World: Worldwide beer consumption increases by 890,000 kl in 2024

Kirin Holdings Company, Limited (Kirin Holdings) on December 22 published the Global Beer Consumption Report for 2024 which summarizes the details of global beer consumption in 170 major countries and regions. The report is based on findings obtained from questionnaires sent by Kirin Holdings to various brewers’ associations around the world, as well as the latest industry statistics available overseas. The data for global beer consumption has been tracked by Kirin Holdings since 1975.

Worldwide beer consumption in 2024 increased by approximately 890,000 kl (equivalent to approximately 1.4 billion 633ml bottles) from the previous year to approximately 194.12 million kl (up 0.5% from the previous year, or approximately 306.7 billion 633ml bottles equivalent). China (down 3.7%) ranked first for the 22nd year since 2003, Kirin said.

Three of the top five countries, excluding China and the United States, posted year-on-year increases, leading the way in raising total consumption. The top five included China, the US, Brazil, Mexico, and Russia.

Annual beer consumption in Asia was the highest in the world for the 17th consecutive year, with a global market share of 32.6%.

Second-place Europe recorded an increase of 1.4% from the previous year, despite declines in countries such as Germany (down 2.2%) and Spain (down 1.3%). Growth in Russia (up 9.0%) and the United Kingdom (up 1.7%), among others, contributed to the overall increase.

Third-place Central and South America saw a 1.6% increase over the previous year driven by growth in Brazil (up 1.1%) and Mexico (up 5.4%).

Fourth-place North America decreased 0.5% from the previous year, led by a 0.5% decline in the United States.

The Czech Republic consumed 148.8 litres of beer per capita, remaining the world’s top country in per capita beer consumption for the 32nd consecutive year since 1993.

The top five countries—The Czech Republic (1st), Lithuania (2nd), Austria (3rd), Ireland (4th), and Croatia (5th)—maintained their positions from the previous year, with no changes in ranking.

Germany, which ranked 8th the previous year, dropped to 10th, while Slovenia moved up from 10th to 8th.