share.

In China, beer consumption increased at an average annual rate of +2.3% over the period from 2013-2019. In other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Japan (-1.6% per year) and South Korea (+2.4% per year).

In value terms, China ($36.1B) led the market, alone. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Australia ($2.7B). It was followed by Japan.

The countries with the highest levels of beer per capita consumption in 2019 were Australia (82 kg per person), South Korea (47 kg per person) and China (40 kg per person).

Production in Asia-Pacific

For the fifth consecutive year, Asia-Pacific recorded growth in the production of beer made from malt (excluding non-alcoholic beer), which increased by 2.9% to 73M tonnes in 2019. The total output volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.0% over the period from 2013 to 2019; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, production attained the peak volume and is likely to continue growing in the immediate term.

Production by Country

China (58M tonnes) constituted the country with the largest volume of beer production, accounting for 79% of total volume. Moreover, beer production in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Japan (2.6M tonnes), more than tenfold. The third position in this ranking was occupied by Thailand (2.3M tonnes), with a 3.1% share.

In China, beer production increased at an average annual rate of +2.2% over the period from 2013-2019. The remaining producing countries recorded the following average annual rates of production growth: Japan (-1.4% per year) and Thailand (+0.1% per year).

Imports in Asia-Pacific

Beer imports rose significantly to 2.7M tonnes in 2019, increasing by 5.3% compared with 2018 figures. Total imports indicated a strong expansion from 2013 to 2019: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +9.0% over the last six years. In value terms, beer imports rose modestly to $2.5B (IndexBox estimates) in 2019.

This tangible figure was shaped by the rapid growth of beer imports in China over the last five years. Rapid urbanization, rising consumer incomes, as well as the increasing popularity of Western-style cuisine and fast-food in large cities all constitute the key prerequisites for the growing demand for imported beer.

Imports by Country

China represented the main importer of beer made from malt (excluding non-alcoholic beer) in Asia-Pacific, with the volume of imports resulting at 836K tonnes, which was near 31% of total imports in 2019. It was distantly followed by Australia (383K tonnes), South Korea (372K tonnes), Taiwan (Chinese) (194K tonnes), Myanmar (151K tonnes), Hong Kong SAR (147K tonnes) and Singapore (139K tonnes), together creating a 51% share of total imports.

China was also the fastest-growing in terms of the beer made from malt (excluding non-alcoholic beer) imports, with a CAGR of +28.5% from 2013 to 2019. At the same time, South Korea (+22.4%), Taiwan (Chinese) (+4.5%) and Australia (+3.6%) displayed positive paces of growth. Hong Kong SAR and Myanmar experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, Singapore (-3.9%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period.

However, in 2019, the growth of Chinese beer imports lost its momentum, which is largely attributed to a slowdown in the economy, rising political tensions and the expansion of the domestic beer industry. In 2020, it is not expected that import should recover because the COVID pandemic hit severely the HoReCa sector, hampered the growth of incomes, and to some extent disrupted international supply chains.

After the pandemic wanes, it may be difficult for foreign brands to recover their market presence against local manufacturers which rapidly take every vacant market segment. This is particularly relevant for large cities where Western ex-pats commonly live – the rising trade wars undermine the growth of foreign business in China thereby the number of foreign citizens working in China is not likely to grow tangibly. Because those people shape the demand for imported beer, the growth of imports is to be hampered by these circumstances.

In value terms, China ($909M) constitutes the largest market for imported beer made from malt (excluding non-alcoholic beer) in Asia-Pacific, comprising 36% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Australia ($359M), with a 14% share of total imports. It was followed by South Korea, with a 11% share.

From 2013 to 2019, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in China totaled +25.6%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Australia (+2.4% per year) and South Korea (+21.0% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The beer import price in Asia-Pacific stood at $929 per tonne in 2019, declining by -3.5% against the previous year. Overall, the import price continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 an increase of 3.9% year-to-year. Over the period under review, import prices reached the peak figure at $992 per tonne in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2019, import prices failed to regain the momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by the country of destination; the country with the highest price was China ($1,087 per tonne), while Myanmar ($588 per tonne) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2019, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Hong Kong SAR, while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox AI Platform

Hola y Mucho Gusto, America! This Montejo’s for You!

Los Angeles, CA – Anheuser-Busch is importing its first Mexican lager to the US in a concerted campaign to tap the fast-growing Hispanic market.

Anheuser-Busch said that starting next month it will sell Montejo lager in bars, restaurants and grocery stores in California, Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico.

Nearly 55 percent of all imported lagers in the US are imported from Mexico, including such brands as Corona, Modelo, Tecate and Dos Equis, according to market researcher Euromonitor International.

The Mexican import market in $2012 was valued at $1.8 billion with South of the Border brands currently commanding a 60 percent share of the US imported beer market.

“There’s obviously a growing consumer demand and preference for Mexican beers in the US,” Ryan Garcia, Anheuser-Busch’s vice president of regional marketing, said in a press interview.

That’s due to both demographics, but also to price as Mexican beers tend to be cheaper because import costs are lower, said Euromonitor.

With origins in Mexicos’s Merida, Yucatan, Montejo is brewed at Cerveceria Modelo S. de R.L. de C.V. in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Its export to the US market will be the first time the brand is available outside of Mexico. According to InBev, current plans don’t call for Montejo to be made available beyond the southwestern US, where most current sales of Mexican imports occur.

Anheuser-Busch, a subsidiary of Belgium-based Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world’s largest beer maker, will launch Montejo in California, New Mexico, Arizona and Texas with an integrated advertising and marketing campaign that includes Hispanic targeted radio, digital, print, experiential and outdoor advertising.

Consumers in Los Angeles, Houston and San Antonio residents will also catch a glimpse of one of Mexico City’s classic VW Beetle “vocho” taxicabs delivering Montejo samples to various local events and festivals.

08/11/2014