These are the 20 largest beer producers in the world (2023)

Although it is virtually impossible to confirm, beer is believed to be the oldest alcoholic beverage in history. Today,Beer is the most popular alcoholic beverage.worldwide and is the second most popular drink after tea.

Index

  • Which country produces the most beer?
  • The 20 largest beer producers in the world
  • Information on the top 20 countries

There are over a hundred different ways to brew beer., and some countries became famous for their variations of the drink. For example,Belgiumis known for Witbier, a traditional Belgian wheat beer, while Britain is better known for its lager beers. While certain regions are known for specific styles of brewing, brewers around the world produce a variety of styles to meet the demand of beer lovers.

The country that produces the most beer in the world

According to BarthHaas, a German hop trader responsible for 30% of the market share, China was the world's largest beer producer in 2020, followed by the United States in second place and Brazil in third place.

Read on to find out which countries produced the most beer in 2020.

Top 20 Beer Producing Countries

classificationTierraOutput volume (hL)
1Porcelain341.110.000
2The United States211.166.000
3Brazil151.900.000
4Mexico126.900.000
5Germany87.027.000
6Russia79.500.000
7Japan46.874.000
8Vietnam40.000.000
9Poland38.420.000
10spain34.738.000
11or UK32.358.000
12South Africa26.000.000
13Colombia23.585.000
14Belgium23.400.000
15Have22.600.000
sixteenThe Netherlands22.130.000
17France20.700.000
18Czech Republic20.122.000
19thailand20.076.600
20South Korea19.000.000

Information on the main beer-producing countries in the world

Porcelain

Chinese archaeologists estimate that beer was first brewed in China around 7,000 to 9,000 years ago, using rice as the grain of choice. while modern brewing using barley and hops only began in the early 20th century.Hoy, China produces more beer than any other country in the world, with annual production increasing by three to five percent per year. The Chinese beer market is now dominated by seven major brewing groups, most of which have partnered with major foreign brewers to improve their access to new techniques and new markets. In 2020, China produced 341.1 million hectoliters of beer, equivalent to approximately 286 million barrels.

These are the 20 largest beer producers in the world (1)

The United States

Americans love beer-- That is not a secret. In fact, in 2020, American drinkers of legal drinking age consumed 26 gallons of beer per person for the entire year. American beer production is dominated by AB InBev, which makes recognizable bottlesBudweisermiCorona, as well as Molson Coors, the producers ofblue Moon,color lightand MillerLite. Craft beer is also very popular in the United States, and the number of craft breweriesincreased exponentiallyin the last 10 years. In 2020, Americans produced 211,166,000 hectoliters of beer, which is equivalent to more than 177 million barrels.

Brazil

oImportance of the beer sector for the Brazilian economyit is growing rapidly and in 2019 the Brazilian Ministry of Livestock and Supply established the Chamber of the Beer Sector to support the sector. Thanks to the increasingly globalized world we live in, Brazilians have been able to experience new brands and flavors from international brewers, boosting the country's beer industry. In 1999, there were only 33 microbreweries in Brazil; by 2019, that number had risen to 1,209. In 2020, Brazil produced 151.9 million hectoliters of beer, equivalent to more than 127 million barrels.

Mexico

The first beer is said to have been brewed in Mexico in 1544. Today, the brewing industry accounts for around 30% of the country's total gross production.beverage industry in mexico, one of the most important economic factors. In addition, Mexico is the world's largest beer exporter and almost half of the beer produced in the country is exported internationally. The country produced 126.9 million hectoliters of beer in 2020, or more than 106 million barrels.

Germany

Undoubtedly, Germany has one of theoldest continuous brewing culturesin the world and has been the leader in beer production in the European Union for years. It's no surprise that German beers are so well known, especially with annual festivals like Oktoberfest and the Spring Festival attracting millions of beer lovers from around the world. Today, Germany produces more than 20% of all beers in the EU, with pilsner and wheat beer being the most popular. Germany produced 87,027,000 hectoliters of beer in 2020, almost 73 million barrels.

