GITNUXREPORT 2025

Brewing Industry Statistics

Global beer market valued at $623 billion, with craft and innovative growth.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

The global beer market was valued at approximately $623 billion in 2021

Statistic 2

The United States produced approximately 196 million barrels of beer in 2022

Statistic 3

The average price of a 12-pack of beer in the US was $10.50 in 2023

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Mexico is the world's largest exporter of beer, with exports valued at over $3 billion annually

Statistic 5

The largest brewery by production volume globally is Anheuser-Busch InBev, producing over 560 million hectoliters in 2022

Statistic 6

The top five beer brands by global sales volume are Bud Light, Budweiser, Corona, Heineken, and Skol

Statistic 7

The global beer packaging market is valued at approximately $90 billion

Statistic 8

India has become the fifth-largest market for beer in the world, with a growth rate of 11% annually

Statistic 9

The market for beer-related tourism (brewery tours, beer festivals) is estimated to generate over $10 billion annually worldwide

Statistic 10

The global smart brewing equipment market is expected to reach $210 million by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 8%

Statistic 11

The European Union accounts for over 50% of the world’s beer exports, with key exporters including Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium

Statistic 12

The global barley market size is projected to reach $10 billion by 2025, supported by increasing beer production

Statistic 13

The international export volume of beer increased by 8% in 2022, reaching over 250 million hectoliters

Statistic 14

The global market for beer machinery and equipment is valued at over $4 billion, reflecting industry modernization efforts

Statistic 15

The US beer industry spends approximately $1 billion annually on advertising and marketing

Statistic 16

The average annual revenue per brewery in the US was approximately $1.86 million in 2022

Statistic 17

The global market for beer flavorings and additives is projected to reach $2 billion by 2026, indicating growth in product diversification

Statistic 18

The total investment in new brewery construction globally exceeded $2 billion in 2022, reflecting industry growth and innovation

Statistic 19

Asia-Pacific region accounted for nearly 40% of the global beer consumption in 2021

Statistic 20

Germany has the highest per capita beer consumption globally, at roughly 130 liters per person annually

Statistic 21

Climate change threatens about 70% of the world's barley production, a key ingredient in brewing

Statistic 22

About 30% of the world's beer production is brewed in Europe, primarily in countries like Germany, the UK, and Belgium

Statistic 23

The average number of breweries per country in South America increased by 22% between 2019 and 2022

Statistic 24

The largest beer-producing state in the US is California, with over 2,600 breweries as of 2023

Statistic 25

About 45% of the world's beer is consumed in Europe and North America combined

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The world's largest beer-producing countries are China, the US, Brazil, Germany, and Mexico, in that order

Statistic 27

The top three global beer markets by revenue are China, the US, and Germany, collectively accounting for over 60% of global volume

Statistic 28

The total global beer consumption per capita is approximately 34 liters annually, with European countries leading

Statistic 29

The craft beer segment accounted for about 13% of the global beer market in 2021

Statistic 30

The average American consumes about 0.6 gallons of beer per year

Statistic 31

The number of breweries globally increased by over 10% between 2020 and 2022

Statistic 32

About 55% of beer sales in the US are made through retail stores

Statistic 33

The global non-alcoholic beer market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7% from 2022 to 2027

Statistic 34

The craft beer market share in the US grew from 4.6% in 2010 to 12.3% in 2021

Statistic 35

The brewing industry employs over 1.2 million people worldwide

Statistic 36

The US craft beer retail dollar sales increased by 15% in 2022, reaching $30 billion

Statistic 37

The rise of low-alcohol beers (less than 0.5% ABV) has increased global sales by 18% from 2019 to 2022

Statistic 38

The global premium beer segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4% from 2023 to 2028

Statistic 39

The revenue from e-commerce beer sales increased by 25% in 2022 globally, especially in North America and Europe

Statistic 40

The craft beer segment in Canada grew by 9% in volume in 2022, with over 1,000 craft breweries operating across the country

