Sector Trend Analysis – Beer in the United States

Note: This report includes forecasting data that is based on baseline historical data.

Executive summary

The United States (U.S.) was the world's second largest beer market in 2021, with US$104.9 billion in sales. The U.S. beer market is dominated by lager, with premium lager expected to be the fastest growing lager beer by a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.8%. The fastest growing beer categories over 2021 to 2026 are expected to be non/low alcoholic beer at a CAGR of 11.4%, followed by stout (8.9%), and dark beer (8.6%). Non-craft beer sales in the U.S. have been slowly decreasing over the past several years, while craft beer sales have seen a slow increase over 2017 to 2021.

Over 2016 to 2021, U.S. beer on and off trade has seen a role reversal with off-trade now exceeding on-trade, representing 54.7% of the market. On-trade sales fell over 2016 to 2021 while off-trade sales grew, as on-trade took a major hit during the pandemic, with closures affecting beer sales at bars and restaurants and consumers staying at home.

In 2021, the market share of store-based retailing totaled 91.3% with most U.S. consumers purchasing beer from forecourt retailers (gas stations), supermarkets, and traditional grocery retailers.

In 2021, the top ten brands in the U.S. represented 59.7% market share. Among them, Michelob Ultra saw a highest market share growth at a CAGR of 17.5% from 2017 to 2021, followed by Modelo (15.4%).

U.S. beer drinkers are shifting to higher quality ingredients out of concerns over ingredient sourcing and sustainability. The pandemic has made consumers develop a more compassionate mindset about community, caring more for the environment, labourers, and supporting smaller businesses.

The craft industry is expected to largely benefit from this trend, as consumers seek to support local businesses, as well as receive a higher quality beer with fresh ingredients.

In 2021, the US imported US$8.3 billion in beer, growing at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2017 to 2021. Top three supplier markets were Mexico (75.1%), Netherlands (12.0%), and Belgium 3.7$). Canada was the fifth largest beer supplier to the U.S. at a value of US$129 million.

 

Market overview

The U.S. was the world's second largest beer market in 2021, with US$104.9 billion in sales. U.S. beer sales were stagnant from 2016 to 2021 but are expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.0% over 2021 to 2026. U.S. beer sales are expected to reach US$133.7 billion by 2026.

Top-10 world markets, retail sales of beer, US$ billion historical and forecast
Country 2016 2021 CAGR* % 2016-2021 2022 2026 CAGR* % 2021-2026
World 584.0 650.9 2.2 735.6 997.3 8.9
China 83.3 106.5 5.0 111.0 151.5 7.3
United States 102.7 104.9 0.4 118.3 133.7 5.0
Brazil 23.9 42.9 12.5 51.4 81.6 13.7
Mexico 17.5 28.0 9.8 32.6 44.6 9.8
United Kingdom 28.0 27.3 −0.5 31.3 38.1 6.9
Germany 34.1 26.6 −4.9 31.8 36.8 6.7
Japan 37.3 25.1 −7.7 26.0 27.5 1.9
Russia 12.5 15.3 4.1 18.0 25.5 10.8
Spain 16.3 16.8 0.6 18.4 24.4 7.7
Argentina 0.6 3.5 42.1 5.9 22.9 45.5
Canada (14) 13.8 12.9 −1.3 14.4 17.1 5.8

Source: Euromonitor International, 2022

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

The U.S. beer market is dominated by lager, which saw US$84.0 billion in sales in 2021, accounting for 80.0% of total beer sales in 2021. This category is expected to see a of CAGR 3.9% in sales over 2021 to 2026, with premium lager expected to grow the fastest by a CAGR of 5.8%. The fastest growing beer categories over 2021 to 2026 are expected to be no/low alcoholic beer at a CAGR of 11.4%, followed by stout (8.9%), and dark beer (8.6%).