These are the 20 largest beer producers in the world (2)

Russia

Beer is the second most popular drink in Russia after vodka and is often the drink of choice for many Russians during the summer months and at sporting events and barbecues. In Russia it's beerdifferently categorizedthan we are used to in the United States; Instead of classifying beers by their type, for example, pilsner, wheat beer, or lager, Russians classify their beers by the colors present: light, red, semi-dark, or dark. The country produced 79.5 million hectoliters of beer, equivalent to more than 66 million barrels.

Japan

Japan's Great Beer Breakit did not appear until the late 19th century when an American opened the Japan Brewery in Yokohama in 1869 to sell beer primarily to foreign business travelers. Throughout the remainder of the 19th century, more Japanese-owned breweries opened, and by 1900, domestic beer production was in full swing. Today, Japan's beer culture includes beers ranging from craft beers to low-malt beers called Happo-Shu, which are very popular in the country. Happo-shu is unique to Japan due to its low malt content (typically 25% or less), which is a major factor in the cost of the drink. Beer taxes in Japan are around $2.50 per pint, so a typical six-pack costs upwards of $15. However, Happo-Shu can contain up to 65% malt before it is classified as a beer, which means it is much cheaper in cost. A six-pack costs about $8. In 2020, Japan produced more than 46 million hectoliters of beer, which is equivalent to million barrels.

Vietnam

According to a survey conducted byInstitute of Population and Social Affairs, the second most popular alcoholic beverage in Vietnam is beer.From 2005 to 2019the Vietnamese beer market has nearly tripled in terms of average annual production. Sabeco and Habeco, two of Vietnam's leading breweries, account for more than 50% of the beer industry's market share and dominate the economy and mid-range sectors of the industry. The country produced 40 million hectoliters of beer in 2020, or more than 33 million barrels.

Poland

Poland is responsible for 12% of all beers produced in the European Union, making it the second largest beer producer in the EU. Director of the Association of Employers of the Brewing Industry Browary Polskie Bartłomiej Moryzyckiconditions, “Poland experienced a beer revolution, going from a vodka country to a beer country”. Today there are more than 310 breweries in the country and the industry as a whole provides more than 9,000 jobs nationwide. In 2020, the Poles produced more than 38 million hectoliters of beer, with a total of more than 32 million barrels.

spain

first cluesBeer production in Spainwas discovered by archaeologists from the University of Barcelona who found remains of malt and beer still attached to the mill wheels in a cave in Begues, Barcelona. TOkey factorsof the Spanish beer industry is a growing interest in craft beer. Spain is the largest producer of craft beer in the European Union after Germany, Great Britain and Poland. Furthermore, Spain's success in the beer industry may be due to the fact that more than 90% of all beers consumed in Spain are domestically produced, making it increasingly difficult for foreign producers to penetrate the Spanish market. In 2020, the country produced more than 34.7 million hectoliters of beer, about 29 million barrels.

or UK

Widely considered one of theTop Beer and Drinking Nations, the United Kingdom remains stagnant in its traditional production of beer. Unsurprisingly, the classic pub is behind the success of the country's brewing industry. Beer is popular across Britain, with London known for its historic pubs and trendy craft breweries, but not unique in its claim to the industry: Derby and Sheffield are now fighting for the right to claim their city has more beer. on tap. and Edinburgh's craft beer industry is on the rise. In 2020, the UK produced more than 32 million hectoliters of beer, for a total of more than 27 million barrels.

These are the 20 largest beer producers in the world (3)

South Africa

Beer production in South AfricaIt is largely dominated by South African Breweries (SAB), a subsidiary of AB InBev, which accounts for around 88 percent of the beer produced in the country. While SAB retains a near monopoly over beer production in the country, the craft beer market has accelerated in recent years with 220 craft breweries opening. These craft brewers use local ingredients and the drinking culture of South Africa to create their independent beers. In 2020, South African breweries produced 26 million hectoliters of beer, more than 21 million barrels.