Statistic 41

The average alcohol by volume (ABV) for American lagers is approximately 4.2%

Statistic 42

The brewing industry in Africa is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6% through 2027, driven by increasing urbanization and income levels

Statistic 43

The world's largest beer festival, Oktoberfest in Germany, attracts over 6 million visitors annually, contributing significantly to local tourism revenue

Statistic 44

Halal-certified beers are gaining popularity in Muslim-majority countries, with an estimated market size of $3 billion globally

Statistic 45

The total number of active breweries in China reached over 3,000 in 2022, reflecting rapid sector growth

Statistic 46

The craft beer movement is particularly strong among Millennials, who make up about 45% of craft beer consumers in the US

Statistic 47

The average shelf life of beer packaged in bottles is about six months, whereas canned beer typically remains fresh for up to 9 months

Statistic 48

The global demand for gluten-free beers has increased by approximately 12% annually since 2019, targeting consumers with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease

Statistic 49

The craft beer market in Australia grew by 8% in volume during 2022, with over 600 breweries operating nationwide

Statistic 50

The global demand for beer in convenience stores increased by 20% during the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by at-home consumption

Statistic 51

The rise of gluten-free beers has contributed to a 14% growth in alternative beer categories worldwide over the last three years

Statistic 52

About 8% of all beer sold in the US in 2022 was imported, with key importers being Mexico, the UK, and Germany

Statistic 53

The growth of online craft beer sales in Europe has increased by around 30% annually since 2020, driven by e-commerce platforms

Statistic 54

The average age of craft beer consumers in the US is 34 years old, reflecting a youthful demographic trend

Statistic 55

The craft beer segment in Japan experienced a 5% volume growth in 2022, with over 200 breweries nationwide

Statistic 56

The average carbon footprint of a brewery producing 1 million barrels annually is approximately 7,000 tons of CO2

Statistic 57

The use of sustainable brewing practices, such as water recycling, has increased adoption by 35% among breweries worldwide from 2020 to 2023

Statistic 58

Environmental certifications like LEED are being adopted by over 50 breweries worldwide to promote sustainability

Statistic 59

The rate of beer glassware recycling among US breweries increased by 25% from 2020 to 2023, supporting sustainability initiatives

Statistic 60

The average alcohol content in beers worldwide is around 5% ABV

Statistic 61

The average lifespan of a brewery in the United States is around 10 years, according to industry surveys

Statistic 62

The world's oldest known beer recipe dates back to around 3,900 BCE and was found in ancient Mesopotamia

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Innovations such as nitrogen-infused beers are growing in popularity, with nitrogen beers growing at a CAGR of 5% globally since 2018

Statistic 64

The adoption of algae and other sustainable ingredients in brewing has increased by 20% between 2020 and 2023, driven by eco-conscious brands

Statistic 65

The use of AI and automation in brewing processes has increased by 15% annually since 2019, improving efficiency and quality

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Key Highlights

  • The global beer market was valued at approximately $623 billion in 2021
  • The craft beer segment accounted for about 13% of the global beer market in 2021
  • The United States produced approximately 196 million barrels of beer in 2022
  • The average American consumes about 0.6 gallons of beer per year
  • Asia-Pacific region accounted for nearly 40% of the global beer consumption in 2021
  • The number of breweries globally increased by over 10% between 2020 and 2022
  • The average price of a 12-pack of beer in the US was $10.50 in 2023
  • Mexico is the world's largest exporter of beer, with exports valued at over $3 billion annually
  • About 55% of beer sales in the US are made through retail stores
  • The largest brewery by production volume globally is Anheuser-Busch InBev, producing over 560 million hectoliters in 2022
  • The global non-alcoholic beer market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7% from 2022 to 2027
  • The average alcohol content in beers worldwide is around 5% ABV
  • Germany has the highest per capita beer consumption globally, at roughly 130 liters per person annually

From a $623 billion global industry to the booming rise of craft and sustainable beers, the brewing industry is experiencing dynamic growth and innovation driven by changing consumer tastes, technological advancements, and environmental concerns worldwide.