Retail sales of beer in the United States by category, US$ billion historical and forecast
Category 2016 2021 CAGR* % 2016-2021 2022 2026 CAGR* % 2021-2026
Beer 102,745.6 104,897.0 0.4 118,320.7 133,717.8 5.0
Lager 81,433.3 84,031.7 0.6 92,647.8 101,903.6 3.9
Flavoured Lager 1,304.1 1,370.6 1.0 1,429.0 1,714.3 4.6
Standard Lager 80,129.2 82,661.1 0.6 91,218.8 100,189.3 3.9
Premium Lager 32,514.7 40,758.3 4.6 43,175.8 54,009.2 5.8
Mid-Priced Lager 32,553.7 28,646.7 −2.5 33,392.7 31,834.1 2.1
Economy Lager 15,060.8 13,256.1 −2.5 14,650.2 14,346.0 1.6
Standard Lager (Origin) 80,129.2 82,661.1 0.6 91,218.8 100,189.3 3.9
Dark Beer 18,423.2 17,359.8 −1.2 21,623.6 26,281.9 8.6
Ale 13,594.5 13,420.9 −0.3 16,886.4 21,531.0 9.9
Wheat Beer 4,828.8 3,938.9 −4.0 4,737.1 4,751.0 3.8
Non/Low Alcohol Beer 733.4 916.1 4.5 1,058.7 1,569.9 11.4
Low Alcohol Beer 334.2 246.5 −5.9 277.3 363.3 8.1
Non Alcoholic Beer 399.2 669.6 10.9 781.4 1,206.6 12.5
Stout 2,155.6 2,589.4 3.7 2,990.7 3,962.4 8.9

Source: Euromonitor International, 2022

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

Non-craft beer sales in the U.S. have been slowly decreasing while craft beer sales have seen a slow increase over 2017 to 2021. Craft beer took a major hit during the pandemic, with foodservice closures affecting its main points of sale. However, according to Euromonitor, craft beer sales are expected to return to prepandemic sales levels and then some. Craft beer performed better in 2021, a year when U.S. consumers were not only itching to get out and socialize but they wanted to specifically support local bars/pubs and were willing to pay premium prices to do so. Craft beer has also benefited from multiple trends that work in its favour, from premiumisation to innovative flavours and the reopening of sales channels. Pandemic related challenges facing craft beer include supply chain issues and the cost of ingredients, which are rising; as well as space issues - where to store packaging that must now be purchased by the tonne in order to fill an order.

United States craft beer vs. non-craft beer market - litres (million)
Brand (Company) 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 CAGR* 2017-2021
Craft 2,836.0 2,943.4 3,029.7 2,849.2 2,978.0 1.0
Non-Craft 21,080.0 20,694.4 20,454.3 20,091.1 20,433.7 −0.6
Total 23,916.0 23,637.8 23,484.0 22,940.3 23,411.6 −0.4

Source: Euromonitor International, 2022

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

Off-trade and on-trade

Over 2016 to 2021, on and off trade in the U.S. beer market has seen a role reversal with off-trade now exceeding on-trade, representing 54.7% of the market. On-trade sales fell over 2016 to 2021 by a CAGR of −2.9%, while off-trade sales grew by 3.7%, as on-trade took a major hit during the pandemic, with closures affecting beer sales at bars and restaurants and with consumers staying at home.

Over 2021 to 2026, on-trade is expected to see faster sales growth by a CAGR of 7.3% as it rebounds from the pandemic, reaching US$67.5 billion in 2026. Off-trade sales are expected to grow more slowly by a CAGR of 2.9% reaching US$66.2 billion by 2026. Numerous beer categories, especially dark beer, stout, and low/non-alcoholic beer, are expected to see the fastest on-trade sales growth.

