World: Global beer consumption in 2007 will reach around 1.61 billion hl, growing by an average of 2% per year

The global beer market expanded in 2005 by about 2.4% to 1.55 billion hectolitres, up from 1.52 billion hectolitres in 2004, Rabobank commented in one of its latest reports.

Total world beer consumption in 2007 will reach around 1.61 billion hectolitres, growing by an average of 2% per year, according to Canadean.

The main growth areas in the world in 2005 were Asia and Central & South America. In Asia, China is the largest and fastest-growing market and Brazil is the largest market in Central & South America.

Total beer consumption declined in North America, in Western Europe and in Australia and New Zealand. In the U.S. and Canada the decline has been due to the growing popularity of spirits and wine, especially in the on-trade. In Western Europe the ageing population is drinking less beer and looking for healthier alternatives like wine and mineral water.

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