GITNUXREPORT 2026

Mead Industry Statistics

The global mead market is growing steadily, driven by rising production and consumer demand.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

U.S. per capita mead consumption reached 0.12 gallons in 2023, up 14% from 2022

Statistic 2

Global mead consumption volume hit 15 million liters in 2023

Statistic 3

42% of U.S. consumers tried mead in past year per 2023 survey

Statistic 4

UK mead consumption per capita is 0.08 liters annually

Statistic 5

Millennials account for 55% of mead consumption in the U.S.

Statistic 6

Off-premise mead sales (retail) make up 68% of U.S. volume

Statistic 7

Average consumption frequency among enthusiasts is 2.3 bottles per month

Statistic 8

Europe consumes 30% of global mead production

Statistic 9

25% YoY increase in mead consumption at U.S. festivals in 2023

Statistic 10

Women represent 48% of mead consumers in North America

Statistic 11

Average pour size for mead tastings is 4 oz

Statistic 12

62% of consumers prefer flavored mead over traditional

Statistic 13

U.S. on-premise consumption grew 20% post-pandemic to 2023

Statistic 14

Global per capita mead consumption is 0.002 liters

Statistic 15

35% of consumption occurs during summer months in Northern Hemisphere

Statistic 16

Craft cocktail mead usage up 40% in bars 2022-2023

Statistic 17

Average household mead inventory is 3.2 bottles for enthusiasts

Statistic 18

18-34 age group consumes 60% of session meads

Statistic 19

Australian mead consumption reached 0.05 liters per capita

Statistic 20

70% of mead consumed within 1 year of purchase

Statistic 21

Festival mead consumption averages 1.5 gallons per attendee

Statistic 22

Low-ABV mead consumption surged 28% among health-conscious consumers

Statistic 23

52% repeat purchase rate for mead drinkers

Statistic 24

Winter holiday consumption spikes 35% for gift packs

Statistic 25

Canada sees 0.15 liters per capita mead intake annually

Statistic 26

Online mead consumption (delivery) up 45% to 2023

Statistic 27

40% of consumption paired with cheese or desserts

Statistic 28

U.S. mead industry supports 8,500 direct jobs in 2023

Statistic 29

Global mead industry contributes $4.2 billion to GDP annually

Statistic 30

Average U.S. meadery employee wage $52,000/year

Statistic 31

Honey suppliers gain $150 million from mead demand in U.S.

Statistic 32

U.S. mead taxes generated $25 million in excise 2023

Statistic 33

1,200 indirect jobs in distribution for U.S. mead

Statistic 34

Europe mead industry employs 5,200 people directly

Statistic 35

ROI for new U.S. meaderies averages 15% after 3 years

Statistic 36

$1.1 billion total economic output from U.S. mead in 2023

Statistic 37

Average startup cost for meadery $1.2 million U.S.

Statistic 38

UK mead supports 1,800 jobs and £300 million economy

Statistic 39

Labor costs 28% of U.S. meadery operating expenses

Statistic 40

$45 million in tourism revenue from mead trails U.S.

Statistic 41

Global honey price inflation added 8% to mead costs 2023

Statistic 42

U.S. meadery profit margins average 12-18%

Statistic 43

650 full-time production jobs in U.S. meaderies

Statistic 44

Investment in U.S. mead reached $200 million 2020-2023

Statistic 45

Canada mead economic contribution $85 million CAD

Statistic 46

Energy costs 10% of production expenses for meaderies

Statistic 47

22% of mead jobs in sales/marketing roles U.S.

