As a staggering $1.8 trillion flows through the global drinks industry, it’s clear this is a market where everything from the explosive growth of ready-to-drink cocktails to the quiet rise of low-alcohol beverages is reshaping what we pour into our glasses.
Key Takeaways
- Global drinks market valued at $1.8 trillion in 2023
- Beer segment accounts for 38% of global drinks revenue
- Non-alcoholic beverages growing at 5.2% CAGR to 2028
- World beer production 1.9 billion hectoliters in 2022
- US craft breweries produced 25 million barrels 2022
- Global spirits production 5.5 billion liters annually
- Global per capita beer consumption 17 liters 2022
- US annual soft drink intake 45 gallons per person
- Wine consumption China up 20% to 1.8 billion bottles
- 65% of consumers prefer low-sugar drinks
- 42% of millennials choose craft beers weekly
- 55% women prefer wine over other alcohols
- Alcohol consumption regulations tightened in 50 countries
- 80% of drinks packaging recyclable by 2025 target
- Water usage in beer production 7 liters per liter beer
The global drinks market is large, diverse, and evolving through premiumization and health trends.
Consumer Behavior
- 65% of consumers prefer low-sugar drinks
- 42% of millennials choose craft beers weekly
- 55% women prefer wine over other alcohols
- 70% prioritize natural ingredients in beverages
- Online purchasing of drinks up to 25% of sales
- 48% seek health benefits from functional drinks
- Subscription services for wine 15% growth
- 62% influenced by social media recommendations
- Premium pricing accepted by 35% for sustainability
- 50% Gen Z avoid sugary sodas
- Home mixology kits sales up 40%
- 75% read labels for alcohol content
- Flavored sparkling water 30% preference over still
- 40% loyal to local craft producers
- Mood-based drinks chosen by 28%
- Packaging design influences 60% purchase
- 52% prefer non-carbonated alternatives
- Brand loyalty down to 45% in beverages
- Trial of new flavors 35% among young adults
- 68% willing to pay more for eco-friendly packaging
Consumer Behavior Interpretation
The modern drinker is a walking paradox: while meticulously scrutinizing labels for low sugar and natural ingredients to the point of making home mixology a national sport, they are also wildly swayed by social media whims and mood-based elixirs, all while demanding both premium sustainability and a relentless parade of new local craft flavors.
Consumption Trends
- Global per capita beer consumption 17 liters 2022
- US annual soft drink intake 45 gallons per person
- Wine consumption China up 20% to 1.8 billion bottles
- Spirits per capita Europe 7 liters pure alcohol
- Bottled water consumption 1 liter per day global average
- Beer sales volume down 2% globally post-COVID
- RTD cocktails consumption up 15% in US 2023
- Tea consumption India 1.2 kg per capita yearly
- Energy drinks sales 400 million cases US 2022
- Low/no alcohol drinks 2.7% of total alcohol volume
- Soda consumption declining 4% annually in Europe
- Coffee consumption 2 cups per day global average
- Juice intake kids 10% of calories US
- Craft beer 13% of US market volume
- Premium spirits 25% of sales value
- Functional drinks consumption up 10% in Asia
- Hard seltzer 4% of US beer market
- Kombucha sales 100 million liters US 2023
- Plant milk 15% of milk category sales
- On-premise drinks sales recovering to 70% pre-COVID
- At-home consumption 60% of total drinks volume
- Gen Z drinks 20% less alcohol than millennials
Consumption Trends Interpretation
Despite a slow post-COVID global beer slump and Europe's dedicated 7-liter spirits habit, our collective drinking portrait reveals a sobering trend toward less booze, more bottled water, and a frantic scramble for wellness, as seen in Asia's surging functional drinks, America's love for hard seltzer and RTD cocktails, and Gen Z's notably lighter bar tab.