Market Size and Value

  • The global beer market was valued at approximately $623 billion in 2021
  • The United States produced approximately 196 million barrels of beer in 2022
  • The average price of a 12-pack of beer in the US was $10.50 in 2023
  • Mexico is the world's largest exporter of beer, with exports valued at over $3 billion annually
  • The largest brewery by production volume globally is Anheuser-Busch InBev, producing over 560 million hectoliters in 2022
  • The top five beer brands by global sales volume are Bud Light, Budweiser, Corona, Heineken, and Skol
  • The global beer packaging market is valued at approximately $90 billion
  • India has become the fifth-largest market for beer in the world, with a growth rate of 11% annually
  • The market for beer-related tourism (brewery tours, beer festivals) is estimated to generate over $10 billion annually worldwide
  • The global smart brewing equipment market is expected to reach $210 million by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 8%
  • The European Union accounts for over 50% of the world’s beer exports, with key exporters including Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium
  • The global barley market size is projected to reach $10 billion by 2025, supported by increasing beer production
  • The international export volume of beer increased by 8% in 2022, reaching over 250 million hectoliters
  • The global market for beer machinery and equipment is valued at over $4 billion, reflecting industry modernization efforts
  • The US beer industry spends approximately $1 billion annually on advertising and marketing
  • The average annual revenue per brewery in the US was approximately $1.86 million in 2022
  • The global market for beer flavorings and additives is projected to reach $2 billion by 2026, indicating growth in product diversification
  • The total investment in new brewery construction globally exceeded $2 billion in 2022, reflecting industry growth and innovation

Market Size and Value Interpretation

With a $623 billion valuation and over 250 million hectoliters exported in 2022, the beer industry proves that whether you're raising a glass or raising capital, the global brewscape is truly a craft of monumental proportions.

Regional Production and Consumption

  • Asia-Pacific region accounted for nearly 40% of the global beer consumption in 2021
  • Germany has the highest per capita beer consumption globally, at roughly 130 liters per person annually
  • Climate change threatens about 70% of the world's barley production, a key ingredient in brewing
  • About 30% of the world's beer production is brewed in Europe, primarily in countries like Germany, the UK, and Belgium
  • The average number of breweries per country in South America increased by 22% between 2019 and 2022
  • The largest beer-producing state in the US is California, with over 2,600 breweries as of 2023
  • About 45% of the world's beer is consumed in Europe and North America combined
  • The world's largest beer-producing countries are China, the US, Brazil, Germany, and Mexico, in that order
  • The top three global beer markets by revenue are China, the US, and Germany, collectively accounting for over 60% of global volume
  • The total global beer consumption per capita is approximately 34 liters annually, with European countries leading

Regional Production and Consumption Interpretation

Despite a booming Asia-Pacific market, climate change threatening barley supplies, and fluctuating brewery counts worldwide, the global beer industry remains predominantly European and North American in consumption and revenue, highlighting a paradox of cultural tradition versus environmental and economic challenges.