Beer retail sales in the United States: on-trade/off-trade, in US$ million historical and forecast
Category Off-trade / on trade 2016 2021 CAGR* 2016-2021 2022 2026 CAGR* 2021-2026
Beer Off-trade 47,808.4 57,378.9 3.7 57,400.5 66,169.2 2.9
On-trade 54,937.2 47,518.1 −2.9 60,920.2 67,548.6 7.3
Dark Beer Off-trade 6,014.4 7,015.3 3.1 7,457.0 10,504.3 8.4
On-trade 12,408.8 10,344.6 −3.6 14,166.6 15,777.6 8.8
Lager Off-trade 40,772.2 48,879.8 3.7 48,338.5 53,560.9 1.8
On-trade 40,661.1 35,151.9 −2.9 44,309.3 48,342.7 6.6
Non/Low Alcohol Beer Off-trade 315.1 500.8 9.7 573.4 878.7 11.9
On-trade 418.3 415.2 −0.1 485.3 691.2 10.7
Stout Off-trade 706.6 983.0 6.8 1,031.7 1,225.3 4.5
On-trade 1,449.0 1,606.4 2.1 1,959.0 2,737.2 11.2

Source: Euromonitor International, 2022

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

Distribution channels

In 2021, the market share of store-based retailing totaled 91.3% with most U.S. consumers purchasing beer from forecourt retailers (gas stations), supermarkets, and traditional grocery retailers. Sales at other grocery retailers grew fastest among store based retailers, by a CAGR of 20.8%, followed by discounters (12.5%), and mass merchandisers (12.0%).

E-commerce beer sales grew the fastest amongst all retail distribution channels, at a CAGR of 35.1% over 2017 to 2021, with growth spiking in 2020. According to Rabobank, in addition to consumers' adoption of E-commerce during the pandemic, changes in U.S. state laws have also buoyed growth in alcohol sales in grocery and E-commerce channels. Ten states representing 12% of the U.S. population have so far passed laws making it easier for grocers to sell alcohol online (particularly by enabling third party delivery) and increasing the market for online alcohol sales.

Distribution channels for beer in the United States, breakdown in % by volume, 2016 to 2021
Outlet type 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 CAGR* 2017-2021
Grocery Retailers 93.0 92.9 92.8 91.6 91.3 −0.5
Modern Grocery Retailers 62.2 62.3 62.5 59.6 57.5 −1.9
Convenience Stores 7.6 7.5 7.7 6.8 6.6 −3.5
Discounters 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.8 0.8 12.5
Forecourt Retailers 31.8 31.9 32.3 27.6 26.7 −4.3
Hypermarkets 2.9 3.1 3.1 3.5 3.3 3.3
Supermarkets 19.5 19.2 18.8 20.9 20.0 0.6
Traditional Grocery Retailers 30.7 30.7 30.3 32.0 33.8 2.4
Food/drink/tobacco specialists 23.3 23.4 23.3 24.4 23.3 0.0
Independent Small Grocers 4.4 4.3 4.1 4.1 3.9 −3.0
Other Grocery Retailers 3.1 3.0 2.9 3.5 6.6 20.8
Non-Grocery Specialists 2.9 2.7 2.4 2.1 2.0 −8.9
Drugstores/parapharmacies 2.9 2.7 2.4 2.1 2.0 −8.9
Mixed Retailers 3.6 3.7 4.1 4.5 4.6 6.3
Mass Merchandisers 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 12.0
Variety Stores 0.1 0.1 0.1
Warehouse Clubs 2.9 3.0 3.1 3.4 3.5 4.8
E-Commerce 0.6 0.6 0.7 1.8 2.0 35.1
Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 0.0

Source: Euromonitor International, 2022

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

Competitive landscape

In 2021, the top ten brands in the U.S. represented 59.7% market share. Among them, Michelob Ultra saw the highest market share growth at a CAGR of 17.5% over 2017 to 2021, followed by Modelo (15.4%).

According to Euromonitor, consumers are becoming more mindful of what they drink, and this can be seen with the uptick in sales of no/low alcohol beers, which have growing rapidly. In response, companies are investing in innovative products with claims that meet consumer demands. For example, Anheuser-Busch InBev has announced it is launching the first zero carb beer, Bud Light Next.

Companies such as Athletic Brewing Co and Heineken have also seen immense growth of their non-alcoholic beer brands. Athletic Brewing Co is set to open another facility in California with the backing of notable celebrities and athletes, while AB InBev has pledged one fifth of its total production to go towards the no/low alcohol segment by the year 2025.