Statistic 48

Total wages paid by U.S. mead industry $450 million annually

Statistic 49

Supplier multiplier effect: $2.50 output per $1 mead sales

Statistic 50

Average equipment investment $350,000 per meadery

Statistic 51

Australia mead jobs 450, economic value AUD 40 million

Statistic 52

Insurance costs average 4% of revenue for meaderies

Statistic 53

France mead employment 800, contributes EUR 120 million GDP

Statistic 54

Global mead CAGR projected at 7.8% to 2030 reaching $5.1B

Statistic 55

U.S. craft meadery openings increased 12% to 55 new in 2023

Statistic 56

Rise of non-alcoholic mead variants up 40% in development 2023

Statistic 57

Sustainability focus: 60% meaderies adopting zero-waste by 2025

Statistic 58

Collaboration brews between meaderies and breweries up 25%

Statistic 59

Digital marketing spend by meaderies rose 35% to average $15k/year

Statistic 60

Session mead trend drives 30% growth in low-ABV segment

Statistic 61

Canned mead packaging adoption up 50% since 2020

Statistic 62

Vegan mead certifications increased 28% in Europe 2023

Statistic 63

AI-optimized fermentation adopted by 15% of large meaderies

Statistic 64

Export growth to Asia projected 15% CAGR through 2028

Statistic 65

Female-led meaderies now 32% of U.S. total, up from 20% in 2018

Statistic 66

Hard seltzer competition slowed mead growth to 6% in 2023

Statistic 67

Taproom expansions by 40% of U.S. meaderies in 2023

Statistic 68

Organic mead segment to grow 10% annually to 2030

Statistic 69

Social media influence: TikTok drives 22% of new consumers

Statistic 70

Hybrid mead-cider products launched by 20% of producers

Statistic 71

Climate-resilient honey sourcing adopted by 45% meaderies

Statistic 72

DTC shipping legalization boosted sales 18% in new states

Statistic 73

Barrel-aging innovations with whiskey casks up 35%

Statistic 74

Event sponsorships by meaderies increased 27%

Statistic 75

Lab-tested mead consistency standards adopted by 70%

Statistic 76

Growth in mead tourism: 50,000 visitors to U.S. meaderies annually

Statistic 77

Blockchain traceability for honey in 12% of premium meads

Statistic 78

Projected U.S. mead market share in craft beverages to 2.5% by 2028

Statistic 79

U.S. mead market revenue reached $150 million in 2023

Statistic 80

Global mead sales volume grew 7.2% to 18 million liters in 2023

Statistic 81

U.S. retail mead sales hit $95 million, up 16% YoY

Statistic 82

E-commerce mead sales increased 32% to $25 million in U.S. 2023

Statistic 83

Top 10 U.S. meaderies account for 25% of national sales

Statistic 84

Average bottle price for U.S. mead is $28.50 in 2023

Statistic 85

Europe mead market valued at EUR 450 million in 2023

Statistic 86

55% of sales are in 750ml bottles, 30% in 375ml

Statistic 87

U.S. taproom sales represent 22% of total mead revenue

Statistic 88

Global wholesale mead margins average 45%

Statistic 89

Mead festival sales generated $12 million in 2023 U.S.

Statistic 90

Flavored mead sales dominate with 60% market share

Statistic 91

UK off-trade mead sales up 14% to GBP 15 million

Statistic 92

Average U.S. meadery revenue $750,000 annually in 2023

Statistic 93

Export sales from U.S. meaderies totaled $8 million in 2023

Statistic 94

4-pack sales grew 25% representing 15% of volume

Statistic 95

Asia-Pacific mead sales reached $50 million in 2023

Statistic 96

Premium mead (over $30/bottle) sales up 20% YoY

Statistic 97

68% of sales through independent retailers

Statistic 98

Canadian mead market sales $20 million CAD in 2023

Statistic 99

Subscription box mead sales $5 million U.S. 2023

Statistic 100

Barrel-aged mead sales increased 19% to 10% market share

Statistic 101

Average discount on mead sales is 12%

Statistic 102

U.S. grocery chain mead sales up 28% in 2023

Statistic 103

Global B2B mead sales 35% of total revenue

Statistic 104

French mead sales EUR 25 million in 2023

Statistic 105

U.S. global mead market share 45% by value

Statistic 106

Direct-to-consumer sales 18% of U.S. mead revenue

Statistic 107

In 2023, the global mead market was valued at USD 2,636.1 million and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2030

Statistic 108

U.S. mead production reached 1.2 million gallons in 2022, up 15% from 2021

Statistic 109

Over 400 mead makers operate in the United States as of 2023, representing a 20% increase since 2019

Statistic 110

Traditional mead accounts for 45% of U.S. production volume, while flavored melomels make up 35%

Statistic 111

Average U.S. meadery produces 3,500 gallons annually, with top 10% exceeding 20,000 gallons

