It's neither Germany nor the United Kingdom, here's the country that consumes the most beer

2026-01-28 17:43:35Lifestyle SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
It's neither Germany nor the United Kingdom, here's the country that
Illustrative photo

Beer continues to be one of the most popular alcoholic beverages worldwide. In 2024, total consumption reached 194 billion liters, confirming that, despite changing habits, the market remains strong globally.

Although the discussion often focuses on per capita consumption, the total volume reveals a different picture, influenced by demographics, economic growth, and changing consumption patterns.

Which country drinks the most beer in the world?

According to data from Kirin Holdings, China remains the world's largest beer market. In 2024, 40.5 billion liters were consumed, corresponding to about 21% of global demand, despite a 3.7% decline compared to the previous year.

The United States is in second place with 22.3 billion liters, although there was also a slight decrease. Brazil completes the top three, with 15.3 billion liters of consumption.

Mexico comes in fourth with 10.8 billion liters and Russia with 9.5 billion. Germany, a traditional beer powerhouse, is in sixth place with 7.2 billion liters.

It's neither Germany nor the United Kingdom, here's the country that
The ten countries with the highest consumption

The top ten is completed by South Africa and Vietnam with 4.6 billion liters each, the United Kingdom with 4.5 billion and Spain with 4.4 billion liters, maintaining a presence in the top 10 of the global ranking.

Countries where consumption is increasing

Despite the slowdown in some developed markets, some countries are showing strong momentum. India stands out, with beer consumption expected to grow by 14.6%, driven by rising incomes and the drink's popularity among younger generations.

Mexico and Russia also saw significant growth, largely due to the expansion of the middle class and increased purchasing power.

What is happening in Europe?

The European picture remains mixed. While the continent continues to be a significant player in both beer production and consumption, trends vary widely from country to country.

Germany and Spain recorded a decline in alcohol consumption, while the United Kingdom saw a slight increase. Changing habits, a shift towards lighter drinks and increased attention to health seem to be gradually affecting the market.

It's neither Germany nor the United Kingdom, here's the country that

The other half of the truth…

In absolute numbers, China remains first due to its large population. However, if consumption is calculated per capita, the picture changes completely. At the top are not the most populous countries, but countries with a strong beer culture, such as the Czech Republic, which for years has recorded the highest beer consumption per capita in the world.

Countries such as Austria and Germany follow closely behind, while Poland is also consistently among the top countries. On the other hand, countries such as China and the United States fall significantly in the respective rankings, reflecting that the total volume of consumption does not necessarily reflect the actual habits of consumers.



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