Kirin Beer University Report Global Beer Production by Country in 2018

Kirin Holdings Company, Limited (President and CEO: Yoshinori Isozaki; hereafter “Kirin”) operates the Kirin Beer University (http://www.kirin.co.jp/entertainment/daigaku/), a virtual university on the Internet which was established in July 2001 to promote the enjoyment of beer and deep knowledge about beer to consumers. With various faculties and facilities, consumers can learn about a variety of topics, ranging from the best way to drink delicious beer to other interesting facts about beer—24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

This report publishes the details of global beer production in 171 major countries and regions for 2018. The report is based on findings obtained from questionnaires sent by Kirin to various brewers’ associations around the world, as well as the latest industry statistics available overseas. The data for global beer production has been tracked by Kirin since 1974.

Main Topics

• Global beer production was approximately 191.10 million kiloliters in 2018, up 0.6% from the previous year for an increase, the first time in five years^*1.
• Of the 1.09 million kiloliters increase in production from the previous year, approximately 90% came from Mexico (approximate increase of 970,000 kiloliters, or 8.8%, from the previous year). Countries like Russia (approximate increase of 310,000 kiloliters, or 4.1%, from the previous year) and the Philippines (approximate increase of 220,000 kiloliters, or 11.0%, from the previous year) also contributed to the increase in global production.
• By region, Asia produced 1.4% less beer in 2018 compared to 2017, but still holds a 32.0% share of the global beer market, remaining the world’s largest beer-producing region for the tenth consecutive year. Regions which saw increases in production from the previous year include Europe (in second place with an increase of 2.1% and a market share of 27.3%), Central and South America (in third place with an increase of 2.9% and a market share of 19.3%), and Africa (in fifth place with an increase of 1.7% and a market share of 7.4%).
• By country, China remained the largest beer-producing country in the world for the 17th consecutive year, even with a decrease of 2.2% in 2018 compared to the previous year. It is followed by the United States, which saw a decrease of 1.7%, and Brazil, which increased by 1.0%. Japan remained in seventh place, seeing a decrease of 2.7% in 2018 compared to the previous year.

In 2018, global beer production increased about 1.09 million kiloliters to reach approximately 191.10 million kiloliters. In comparison with 2017, there was an annual increase of 0.6%. The total volume of the global beer production is equivalent to about 154 Tokyo Domes, if the stadium was a beer mug with a capacity of about 1.24 million kiloliters.

1. Global Beer Production by Region in 2018 (Table 1)

Asia remains the world’s largest beer-producing region for the tenth consecutive year. While there were decreases in production from the previous year in top beer-producing countries such as China (-2.2%), Japan (-2.7%), and Vietnam (-1.7%), India and the Philippines saw increases of 4.9% and 11.0% respectively.

2. Global Beer Production by Country in 2018 (Table 2)

China remained the largest beer-producing country in the world for the 17th consecutive year, despite a decrease of 2.2% compared to 2017.
Japan^*2 remained in seventh place, seeing a decrease of 2.7% in 2018 compared to the previous year.
The Philippines—with an increase of 11.0% from the previous year—saw the fourth consecutive year of increase, rising from last year’s 20th place to reach 17th place.

3. Comparison with 2008 (Table 3)

Global beer production in 2018 has increased by approximately 8.78 million kiloliters, a growth of 4.8%, when compared to 10 years ago. In terms of volume, Brazil increased by approximately 3.80 million kiloliters, Vietnam by approximately 2.85 million kiloliters, and Mexico by approximately 1.25 million kiloliters. Vietnam has grown significantly, with production being approximately 3.0 times compared to 10 years ago.

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Note: Due to rounding, figures may not always add up to the total.

1. Among the countries whose figures for last year were revised for this year’s report, the revised figures are used for calculations.

The figures for global beer production in 2017 have also been revised to the latest figures
2017: Changed from 190.90 million kiloliters to 190.00 million kiloliters

1. Production volume in Japan is a combination of beer, happo-shu (low-malt beer), and new genre (non-malt beer).

Source: Questionnaires sent by Kirin to the brewers’ associations in major countries.
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(Table 1) Global Beer Production by Region in 2018

Beer Production by Region, Growth from Previous Year, and Global Market Share

• Production volume in Japan is a combination of beer, happo-shu (low-malt beer), and new genre (non-malt beer).
• Due to rounding, the numbers may not actually add up to the total.

Comments

• As beer production increased in Europe, Central and South America, Africa, and the Middle East, global beer production increased for the first time in five years.
• Asia remained at the top for the tenth consecutive year, despite a decrease of 1.4% compared to 2017. Although top-placed China, Japan, and Vietnam decreased by 2.2%, 2.7%, and 1.7% respectively, Asia maintained its rank due to the strong performance of India, which grew 4.9%, and the Philippines, which grew 11.0%.
• Compared to 2017, Europe increased by 2.1%, Central and South America by 2.9%, Africa by 1.7%, and the Middle East by 4.3%.

2018 Global Market Share of Beer Production by Region

(Table 2) Global Beer Production by Country in 2018

• Production volume in Japan is a combination of beer, happo-shu (low-malt beer), and new genre (non-malt beer).
• Due to rounding, the numbers may not actually add up to the total.

Comments

• Global beer production was approximately 191.10 million kiloliters in 2018. Although production in China and the United States—the top two countries—decreased, there was an increase of 0.6% compared to 2017 due to higher production volumes in leading countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and Russia.
• Total production volume in China dropped by 2.2% compared to 2017 due to the maturing of consumer demand and saturation of the market. On the other hand, products in the mid to high price range have been strong, and the production of low-alcoholic beverages is increasing.
• In the United Kingdom, production increased by 4.5% compared to 2017 due to heightened interest in craft beers.
• In the Philippines, beer production increased 11.0%—a two-digit growth—compared to 2017. This was due to increased individual spending arising from a better income situation brought about by sustained economic growth. This was the fourth consecutive year of increase, and the Philippines rose from last year’s 20th place to reach 17th place.

(Table 3) Global Beer Production by Country in 2018—Comparison with 2008

• Production volume in Japan is a combination of beer, happo-shu (low-malt beer), and new genre (non-malt beer).

Comments

• Comparing global beer production in 2018 with that of 10 years ago, there was an increase of approximately 8.78 million kiloliters, a growth rate of 4.8%. Brazil had the largest increase in volume, growing by approximately 3.80 million kiloliters. It is followed by Vietnam (at approximately 2.85 million kiloliters) and Mexico (at approximately 1.25 million kiloliters).