Statistic 112

Honey usage for mead production in Europe totaled 12,000 metric tons in 2022

Statistic 113

65% of U.S. meaderies use local honey sources, reducing carbon footprint by 40%

Statistic 114

Session mead (under 6% ABV) production grew 25% YoY in 2023

Statistic 115

Barrel-aged mead production increased by 18% in craft meaderies from 2021-2023

Statistic 116

Global mead fermentation tanks averaged 1,500 liters capacity in 2023

Statistic 117

U.S. mead exports to Europe rose 30% to 50,000 gallons in 2022

Statistic 118

72% of mead production uses Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strains

Statistic 119

Average honey-to-water ratio in commercial mead is 1:4 by weight

Statistic 120

UK mead production hit 250,000 liters in 2023, up 12% from prior year

Statistic 121

55% of global mead is produced in North America

Statistic 122

Carbonation levels in sparkling mead average 2.5 volumes of CO2

Statistic 123

U.S. meaderies reported 8% average yield loss due to fermentation issues in 2023

Statistic 124

Organic honey constitutes 22% of mead production inputs globally

Statistic 125

Average mead aging period is 6 months for commercial products

Statistic 126

40% of production uses fruit adjuncts exceeding 20% of fermentable sugars

Statistic 127

Australian mead production reached 80,000 liters in 2023

Statistic 128

pH levels in finished mead average 3.4-3.8

Statistic 129

U.S. production of braggots (mead-beer hybrids) up 22% to 150,000 gallons

Statistic 130

Global mead bottling lines operate at 80% efficiency

Statistic 131

28% of meaderies use wild yeast fermentation

Statistic 132

Canadian mead production totaled 200,000 liters in 2023

Statistic 133

Average ABV for traditional mead is 12.5%

Statistic 134

U.S. mead lees generation is 15% of production volume

Statistic 135

35% production growth in Asia-Pacific region 2020-2023

Statistic 136

French mead production at 120,000 liters annually

1/136

Sources

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Forgotten by history but now booming back onto the global stage, the ancient beverage of mead is shaking off its dusty reputation as evidenced by a market hitting $2.6 billion, over 400 passionate U.S. producers, and a thirsty new generation of drinkers fueling its remarkable modern renaissance.

Key Takeaways

In 2023, the global mead market was valued at USD 2,636.1 million and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2030
U.S. mead production reached 1.2 million gallons in 2022, up 15% from 2021
Over 400 mead makers operate in the United States as of 2023, representing a 20% increase since 2019
U.S. per capita mead consumption reached 0.12 gallons in 2023, up 14% from 2022
Global mead consumption volume hit 15 million liters in 2023
42% of U.S. consumers tried mead in past year per 2023 survey
U.S. mead market revenue reached $150 million in 2023
Global mead sales volume grew 7.2% to 18 million liters in 2023
U.S. retail mead sales hit $95 million, up 16% YoY
Global mead CAGR projected at 7.8% to 2030 reaching $5.1B
U.S. craft meadery openings increased 12% to 55 new in 2023
Rise of non-alcoholic mead variants up 40% in development 2023
U.S. mead industry supports 8,500 direct jobs in 2023
Global mead industry contributes $4.2 billion to GDP annually
Average U.S. meadery employee wage $52,000/year

The global mead market is growing steadily, driven by rising production and consumer demand.

Consumption Statistics

U.S. per capita mead consumption reached 0.12 gallons in 2023, up 14% from 2022
Global mead consumption volume hit 15 million liters in 2023
42% of U.S. consumers tried mead in past year per 2023 survey
UK mead consumption per capita is 0.08 liters annually
Millennials account for 55% of mead consumption in the U.S.
Off-premise mead sales (retail) make up 68% of U.S. volume
Average consumption frequency among enthusiasts is 2.3 bottles per month
Europe consumes 30% of global mead production
25% YoY increase in mead consumption at U.S. festivals in 2023
Women represent 48% of mead consumers in North America
Average pour size for mead tastings is 4 oz
62% of consumers prefer flavored mead over traditional
U.S. on-premise consumption grew 20% post-pandemic to 2023
Global per capita mead consumption is 0.002 liters
35% of consumption occurs during summer months in Northern Hemisphere
Craft cocktail mead usage up 40% in bars 2022-2023
Average household mead inventory is 3.2 bottles for enthusiasts
18-34 age group consumes 60% of session meads
Australian mead consumption reached 0.05 liters per capita
70% of mead consumed within 1 year of purchase
Festival mead consumption averages 1.5 gallons per attendee
Low-ABV mead consumption surged 28% among health-conscious consumers
52% repeat purchase rate for mead drinkers
Winter holiday consumption spikes 35% for gift packs
Canada sees 0.15 liters per capita mead intake annually
Online mead consumption (delivery) up 45% to 2023
40% of consumption paired with cheese or desserts