Colombia

colombian beerIt is known for its tasty and refreshing properties, necessary to relax after a hot sunny day. Two of the most popular breweries in the country are Aguila and Bavaria, the Colombian subsidiary of AB In-Bev. In 2020, the country produced more than 23 million hectoliters of beer, about 20 million barrels in total.

Belgium

WhileBelgiumThe country, which ranks 14th in terms of beer production, produces ten times more beer per capita than the world average. In addition, Belgium is characterized by the production of diverse and versatile beers. More than two-thirds of Belgium's beers are approved for export, allowing many small independent breweries to thrive in the country. Belgium produced 23.4 million hectoliters of beer in 2020, almost 20 million barrels.

Have

Brewing in CanadaIt began with the first settlers and traders in New France, who did so out of necessity, not pleasure. Back then, the region's milk and water were unfit to drink, full of dangerous microorganisms and bacteria that often made settlers seriously ill. However, the long boiling time involved in brewing killed the bacteria and left something drinkable. Today, beer is no longer necessarily brewed in Canada and the brewing industry is dominated by two national breweries, Labatt and Molson. The brewing industry contributes significantly to Canada's tax revenue, generating more than $5.7 billion for federal, provincial and local governments in 2017. Canada produced 22.6 million hectoliters of beer in 2020, for a total of about 19 million barrels .

The Netherlands

The most popular beer brewed in the Netherlands is undoubtedly Heineken. Pilsner is exported to countries around the world and its iconic green bottle has become a trademark of the Dutch brewery. Pilsner as a whole accounts for more than 90% of all beers sold in the Netherlands, but craft brewing has arise in popularityto no less than 60 different styles. The country produced more than 22 million hectoliters of beer in 2020, just over 18 million barrels.

France

When someone thinks of alcohol and France, the first thing that probably comes to mind are wines from famous regions like Bordeaux and Champagne. However, beer is bothconsumed and enjoyed throughout the country, particularly in northern regions such as Nord-Pas de Calais and Alsace-Lorraine, which border Belgium and Germany. Nord-Pas de Calais is more popular than any other French brewery for producing a wide range of specialty beers. French beers tend to be lower in alcohol than those brewed in other countries and tend to prefer malty flavors. France produced 20.7 hectoliters of beer in 2020, equivalent to more than 17 million barrels.

Czech Republic

pilsner house, whichThe Czech Republic is arguably one of the most important countries in the history of modern beer.. The region has been producing beer since the Middle Ages, and today most of the beers sold in the country are light beers. The country also produces half a million tons of malt and grows about 7,000 tons of hops a year. Although the Czech Republic has approximately 125 breweries, options in the country can be limited as the dominant Czech brewery, Budvar, is state-owned. In 2020, the Czech Republic produced 20,122,000 hectoliters of beer, almost 17 million barrels.

These are the 20 largest beer producers in the world (4)

thailand

Beer production in ThailandIt is dominated by two family-owned corporate giants, Boonrawd Brewery and Thaibev, both of which hold more than 90% of the market share. To protect these beverage giants, the Thai government passed a law banning homebrewing in 1950; the law also states that beer can only be made in factories that produce more than a million liters a year. Persons who violate this law may be subject to arrest, police raids and/or fines. The country produced more than 20 million hectoliters of beer in 2020, for a total of more than 16 million barrels.

South Korea

The brewing industry in South Koreais dominated by two local breweries, Oriental Brewery Company, a subsidiary of AB InBev, and HiteJinro Co. Although the industry is dominated by these two brands, microbreweries remain popular across the country, with the number of breweries increasing from 61 per anus. to 133 in 2018 in 2014. The country produced 19 million hectoliters of beer in 2020, almost 16 million barrels.

FAQs

Who is the largest producer of beer in the world? ›

The country that produces the most beer in the world

According to BarthHaas, a German hop trader accounting for 30 percent of the market share, China was the world's top producer of beer in 2020, with the United States ranking second, and Brazil filling in the third spot.