U.S. beer drinkers are also shifting to higher quality ingredients out of concerns over ingredient sourcing and sustainability. The pandemic has made consumers develop a more compassionate mindset about community, caring more for the environment, labourers, and supporting smaller businesses. There is an increased willingness to pay more for commodities if it means a higher quality product. The craft industry is expected to largely benefit from this trend, as consumers seek to support local businesses, as well as receive a higher quality beer with fresh ingredients.

Market share of the top ten beer product brands in the United States retail sales in US$ billion, 2017 to 2021
Brand (Company) 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 CAGR* 2017-2021
Bud Light (Anheuser-Busch InBev NV) 16.6 16.1 15.3 15.0 14.4 −3.5
Coors Light (Molson Coors Brewing Co) 8.2 8.0 7.8 7.7 7.4 −2.5
Michelob Ultra (Anheuser-Busch InBev NV) 3.3 3.8 4.6 6.0 6.3 17.5
Miller Lite (Molson Coors Brewing Co) 6.3 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.3 0.0
Modelo Especial (Constellation Brands Inc) 3.5 4.1 4.7 5.7 6.2 15.4
Budweiser (Anheuser-Busch InBev NV) 5.9 5.7 5.4 5.4 5.2 −3.1
Corona Extra (Constellation Brands Inc) 4.2 4.1 4.2 4.7 4.8 3.4
Busch Light (Anheuser-Busch InBev NV) 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.7 3.8 3.6
Natural Light (Anheuser-Busch InBev NV) 3.2 3.3 3.3 3.4 3.3 0.8
Busch (Anheuser-Busch InBev NV) 2.4 2.3 2.2 2.1 2.0 −4.5
Total 56.9 56.9 57.1 60.1 59.7 1.2

Source: Euromonitor International, 2022

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

Foreign beer in the United States

In 2021, the US imported US$8.3 billion in beer, growing at a CAGR of 4.7% over 2017 to 2021. Top three supplier markets were Mexico (75.1%), Netherlands (12.0%), and Belgium (3.7%). Canada was the fifth largest beer supplier to the U.S. at a value of US$129 million.

United Statestop-10 import markets for beer (HS: 2203), in US$ millions, 2017 to 2021
 Market 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 CAGR* % 2017-2021 Market share (%) in 2021
World 6,917.7 7,211.9 7,757.4 8,001.6 8,296.3 4.7 100
Mexico 4,428.6 4,786.4 5,375.0 5,685.9 6,230.3 8.9 75.1
Netherlands 1,086.1 1,053.8 1,019.8 1,155.3 998.5 −2.1 12.0
Belgium 434.3 447.2 536.3 488.3 304.2 −8.5 3.7
Ireland 287.0 276.8 292.5 230.5 228.0 −5.6 2.8
Canada 149.9 144.9 144.8 138.0 128.9 −3.7 1.6
Germany 249.2 144.3 123.8 103.6 116.0 −17.4 1.4
Poland 13.2 15.3 15.8 14.1 52.3 41.0 0.6
Italy 30.2 30.5 38.7 35.5 46.3 11.3 0.6
Jamaica 34.1 34.4 26.7 26.3 30.5 −2.8 0.4
UK 65.8 30.6 27.9 19.9 19.0 −26.7 0.2

Source: Global Trade Tracker, 2022

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

Over 2017 to 2021, American imports of Canadian beer decreased from US$150 million in 2017 to US$129 million in 2021, at a CAGR of −3.7%. Sales of beer in kegs fell the fastest by a CAGR of −11.0% followed by canned beer (−5.2%).

