Report Overview

The rising level of discretionary spending of the consumers, their changing lifestyle, and increasing social media and influencer marketing are expected to drive United States Beer Market during the forecast period between 2024 and 2030.

United States Beer Market – Industry Trends & Forecast Report, 2030

United States Beer Market size was estimated at USD 129.3 billion in 2023. During the forecast period between 2024 and 2030, United States Beer Market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.4% reaching a value of USD 165.8 billion by 2030. Prominent drivers of the market include evolving consumer preferences for craft and flavored beers, rising disposable incomes, an expanding young population, and the growing popularity of beer among women. Additionally, the surge in microbreweries and brewpubs reflects a trend toward authenticity and diversity in beer flavor, appealing to consumers seeking premium and artisanal experiences. In 2023, the United States Beer Industry shipped approximately 192 million barrels, or about 6 billion gallons, equivalent to over 2.6 billion cases. It also shipped around 2.4 million barrels of hard cider and similar fermented products, amounting to over 33 million cases. The shift in demand for unique flavors, local brews, and innovative brewing techniques, especially among younger generations, continues to fuel market expansion. Key players in this market include Bell's Brewery Inc., Carlsberg Breweries AS, and Constellation Brands Inc.

Beer – Overview

Beer, one of the world’s oldest alcoholic beverages, is crafted through the extraction of raw ingredients with water, followed by boiling and fermentation. This process converts starch sugars in the wort into ethanol and carbonation. Beer is commonly sold in bottles and cans and is also frequently served on draught in pubs and bars.

United States Beer Market

Growth Drivers

Growing Interest in Outdoor Cooking and Entertaining

United States Beer Market has experienced substantial growth driven by the rise of social media and influencer marketing, transforming how breweries engage consumers. By leveraging platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, breweries now reach diverse audiences through targeted campaigns, virtual tastings, and influencer partnerships. These digital strategies allow breweries to build brand loyalty and foster a sense of community, creating a unique identity through pun-filled slogans, humorous content, and exclusive glimpses into their operations. Additionally, influencer collaborations with social media personalities and food bloggers expand brand reach, attracting new consumers. Platforms like Untappd further enhance engagement by enabling users to discover, rate, and discuss beers, fostering connections among beer enthusiasts. As social media evolves, breweries are expected to adopt emerging technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality, to offer immersive experiences and boost customer interaction. With options like virtual tastings and direct-to-consumer sales, social media and influencer marketing have become pivotal in expanding United States Beer Market.

Challenges

Growing Awareness about Health and Wellness

Growing health consciousness among American consumers is impacting the beer market, as many individuals are now opting for healthier lifestyle choices. This shift has led to reduced alcohol consumption and a preference for low-calorie, non-alcoholic, or “better-for-you” beverages. As awareness of the potential health risks associated with regular beer consumption increases, the demand for traditional beer is slowing, posing a restraint on the market’s growth. This trend is especially pronounced among younger demographics who prioritize wellness and moderation.

Impact of Escalating Geopolitical Tensions on United States Beer Market

Escalating geopolitical tensions among countries and spreading across regions could have a significant impact on the growth of United States Beer Market. Trade disruptions, tariffs, and rising production costs due to strained international relations may hinder access to raw materials like hops and barley, key ingredients in beer production. Import and export restrictions could limit product availability, while higher input costs might lead to increased consumer prices, affecting demand. Additionally, global logistics supply chain challenges and uncertainties could slow distribution and impact the market’s overall stability. These pressures may push breweries to explore alternative sourcing strategies, potentially raising costs and limiting market growth amidst an already competitive landscape.

United States Beer Market

Segmental Coverage

United States Beer Market – By Product

Based on product, United States Beer Market is divided into Standard Lager, Premium Lager, Specialty Beer, and other segments. The standard lager segment holds the highest share in United States Beer Mark by product. Standard lagers’ mild flavor and easy drinkability make them a popular choice for casual beer drinkers and large events. Their affordability ensures broad accessibility, appealing to a wide consumer base. Major beer companies’ investments in marketing and distribution further strengthen the presence and visibility of standard lager brands. This combination of mass appeal, affordability, and extensive marketing has helped standard lagers retain a strong share in the United States Beer Market.