Segment-Specific Data and Growth

  • The craft beer segment accounted for about 13% of the global beer market in 2021
  • The average American consumes about 0.6 gallons of beer per year
  • The number of breweries globally increased by over 10% between 2020 and 2022
  • About 55% of beer sales in the US are made through retail stores
  • The global non-alcoholic beer market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7% from 2022 to 2027
  • The craft beer market share in the US grew from 4.6% in 2010 to 12.3% in 2021
  • The brewing industry employs over 1.2 million people worldwide
  • The US craft beer retail dollar sales increased by 15% in 2022, reaching $30 billion
  • The rise of low-alcohol beers (less than 0.5% ABV) has increased global sales by 18% from 2019 to 2022
  • The global premium beer segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4% from 2023 to 2028
  • The revenue from e-commerce beer sales increased by 25% in 2022 globally, especially in North America and Europe
  • The craft beer segment in Canada grew by 9% in volume in 2022, with over 1,000 craft breweries operating across the country
  • The average alcohol by volume (ABV) for American lagers is approximately 4.2%
  • The brewing industry in Africa is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6% through 2027, driven by increasing urbanization and income levels
  • The world's largest beer festival, Oktoberfest in Germany, attracts over 6 million visitors annually, contributing significantly to local tourism revenue
  • Halal-certified beers are gaining popularity in Muslim-majority countries, with an estimated market size of $3 billion globally
  • The total number of active breweries in China reached over 3,000 in 2022, reflecting rapid sector growth
  • The craft beer movement is particularly strong among Millennials, who make up about 45% of craft beer consumers in the US
  • The average shelf life of beer packaged in bottles is about six months, whereas canned beer typically remains fresh for up to 9 months
  • The global demand for gluten-free beers has increased by approximately 12% annually since 2019, targeting consumers with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease
  • The craft beer market in Australia grew by 8% in volume during 2022, with over 600 breweries operating nationwide
  • The global demand for beer in convenience stores increased by 20% during the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by at-home consumption
  • The rise of gluten-free beers has contributed to a 14% growth in alternative beer categories worldwide over the last three years
  • About 8% of all beer sold in the US in 2022 was imported, with key importers being Mexico, the UK, and Germany
  • The growth of online craft beer sales in Europe has increased by around 30% annually since 2020, driven by e-commerce platforms
  • The average age of craft beer consumers in the US is 34 years old, reflecting a youthful demographic trend
  • The craft beer segment in Japan experienced a 5% volume growth in 2022, with over 200 breweries nationwide

Segment-Specific Data and Growth Interpretation

As craft and innovation ferment through global markets, the beer industry is brewing up a complex cocktail of growth, diversification, and digital expansion—highlighting that whether you're sipping a locally brewed IPA, a halal-certified lager, or enjoying a virtual beer festival online, the industry’s momentum is as lively as a Oktoberfest crowd on brew day.

Sustainability and Technology Adoption

  • The average carbon footprint of a brewery producing 1 million barrels annually is approximately 7,000 tons of CO2
  • The use of sustainable brewing practices, such as water recycling, has increased adoption by 35% among breweries worldwide from 2020 to 2023
  • Environmental certifications like LEED are being adopted by over 50 breweries worldwide to promote sustainability
  • The rate of beer glassware recycling among US breweries increased by 25% from 2020 to 2023, supporting sustainability initiatives

Sustainability and Technology Adoption Interpretation

As breweries increasingly embrace eco-friendly practices—from recycling glassware to achieving LEED certifications—the brewing industry is not only pouring great beer but also raising a much-needed toast to sustainability efforts worldwide.

Trends and Innovations in Brewing

  • The average alcohol content in beers worldwide is around 5% ABV
  • The average lifespan of a brewery in the United States is around 10 years, according to industry surveys
  • The world's oldest known beer recipe dates back to around 3,900 BCE and was found in ancient Mesopotamia
  • Innovations such as nitrogen-infused beers are growing in popularity, with nitrogen beers growing at a CAGR of 5% globally since 2018
  • The adoption of algae and other sustainable ingredients in brewing has increased by 20% between 2020 and 2023, driven by eco-conscious brands
  • The use of AI and automation in brewing processes has increased by 15% annually since 2019, improving efficiency and quality

Trends and Innovations in Brewing Interpretation

With a global average of 5% ABV and a brewing lifespan averaging a decade in the U.S., the industry proves both historically resilient and innovatively evolving—with ancient recipes, nitrogen-infused brews, sustainable ingredients, and AI-driven efficiencies shaping a future where tradition and technology blend as seamlessly as a well-crafted pint.

Sources & References