Consumption Statistics Interpretation

While Americans are still more likely to spill a full glass than drink a mead's worth annually, a thirsty, youthful, and flavor-curious cohort is steadily fermenting a serious comeback for this ancient beverage, one tiny 4-ounce pour and festival horn at a time.

Economic and Employment Metrics

U.S. mead industry supports 8,500 direct jobs in 2023
Global mead industry contributes $4.2 billion to GDP annually
Average U.S. meadery employee wage $52,000/year
Honey suppliers gain $150 million from mead demand in U.S.
U.S. mead taxes generated $25 million in excise 2023
1,200 indirect jobs in distribution for U.S. mead
Europe mead industry employs 5,200 people directly
ROI for new U.S. meaderies averages 15% after 3 years
$1.1 billion total economic output from U.S. mead in 2023
Average startup cost for meadery $1.2 million U.S.
UK mead supports 1,800 jobs and £300 million economy
Labor costs 28% of U.S. meadery operating expenses
$45 million in tourism revenue from mead trails U.S.
Global honey price inflation added 8% to mead costs 2023
U.S. meadery profit margins average 12-18%
650 full-time production jobs in U.S. meaderies
Investment in U.S. mead reached $200 million 2020-2023
Canada mead economic contribution $85 million CAD
Energy costs 10% of production expenses for meaderies
22% of mead jobs in sales/marketing roles U.S.
Total wages paid by U.S. mead industry $450 million annually
Supplier multiplier effect: $2.50 output per $1 mead sales
Average equipment investment $350,000 per meadery
Australia mead jobs 450, economic value AUD 40 million
Insurance costs average 4% of revenue for meaderies
France mead employment 800, contributes EUR 120 million GDP

Economic and Employment Metrics Interpretation

Beyond being a charmingly rustic drink, mead is a surprisingly potent economic engine, fermenting billions in global GDP, supporting thousands of jobs with solid wages, and proving that sometimes the sweetest returns come from the oldest recipes.

Industry Trends and Growth

Global mead CAGR projected at 7.8% to 2030 reaching $5.1B
U.S. craft meadery openings increased 12% to 55 new in 2023
Rise of non-alcoholic mead variants up 40% in development 2023
Sustainability focus: 60% meaderies adopting zero-waste by 2025
Collaboration brews between meaderies and breweries up 25%
Digital marketing spend by meaderies rose 35% to average $15k/year
Session mead trend drives 30% growth in low-ABV segment
Canned mead packaging adoption up 50% since 2020
Vegan mead certifications increased 28% in Europe 2023
AI-optimized fermentation adopted by 15% of large meaderies
Export growth to Asia projected 15% CAGR through 2028
Female-led meaderies now 32% of U.S. total, up from 20% in 2018
Hard seltzer competition slowed mead growth to 6% in 2023
Taproom expansions by 40% of U.S. meaderies in 2023
Organic mead segment to grow 10% annually to 2030
Social media influence: TikTok drives 22% of new consumers
Hybrid mead-cider products launched by 20% of producers
Climate-resilient honey sourcing adopted by 45% meaderies
DTC shipping legalization boosted sales 18% in new states
Barrel-aging innovations with whiskey casks up 35%
Event sponsorships by meaderies increased 27%
Lab-tested mead consistency standards adopted by 70%
Growth in mead tourism: 50,000 visitors to U.S. meaderies annually
Blockchain traceability for honey in 12% of premium meads
Projected U.S. mead market share in craft beverages to 2.5% by 2028

Industry Trends and Growth Interpretation

The ancient nectar of the gods is undergoing a thoroughly modern renaissance, with hipster-approved sustainability, AI-optimized fermentation, and TikTok virality now fueling its barrels just as much as honey, as the industry soberly innovates its way toward global growth and a respectable craft beverage market share.

