Asia: The World's Largest Beer Consumer Region

In 2021, global beer consumption totaled 185.6 million kiloliters (kl), according to the *Global Beer Consumption Report in 2021* released by Kirin Holdings, a Japanese alcoholic beverage producer.

This represents a 4% year-on-year (YoY) increase compared to 2020's 178.46 million kl. Kirin Holdings attributes this rise to the global economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Asia was the largest beer-consuming region in 2021, holding a 31.4% market share with a total consumption of 58.28 million kl. Kirin Holdings stated in its report that Asia has held the highest annual beer consumption globally for 14 consecutive years, with a 3.5% YoY increase in 2021. This increase is primarily driven by higher consumption in China (5.6% YoY) and India (28.2% YoY).

Conversely, beer consumption decreased in Japan (5.2% YoY), Vietnam (5.5% YoY), and South Korea (3.2% YoY).

Europe ranked second globally with a 26.5% market share, experiencing a 3.2% YoY increase to 49.12 million kl. This rise is attributed to increased consumption in Russia (3.4% YoY) and the UK (12.7% YoY), despite a 2.1% YoY decrease in Germany.

Central and South America held the third position with an 18.3% market share, showing a 5.8% YoY increase thanks to Brazil and Mexico. North America accounted for 14.1% of the market.

The Middle East had the smallest global market share at 0.6% in 2021.

Kirin Holdings gathered this data through questionnaires distributed to beer producer associations in 170 countries.

Global Beer Consumption by Region in 2021:

1. Asia
* Consumption: 58.28 million kl
* Market Share: 31.4%

2. Europe
* Consumption: 49.12 million kl
* Market Share: 26.5%

3. Central & South America
* Consumption: 34.03 million kl
* Market Share: 18.3%

4. North America
* Consumption: 26.11 million kl
* Market Share: 14.1%

5. Africa
* Consumption: 14.63 million kl
* Market Share: 7.9%

6. Oceania
* Consumption: 2.25 million kl
* Market Share: 1.2%

7. Middle East
* Consumption: 1.16 million kl
* Market Share: 0.6%