Who are the world largest breweries? ›

AB InBev, also known as Anheuser-Busch InBev, generated over 46 billion U.S. dollars in sales in 2021, making it by far the leading beer company worldwide. Heineken Holding and Asahi Group Holdings ranked second and third, respectively.

Who is the largest producer of beer in the United States? ›

Top 50 U.S. Craft Brewing Companies
RankBreweryState
1D. G. Yuengling and Son IncPA
2Boston Beer CoMA, DE
3Sierra Nevada Brewing CoCA
4Duvel MoortgatCA, MO, NY
46 more rows
Mar 30, 2021

What is the biggest beer in the world? ›

1. Budweiser. Budweiser, sometimes known as “the king of beers,” has been the number one beer in the world for a long while.

Who are the world producers of beer? ›

China is the largest beer producer in the world with 49,781,500 tonnes production per year. United States of America comes second with 22,600,000 tonnes yearly production. With 14,000,000 tonnes of production per year, Brazil is the third largest producer of beer.

Who are the largest beer distributors? ›

At Reyes Beverage Group, we're proud to be the largest beer distributor in the United States — and distribute a growing number of spirits brands, too. We deliver over 325 million cases annually to over 115,000 retail accounts across the nation.

Who were the big six breweries? ›

The Big Six were Allied Breweries [Ansells, Ind Coope and Tetley], Bass, Courage, Grand Metropolitan [Watney Mann & Truman], Scottish & Newcastle and Whitbread. The commission found that the Big Six accounted for 75 per cent of UK beer production, 74 per cent of the brewer-owned retail estate, and 86 of loan ties.

Who is the beer capital of the world? ›

Only one city can claim to be the “Beer Capital of the World” and that city is Milwaukee. Once home to Miller, Schlitz, Pabst and Blatz breweries (to name a few), Milwaukee is now a leader in the ever-evolving art of craft brewing.

What is the #1 selling beer in America? ›

Corona and Bud Light are the most well-known beer brands in the United States. Both these brands are recognized by 85% of respondents in the U.S. Next on the list is the most valuable beer brand in the world, Budweiser, reaching a brand awareness of 84%.

What US state is known for beer? ›

Number of craft breweries in the U.S. in 2021, by state

California had the most craft breweries of any state in the United States in 2021, by far. The state had 931 craft breweries in total, compared to 2nd and 3rd place New York and Pennsylvania who had 485 and 486 craft breweries respectively.

What is the oldest beer company in the US? ›

Recognition of America's Oldest Brewery. As America celebrated it's bi-centennial, D.G. Yuengling and Son was place on the national and state registers as America's Oldest Brewery.

What is the biggest beer city in the US? ›

Grand Rapids is celebrating 10 years as Beer City USA in 2022. Since winning that title in a nationwide poll, the city has won a bevy of additional ale accolades – including USA Today nods for America's Best Beer Town (2014), Best Beer Scene (2017) and Best Beer City (2022 & 2021).

How many beer brands are there? ›

Number of U.S Breweries – 2021

The industry structure has changed significantly over the past 30 years. In 1983, there were 49 breweries. At the end of 2021, the TTB reported 13,380 breweries in the U.S. – an all-time high.

What is the largest single brewery in the world? ›

Coors brewery

How many beer producers are in the US? ›

Beer in the United States is manufactured by more than 7,000 breweries, which range in size from industry giants to brew pubs and microbreweries.

Which country is the largest producer of alcohol? ›

Alcoholic Beverages Production
#152 CountriesThousand Metric Tons
1#1 China55,112.00
2#2 United States26,598.00
3#3 Brazil17,076.00
4#4 Mexico12,542.00
57 more rows

What is the oldest beer company still in business? ›

Weihenstephan Abbey (Kloster Weihenstephan) was a Benedictine monastery in Weihenstephan, now part of the district of Freising, in Bavaria, Germany. Brauerei Weihenstephan, located at the monastery site since at least 1040, is said to be the world's oldest continuously operating brewery.