United States imports of Canadian beer - US$ million, 2017 to 2021
HS Code Description 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 CAGR* % 2017-2021
2203 Beer 149.9 144.9 144.8 138.0 128.9 −3.7
2203000060 Beer in non-glass containers under 4 liters 78.6 76.5 75.1 76.9 63.5 −5.2
2203000030 Beer in glass containers under 4 liters 60.9 57.9 59.2 56.7 58.9 −0.9
2203000090 Beer in containers over 4 liters 10.4 10.5 10.6 4.4 6.6 −11.0

Source: Global Trade Tracker

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

New product launches

Over 2017 to 2021, 299 craft beer products were launched to the U.S., with the greatest number of new products introduced in 2019. The most popular product claims were environmentally friendly packaging and recycling. Dogfish Head Craft Brewery launched the greatest number of products, followed by Boston Beer.

Craft beer product launches in the United States, 2017 to 2021
Product attributes Number of new product by year Total
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Yearly product launches 33 44 93 58 71 299
Top 5 claims
Ethical - Environmentally Friendly Package 12 29 56 39 43 179
Ethical - Recycling 11 28 55 39 42 175
Social Media 3 7 24 11 21 66
Seasonal 3 7 12 8 8 38
Not Specified 9 3 9 7 8 36
Top 5 companies
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery 6 3 5 1 1 16
Boston Beer 1 0 8 1 1 11
New Belgium Brewing 1 2 5 2 0 10
Blue Moon Brewing 3 3 0 0 0 6
Lavery Brewing 0 0 2 1 3 6
Top 5 flavours (including blend)
Unflavoured/Plain 26 31 75 44 58 234
Honey 1 2 0 1 0 4
Pumpkin/Squash 0 1 2 0 1 4
Lemon 0 0 3 0 0 3
Orange/Sweet Orange 0 2 1 0 0 3
Top 5 package types
Can 11 19 56 41 54 181
Bottle 22 25 36 17 17 117
Not Specified 0 0 1 0 0 1
Launch types
New Variety/Range Extension 15 22 60 31 25 153
New Packaging 13 10 16 12 17 68
New Product 5 8 10 14 27 64
Relaunch 0 4 7 1 2 14
Source: Mintel GNPD, 2022

Examples of new products

Light Craft Lager

Source: Mintel GNPD
Company Saint Archer Brewing
Launch type New product
Price in US dollars 14.99
Product description Saint Archer Gold Light Craft Lager contains 95 calories and 2.6 carbs per can. The product retails in a recyclable pack, containing 12 12 ounce slim cans.
 

Claims: Ethical (vegan / no animal ingredients, social media).

Pecan Porter

Source: Mintel GNPD
Company (512) Brewing
Launch type New product
Price in US dollars 9.99
Product description (512) Brewing Co Pecan Porter is described as a robust porter brewed with organic Texas pecans and carbonated using Earthly Labs CO2 collection system, which collects and purifies CO2 directly from primary fermentation. The vegan conscious craft beer is 83% organic, and retails in a recyclable pack of four 12 ounce bottles with YouTube link. The brewer is part of the Certified Independent Craft Brewers Association.
 

Claims: Organic, Ethical (environmentally friendly package, vegan/no animal ingredients, recycling), Social media.

Mama's Keys Key Lime Pie Gose

Source: Mintel GNPD
Company Crowns & Hops Brewing Co.
Launch type New product
Price in US dollars 5.99
Product description This vegan friendly product has been brewed with key lime puree, cinnamon, coriander, sea salt, vanilla, and graham crackers. It retails in a 1-pint pack featuring a QR code and the Certified Independent Craft Brewers Association, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter logos.
 

Claims: Ethical (vegan/no animal ingredients, social media).

Black Is Beautiful Imperial Stout

Source: Mintel GNPD
Company Weathered Souls Brewing
Launch type New product
Price in US dollars 9.98
Product description Weathered Souls Brewing Co. Black Is Beautiful Imperial Stout is said to be brewed to support justice and equality for people of colour. The kosher product retails in a 100% recycled and recyclable pack of two 1 pint cans, bearing the Independent Craft Brewers Association Certified logo. The manufacturer claims to donate 10% of profits to organizations dedicated to racial equality.
 

Claims: Kosher, Ethical (environmentally friendly package, charity, recycling).

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Prepared by: Kris Clipsham, Market Analyst

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