United States Beer Market – By Production

By production, United States Beer Market is divided into Macro-Brewery, Micro-Brewery, and other segments. The macro-brewery segment holds the largest share of United States Beer Market by production. Macro-breweries contribute to market expansion by leveraging economies of scale, producing large quantities of beer at reduced costs, which appeals to price-sensitive consumers. Their strong marketing budgets and broad distribution channels enable them to reach wide audiences and sustain high brand visibility. Additionally, macro-breweries often manage well-known brands with dedicated customer bases, driving consistent revenue within the United States Beer Market. While craft breweries continue to grow in popularity, the extensive resources and scale of macro-breweries help them maintain a leading role in the industry.

United States Beer Market – By Type

On the basis of type, United States Beer Market is divided into High Alcohol, Low Alcohol, and Alcohol-Free segments. The high alcohol segment holds the highest share in United States Beer Market by type. The segment caters to a specific group of consumers looking for stronger, more intense drinking experiences, including craft beer enthusiasts who enjoy styles like imperial stouts, barleywines, and double IPAs, all known for their higher alcohol content. These high-alcohol beers often come with elevated price points, appealing to consumers interested in premium and specialty options. The craft beer movement has further encouraged experimentation with higher alcohol levels, increasing the variety and availability of such products. While standard lagers maintain a substantial market presence, the rising interest in craft and premium beers has allowed high-alcohol options to dominate their niche, reflecting changing consumer preferences in the market.

United States Beer Market – By Flavor

Based on flavor, United States Beer Market is split into Flavored and Non-Flavored segments. The non-flavored segment holds a higher share in United States Beer Market by flavor, due to its appeal to a broad range of consumers who appreciate classic and familiar taste profiles. Unflavored beers are often viewed as versatile and appropriate for various occasions, making them a popular choice among beer drinkers. Additionally, macro-breweries predominantly produce these beers, leveraging their extensive distribution networks and strong brand recognition to maintain a leading market position. While flavored beers have seen a rise in popularity, especially within craft breweries, the overall consumption of unflavored beers continues to surpass that of flavored options.

United States Beer Market – By Packaging Type

By packaging type, United States Beer Market is divided into Glass, PET Bottle, and Metal segments.

United States Beer Market – By Distribution Channel

On the basis of distribution channel, United States Beer Market is divided into Supermarkets & Hypermarkets, On-Trades, Specialty Stores, Convenience Stores, and other segments. The supermarkets & hypermarkets segment holds the largest share of United States Beer Market by distribution channel. It can be attributed to its extensive selection of beer brands and varieties, which cater to the diverse tastes of consumers. The convenience of one-stop shopping attracts customers looking for variety and ease in their beer purchases. Additionally, supermarkets and hypermarkets often utilize promotions, discounts, and bulk buying options to entice shoppers, reinforcing their market leadership. These large retail chains also benefit from substantial advertising and marketing efforts, enhancing brand visibility and consumer awareness of available beer options. While specialty and liquor stores serve niche markets, the size, accessibility, and promotional strategies of supermarkets and hypermarkets position them as the leading distribution channels for beer in United States market.

Competitive Landscape

Major players operating in United States Beer Market include Anheuser-Busch InBev, Molson Coors Beverage Company, D.G. Yuengling & Son, Boston Beer Company, Constellation Brands, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co, Duvel Moortgat, Gambrinus Company, and New Belgium Brewing Company. To further enhance their market share, these companies employ various strategies, including mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures, license agreements, and new product launches.

Recent Developments

• In August 2023 - Edinburgh brewery Innis & Gunn introduced 12 Moons Lager, a unique addition to its limited-edition lineup. The unpasteurized, bottle-conditioned lager, with an alcohol content of 5.8%, was matured for a year and bottled during the full moon, with only 75 bottles produced. It marks the fourth release in Innis & Gunn’s exclusive 2023 collection.

Scope of the Report

By Product

• Standard Lager

• Premium Lager

• Specialty Beer

• Others

By Production

• Macro-Brewery

• Micro-Brewery

• Others

By Type

• High Alcohol

• Low Alcohol

• Alcohol-free

By Flavor

• Flavored

• Non-flavored

By Packaging Type

• Glass

• PET Bottle

• Metal

By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets & Hypermarkets

• On-Trades

• Specialty Stores

• Convenience Stores

• Others