Who is the largest alcohol distributor in the USA? ›

Southern Wine & Spirits of America is the nation's largest wine and spirits distributor. The company began in Florida in 1968 and grew quickly through a strategy of acquiring other established distributors. Today Southern operates in 35 states and distributes over 5,000 brands.

Who is the largest distributor in the US? ›

The Top 200 - Meet 2015's 50 Largest Distributors
RankCompany NameNumber of Locations
1Sonepar North America934
2WESCO Distribution460
3Graybar Electric Co.260
4Rexel USA605
46 more rows
May 30, 2015

How many breweries are black owned? ›

But these are not just observations; there's data to back it up. At the end of 2020 , there were 8,884 craft breweries in the United States. Of these 8,884 craft breweries, approximately one percent are Black-owned.

What do British call beer? ›

We use pint to mean a beer in a pub. 'Do you want to go for a pint after work? '

Which US president owned a brewery? ›

Thomas Jefferson got into making beer in a big way after he left the White House in 1809. Jefferson took beer making at Monticello seriously. By 1814, he had his own personal brew house.

What city in the US has the best beer? ›

Best Beer City (2022)
  • Milwaukee. ...
  • Philadelphia. ...
  • Asheville. ...
  • Portland, Maine. ...
  • Portland, Oregon. Portland's official tourism office bills the city as “Beervana,” and given the incredible diversity among the city's 75-plus breweries, it's easy to see why. ...
  • Seattle. Washington. ...
  • Denver. Colorado. ...
  • Grand Rapids. Michigan.

What city brews the most beer in the US? ›

Portland, Oregon

Which country is the land of beer? ›

Belgium: A tiny little country but huge on beer!

Which beer is the King of beers? ›

Budweiser Beer | The King of Beers Since 1876 | Budweiser.

What country drinks the most beer? ›

The country that drinks the most beer per capita is the Czech Republic. It has topped the list for almost 30 years straight, since 1993. The Czechs drink on average 181.7L of beer per year per person.

What state drinks the most beer? ›

America reportedly drinks about 6.3 billion gallons of beer every year. But which states drink the most?
...
Ranking The States.
RankStateGallons Overall
1California727.3M
2Texas618.1M
3Florida420.1M
4New York321.1M
47 more rows
Jun 9, 2020

What beer is healthiest? ›

The healthiest are stouts and porters, and higher hoppy beers, such as DIPAs and Imperial IPAs, Trappist beers, and spontaneous fermented beers, such as Lambics and Gose. Trappist-style beer is probably the most famous of the Belgian beers.

What are the top 5 American beers? ›

The top selling beer of 2020 is Bud Light:What are the top 10 beers in the world in 2020The number 2 best selling beer: Corona Extra #3 best beer on the list is: Michelob Ultra #4 is Coors Light from the Molson Coors Brewing Company Coming in at #5 is Miller Lite The number 6 top beer is Budweiser #7 is Heineken #8 ...

What is the beer capital of America? ›

San Diego, California

With long stretches of sandy shoreline and more than 150 breweries across the county, the city is known as the “Craft Beer Capital of America,” and it's almost impossible not to step into at least one tap room during a trip to this southern California oasis.

Which beer has more alcohol in USA? ›

Brewmeister Armageddon

This beer ranks at nearly 10 times the alcohol volume of the average craft beer and has more alcohol than gin, vodka, or whiskey. Sip a Brewmeister Armageddon to experience beer often described as surprisingly flavorful. A bitter, yet sweet beer, expect a dark color and malty flavor.

What percent of America is beer? ›

Regular beer: 5% alcohol content. Some light beers: 4.2% alcohol content.

Is Yuengling beer Chinese? ›

America's oldest brewery

Yuengling (pronounced Ying-ling) means “young man” in German. The tricky name – some beer drinkers mistakenly think it is Chinese – would later present marketing problems for the company.

