Breweries
Companies in this industry produce beer, ale, malt liquor, and nonalcoholic beer. Major companies include AB InBev (Belgium), Asahi Breweries (Japan), Carlsberg Group (Denmark), China Resources and Tsingtao Brewery (both based in China), Heineken (the Netherlands), and Molson Coors (US). DG Yuengling & Son is the leading US craft brewer by sales volume in 2022, according to Brewers Association (BA).
The global beer market amounts to about $610 billion in 2023, and is expected to grow annually by 5.4% from the 2023 to 2027 period, according to Statista. The largest beer-producing nations include China, the US, and Brazil.
The US brewery industry includes about 3,300 establishments (single-location companies and units of multi-location companies) with combined annual revenue of about $30 billion.
Competitive Landscape
Large breweries dominate the global beer market, but smaller craft breweries have gained market share in recent years by introducing a variety of new products that sell at higher price points. Some major beer makers have acquired popular craft brands to limit competition from the fast-growing sector. Small producers in some markets have also benefited from regulatory changes that have made it easier to self-distribute directly to retailers without having to sell through wholesalers. Breweries compete with distilleries, wineries, and other manufacturers of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.
Imports, which account for about 20% of the US market, are becoming increasingly competitive with domestic beers. The top five countries from which the US imports beer are Mexico, the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, and Germany. Exports represent about 9% of US brewery production. Mexico, Canada, Turkey, South Korea, and Thailand are the top five countries buying US beer.
The profitability of individual companies depends on marketing, distribution, and operational efficiency. Large companies have advantages in marketing and sales, economies of scale in production, and influence with distributors. Small companies can compete effectively by developing specialty products. The US industry is highly concentrated: the 50 largest breweries account for about 80% of industry revenue.
Competitive Advantages:
Premiumization – As overall beer sales have leveled off in the US, breweries are competing for customers who are willing to pay more for premium and craft products. Younger drinkers are a valuable demographic because they are less price-sensitive than average consumers; however, they also have less brand loyalty.
Product Innovation – Many breweries have developed new product lines in recent years to capitalize on consumers' eagerness to try new beers. Marketing a variety of styles and unique flavors can be an effective way to keep customers interested and nimbly adapt to changing trends.
Distributor Relationships – Establishing productive relationships with local and regional beverage distributors is a necessity for breweries, and competition for their business can be intense. While the largest beer makers have significant leverage in negotiating favorable distribution contracts, many wholesalers have been diversifying their product selections as sales of major brands have slowed. Some distributors offer specialized services and promotional support for new craft brands entering the market.
Companies to Watch:
Anheuser-Busch InBev is the world's largest brewing company, producing about 25% of all beer worldwide. The Belgian company, which owns more than 500 brands (including Budweiser, Corona, Stella Artois, and Modelo), acquired top rival SABMiller for $108 billion in 2016.
Heineken, the second-largest global beer maker by volume, operates more than 160 breweries in 70-plus countries. In addition to its namesake beer, the Dutch company's other brands include Amstel, Strongbow Ciders, Sol, and Desperados, as well as about 250 international, regional, and specialty beers.
Molson Coors, the parent company of Molson Coors Beverage Co. (formerly known as MillerCoors), has a portfolio of brands led by Miller Lite, Coors Light, and Molson Canadian. The company has a significant international presence. In Canada, it accounts for more than a quarter of beer sales nationwide.
China Resources manufactures Snow, the world's top-selling beer brand by volume. The government-controlled company purchased SABMiller's interest in Snow from AB InBev following the companies' 2016 merger.
Products, Operations & Technology
Major products of breweries include canned and cased beer and ale, which accounts for about 60% of the industry's revenue, followed by beer and ale in
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