Asia Pacific: Asia Pacific holding clear position as largest beer market in the world

In terms of global beer production, the Asia Pacific holds a clear position as the largest market, RMI Analytics said in their latest report earlier in March.

The Chinese beer market, the largest globally at just over 19%, is a major element in the Asia Pacitic beer landscape. However, there are other important markets within the region, like Vietnam, Japan, Thailand, the Philippines. In total the Asia Pacific market is approaching 600 mln hl in total beer production and the region is forecasted to extend its leading position over the next fiver years.

It should be noted that beer volume growth in Asia Pacific is not homogeneous across all countries, but rather there is significant variability in market potential. Japan is a perfect example of a mature beer market where volume growth is limited (volume declines are a possibility). China, as a huge market, has potential to grow significantly but the growth rates are likely to trail leading regional growth leaders. For example, Vietnam’s state media reported beer production grew 12% in 2022, continuing an amazing recovery from the dramatic pandemic impact which hit hard on-premise consumption. Similarly, the other markets in Thailand, the Philippines, and Cambodia offer high volume growth rate potential, the analysts said.