What does Yuengling mean in German? ›

Yuengling is an Anglicized version of Jüngling, its founder's surname and the German term for a "young person” or “youngster”. The family-owned brewery has traditionally changed ownership through the purchase of the company by the offspring of the previous owner.

What is the largest brewery in North America? ›

Top 50 Overall Brewing Companies
RankCompanyCity
1Anheuser-Busch Inc (a)St. Louis
2MolsonCoors (b)Chicago
3Constellation (c)Chicago
4Heineken USA (d)White Plains
46 more rows
Apr 6, 2022

What are the top 50 beer brands? ›

Top 50 Scanned: All Beer beta
Popularity
#1Beer, Corona Extra Corona1 12oz Bottle
#2Beer Bud Light1 can
#3Light Beer Coors12 fl oz
#4Ultra Light Beer Michelob12 fl oz
46 more rows

How big is the US beer industry? ›

b. The global beer market size was estimated at USD 680.9 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 731.6 billion in 2020.
...
Report AttributeDetails
Market size value in 2022USD 731.6 billion
Revenue forecast in 2030USD 1.25 trillion
Growth rateCAGR of 7.0% from 2022 to 2030
11 more rows

What beer did American soldiers drink in ww2? ›

Sold at the PX (Post Exchange) or issued aboard ships, 3.2 percent American lager became the beer of the US Military. Access to beer for American service members varied.

What is the most famous brewery in the world? ›

Hill Farmstead Brewery

Who is the biggest beer concern? ›

Anheuser-Busch InBev

It may have sold off some of its businesses to Asahi, but the Anheuser-Busch InBev still tops the list of 11 largest beer companies in the world in 2020.

Who is Anheuser-Busch biggest competitor? ›

Anheuser-Busch main competitors are Reckitt Benckiser, The Kraft Group, and Gerber Products. Competitor Summary. See how Anheuser-Busch compares to its main competitors: Reckitt Benckiser has the most employees (43,000).

What country is known for drinking the most beer? ›

When it comes to total beer consumption, China ranks number one.

What firms dominates the US beer industry? ›

1) Anheuser-Busch InBev

The brewer distributes its product portfolio of 500 beer brands through a massive network of over 600 independent company-owned distributors and wholesalers nationwide.

Is Anheuser-Busch in debt? ›

Anheuser-Busch long term debt for the quarter ending September 30, 2022 was $M, a NAN% increase year-over-year. Anheuser-Busch long term debt for 2021 was $87.369B, a 8.49% decline from 2020.
...
Compare BUD With Other Stocks.
Anheuser-Busch Annual Long Term Debt (Millions of US $)
2009$47,049
12 more rows

What is the most successful beer company? ›

AB InBev

What city is known as Beer City USA? ›

Grand Rapids is celebrating 10 years as Beer City USA in 2022. Since winning that title in a nationwide poll, the city has won a bevy of additional ale accolades – including USA Today nods for America's Best Beer Town (2014), Best Beer Scene (2017) and Best Beer City (2022 & 2021).

Who drinks the most beer in America? ›

New Hampshire took the top spot in 2020, outdrinking other states with 41.5 gallons of beer consumed annually per capita.
...
American Beer Consumption By State.
Beer Consumption By State (2020)Annual Gallons Per CapitaPreferred Beer
Alaska26.1
Arizona27.0Dos Equis
Arkansas23.9Budweiser
California24.5Budweiser
6 more rows
Apr 29, 2022

What's the number 1 selling beer in America? ›

Budweiser. Budweiser beer is an American lager brewed by Anheuser-Busch. With the unofficial title of “The King of Beers,” it is no wonder why Budweiser tops this list of America's most popular beers.

What is the most liked beer in the world? ›

Budweiser was the most valued beer brand worldwide in 2021, with a worth of 16.17 billion U.S. dollars. The brand was followed by Heineken in second and Stella Artois, ranked third.
...
Brand value of leading beer brands worldwide in 2021 (in million U.S. dollars)
CharacteristicBrand value in million U.S. dollars
--
9 more rows
Sep 23, 2022

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