Market Size & Growth
- Global drinks market valued at $1.8 trillion in 2023
- Beer segment accounts for 38% of global drinks revenue
- Non-alcoholic beverages growing at 5.2% CAGR to 2028
- Spirits market projected to hit $600 billion by 2027
- US beverage market size $500 billion in 2022
- Asia-Pacific drinks market fastest growing at 6.8% CAGR
- Ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails up 25% in value 2022-2023
- Global wine market $350 billion in 2023
- Energy drinks market to reach $100 billion by 2030
- Craft beer market growing 8% annually in Europe
- Bottled water segment $300 billion globally 2023
- Functional beverages market $150 billion by 2025
- Latin America drinks market $200 billion in 2022
- Low/no alcohol drinks up 30% in sales 2023
- Global soda market declining 1.5% annually
- Premium drinks segment 40% of growth
- Middle East drinks market $50 billion 2023
- Tea market global $60 billion in 2023
- Coffee ready-to-drink $40 billion by 2027
- Africa beverages market growing 7% CAGR
- Sports drinks $30 billion global 2023
- Cider market $10 billion in Europe 2023
- Global juice market $140 billion 2022
- North America RTD tea $15 billion
- Premiumization driving 12% spirits growth
- E-commerce drinks sales up 20% in 2023
- Plant-based drinks $30 billion by 2025
- Australia drinks market $25 billion 2023
- Hard seltzer peak $4 billion US 2022
- Global kombucha market $3 billion 2023
Market Size & Growth Interpretation
Despite beer's $684 billion hangover, the global drinks industry is sobering up to a complex new order, where premium sips, sober curiosity, and ready-to-drink convenience are all clamoring for a place at the bar.
Production Statistics
- World beer production 1.9 billion hectoliters in 2022
- US craft breweries produced 25 million barrels 2022
- Global spirits production 5.5 billion liters annually
- Wine production 260 million hectoliters in 2023
- China soft drinks production 100 billion liters 2022
- Brazil beer output 150 million hectoliters yearly
- Scotch whisky production 1.7 billion liters 2022
- Bottled water production 600 billion liters global 2023
- Tequila production 600 million liters in 2023
- Europe non-alcoholic beer 500 million liters 2022
- India soft drinks 20 billion liters annually
- Australian wine crush 1.3 million tons 2023
- Mexico beer exports 4 million hectoliters 2022
- Global coffee production 170 million bags 2023
- Rum production 2 billion liters worldwide
- US soda production 50 billion liters 2022
- French wine production 48 million hectoliters 2023
- Energy drinks production 30 billion cans yearly
- Gin production UK 80 million bottles 2022
- Juice production global 60 billion liters
- Craft spirits US 10 million cases 2023
- Sparkling water output 100 billion liters 2023
- Vodka production Russia 500 million liters
- RTD coffee production doubling to 5 billion units
- Cider apples harvested 300,000 tons Europe
- Low-alc beer production up 15% to 200 million hl
Production Statistics Interpretation
The planet is clearly very, very thirsty, but judging by the oceans of bottled water, the rivers of spirits, and the rising tide of craft and non-alcoholic options, we are at least becoming slightly more sophisticated in our choice of hydration and intoxication.
Sustainability & Regulation
- Alcohol consumption regulations tightened in 50 countries
- 80% of drinks packaging recyclable by 2025 target
- Water usage in beer production 7 liters per liter beer
- Plastic reduction 30% in beverage bottles 2023
- Sugar tax implemented in 60 countries
- Carbon footprint of wine 2.5 kg CO2 per bottle
- Organic beer 5% of market regulated growth
- Spirits advertising bans in 20 US states
- 90% renewable energy in top breweries by 2030
- PFAS chemicals banned in drink packaging EU
- Fairtrade certified drinks 10% sales increase
- Alcohol warning labels mandatory in 40 countries
- Beverage industry waste 20% reduction goal 2030
- Vegan certification for 15% juices required
- Minimum age 21 for alcohol sales US-wide
- Returnable glass bottles 50% in Germany
- Low-alc categorization new EU standards 2023
- Sustainable sourcing 70% cocoa for drinks
- Deposit return schemes in 15 EU countries
- Health claims regulated for functional beverages FDA
- CO2 emissions cut 25% in top soda producers
- GMO-free labeling mandatory in 30 countries
- Water stewardship programs 80% large firms
- Single-use plastic ban drinks EU 2024
- Biodiversity impact assessed for 40% vineyards
- Energy drink sales limits to minors 25 countries
- Recycled content 25% in PET bottles target
Sustainability & Regulation Interpretation
The drinks industry is sprinting on a treadmill of regulations, desperately trying to balance its environmental hangover and social responsibilities with the sobering reality that consumers now want their vice with a clear conscience.
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