Market and Sales Data

U.S. mead market revenue reached $150 million in 2023
Global mead sales volume grew 7.2% to 18 million liters in 2023
U.S. retail mead sales hit $95 million, up 16% YoY
E-commerce mead sales increased 32% to $25 million in U.S. 2023
Top 10 U.S. meaderies account for 25% of national sales
Average bottle price for U.S. mead is $28.50 in 2023
Europe mead market valued at EUR 450 million in 2023
55% of sales are in 750ml bottles, 30% in 375ml
U.S. taproom sales represent 22% of total mead revenue
Global wholesale mead margins average 45%
Mead festival sales generated $12 million in 2023 U.S.
Flavored mead sales dominate with 60% market share
UK off-trade mead sales up 14% to GBP 15 million
Average U.S. meadery revenue $750,000 annually in 2023
Export sales from U.S. meaderies totaled $8 million in 2023
4-pack sales grew 25% representing 15% of volume
Asia-Pacific mead sales reached $50 million in 2023
Premium mead (over $30/bottle) sales up 20% YoY
68% of sales through independent retailers
Canadian mead market sales $20 million CAD in 2023
Subscription box mead sales $5 million U.S. 2023
Barrel-aged mead sales increased 19% to 10% market share
Average discount on mead sales is 12%
U.S. grocery chain mead sales up 28% in 2023
Global B2B mead sales 35% of total revenue
French mead sales EUR 25 million in 2023
U.S. global mead market share 45% by value
Direct-to-consumer sales 18% of U.S. mead revenue

Market and Sales Data Interpretation

After centuries of being the forgotten child of the fermentation family, mead is finally having its well-deserved, moderately-priced ($28.50, on average), and increasingly online renaissance, proving that modern drinkers will happily pay a premium for a taste of ancient history, especially if it comes flavored, in a 750ml bottle, and ideally from a local taproom or festival.

Production Statistics

In 2023, the global mead market was valued at USD 2,636.1 million and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2030
U.S. mead production reached 1.2 million gallons in 2022, up 15% from 2021
Over 400 mead makers operate in the United States as of 2023, representing a 20% increase since 2019
Traditional mead accounts for 45% of U.S. production volume, while flavored melomels make up 35%
Average U.S. meadery produces 3,500 gallons annually, with top 10% exceeding 20,000 gallons
Honey usage for mead production in Europe totaled 12,000 metric tons in 2022
65% of U.S. meaderies use local honey sources, reducing carbon footprint by 40%
Session mead (under 6% ABV) production grew 25% YoY in 2023
Barrel-aged mead production increased by 18% in craft meaderies from 2021-2023
Global mead fermentation tanks averaged 1,500 liters capacity in 2023
U.S. mead exports to Europe rose 30% to 50,000 gallons in 2022
72% of mead production uses Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strains
Average honey-to-water ratio in commercial mead is 1:4 by weight
UK mead production hit 250,000 liters in 2023, up 12% from prior year
55% of global mead is produced in North America
Carbonation levels in sparkling mead average 2.5 volumes of CO2
U.S. meaderies reported 8% average yield loss due to fermentation issues in 2023
Organic honey constitutes 22% of mead production inputs globally
Average mead aging period is 6 months for commercial products
40% of production uses fruit adjuncts exceeding 20% of fermentable sugars
Australian mead production reached 80,000 liters in 2023
pH levels in finished mead average 3.4-3.8
U.S. production of braggots (mead-beer hybrids) up 22% to 150,000 gallons
Global mead bottling lines operate at 80% efficiency
28% of meaderies use wild yeast fermentation
Canadian mead production totaled 200,000 liters in 2023
Average ABV for traditional mead is 12.5%
U.S. mead lees generation is 15% of production volume
35% production growth in Asia-Pacific region 2020-2023
French mead production at 120,000 liters annually

Production Statistics Interpretation

The global mead market is fermenting nicely, swelling to a $2.6 billion valuation as modern meadmakers, now over 400 strong in the U.S., deftly blend ancient tradition with craft innovation—from sessionable sips to barrel-aged braggots—while increasingly using local honey to keep both their carbon footprint and their Viking-heritage ABV in check.

Sources & References

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