Global Beer Export Market And Trends: Opportunities For A&B Vietnam

The global beer export market is undergoing a significant transformation, leading to emerging new consumer trends. From the booming international beer trade to the rise of craft and non-alcoholic beer, these developments create substantial opportunities for Vietnamese breweries like A&B Vietnam to expand internationally.

Global Beer Export Market

In 2023, the total global beer export turnover reached approximately $17.2 billion, marking an average increase of 9.1% over the five-year period from 2019 to 2023. Between 2022 and 2023 alone, worldwide beer exports grew by 4.1%, rising from $16.5 billion to $17.2 billion.

Mexico, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom were the top five leading countries in beer exportation, collectively accounting for 68.3% of the total global beer import-export value in 2023. Europe led in export value, representing 52.8% ($9.1 billion), followed by North America at 36.7% and Asia at 7%.

Smaller market shares, such as Latin America (2%), Africa (1.3%), and Oceania (0.3%), are all showing signs of growth. Most notably, for two consecutive years (2022 and 2023), significant export growth was seen in China (38.1%), Italy (18.4%), the Czech Republic (16.5%), and Belgium (9.7%). This indicates that the global beer export market is becoming increasingly dynamic, presenting opportunities for new suppliers who can capitalize on current trends.

Global Beer Consumer Trends

Consumer preferences for beer are shifting dramatically, transforming the entire industry. The following are key global beer trends currently shaping international market demand.

The Rise Of Craft Beer

In 2023, the global craft beer market size was estimated at $132.67 billion. Total revenue from craft beer is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.42% from 2024 to 2030, reaching nearly $265.53 billion.

This strong growth stems from consumers’ willingness to pay more to enjoy unique and distinct beers that differ from mass-produced industrial lagers.

Growing Demand For Non-Alcoholic Beer

The non-alcoholic beer segment is booming globally, driven by the healthy living trend. The global market for non-alcoholic beer was approximately $20 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $40 billion by 2033. Consumers are embracing zero-alcohol beer as a way to enjoy the taste of beer while controlling their alcohol consumption.

In the United States, sales of non-alcoholic beer in 2024 increased by 30% compared to the previous year, thanks to many new product launches and expanded distribution. Major beverage companies have also introduced their own 0.0% alcohol beer lines, affirming the appeal of this market segment.

Craft beer products in London highlight the global appeal of unique flavors and authentic brewing stories. Meanwhile, the rising popularity of non-alcoholic beers reflects global consumers’ health-conscious and responsible drinking trends.

Sustainable And Eco-Friendly Packaging

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the beer industry, particularly in packaging. Many breweries are shifting from glass bottles to aluminum cans to enhance recyclability and reduce transportation costs. Plastic materials are being phased out. A notable example is Saltwater Brewery, which pioneered edible six-pack rings made from barley byproducts. These rings are designed to biodegrade and even serve as food for marine life. Eco-friendly packaging trends comply with stricter environmental regulations in developed countries and appeal to eco-conscious consumers.

Natural Ingredients And “Green” Beer

Today, beer drinkers prefer products made from natural, organic ingredients. The global organic beer market was valued at approximately USD 8.58 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 14.71 billion by 2030, reflecting the growing demand for “clean” beverages free from chemicals. Organic beers are brewed from crops grown without pesticides or GMOs, meeting the needs of health-conscious consumers. Brewers innovate with tropical fruits and local herbs to create naturally flavored, healthier beer options.

Export Opportunities For A&B Vietnam In The Global Beer Market

The above global trends are unlocking vast opportunities for Vietnamese beer to reach international markets. Vietnam is one of Asia’s leading beer producers and consumers, ranking ninth worldwide in consumption at approximately 3.8 billion liters per year, with 2023 production estimated at 4.5 billion liters. However, Vietnam’s beer export volume remains modest, with significant room for expansion.

The four major global beer trends present a golden opportunity for Vietnamese beer to carve out a unique position. Vietnam’s abundant tropical ingredients, such as fruits and herbs, offer a natural advantage for developing distinctive craft beers infused with a “Vietnamese flavor,” which international markets find highly appealing. Local breweries can also produce high-quality, non-alcoholic beers that meet stringent quality and packaging standards required by major export markets. Moreover, free trade agreements like EVFTA and CPTPP allow Vietnamese beer to enjoy reduced tariffs, enhancing its price competitiveness globally. These advantages provide a solid foundation for A&B Vietnam to expand exports and promote Vietnamese beer worldwide.

Import Standards Across Major Markets

When exporting beer internationally, businesses must comply with each destination country’s specific import regulations. Below is a summary of key import requirements for major markets to which A&B Vietnam adheres.

A&B Vietnam’s Export Expansion Strategy

To seize the opportunities and address the challenges of global expansion, A&B Vietnam has developed a focused export strategy emphasizing:

• Market Research and Targeting: Evaluating demand and competition across regions such as Asia, Europe, America, and Africa to prioritize potential markets. Participating in international trade fairs to promote products, study local preferences, and select appropriate distribution partners.
• Product Diversification According to Trends: Developing new beer lines aligned with global preferences. Customizing packaging, volume, and label designs to meet specific market needs and enhance localization.
• Quality Assurance and Certification: Maintain production processes that meet international standards like ISO and HACCP and conduct strict pre-export inspections. Completing product registration dossiers in accordance with the importing country’s regulations to ensure smooth customs clearance and distribution.
• Building Local Distribution Networks: Establishing strong, long-term relationships with reputable importers and distributors in each country. Providing marketing and product training support to partners to jointly promote the brand. Thanks to these efforts, A&B Vietnam’s beers are now available in more than 70 countries worldwide and are well-received by local consumers.
• Enhancing International Brand Recognition: Increasing international marketing efforts to associate A&B Vietnam with high-quality standards and the unique flavors of Vietnamese beer. The company shares the “Vietnamese flavor story through digital media and culinary events,” capturing international consumer interest and differentiating itself in competitive markets.

Why Import Beer from A&B Vietnam?

As one of Vietnam’s leading beer exporters, A&B Vietnam offers global partners numerous advantages:

• Extensive experience and a widespread network.
• International quality and diverse flavors.
• Large production capacity ensuring fast delivery.
• Comprehensive support services.
• Production capacity of up to 22,000 cans per hour.
• Competitive prices for all beer types, flexible cooperation.
• Low minimum order quantities.

The global beer export market and emerging beer trends create favorable conditions for Vietnamese beer brands to thrive. With strong product quality preparation and innovative market strategies, companies like A&B Vietnam can leverage these new waves of consumer demand to assert their presence internationally and bring the distinctive flavors of Vietnamese beer to beer lovers worldwide.

A&B Vietnam

Reference Sources:

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