GLOBAL★ Global Beer Consumption Rises for 27th Consecutive Year

According to Kirin Brewery's 2012 "Beer Consumption in Major Countries Worldwide," global beer consumption increased by 1% year-on-year to approximately 187.37 million kiloliters, marking the 27th consecutive year of growth. The survey was compiled based on questionnaires conducted independently with beer associations worldwide and the latest international data. By region, Asia held the largest share at 33.2%, followed by Europe at 27.9% and Latin America at 16.8%.

By country, China remained the top consumer for the second consecutive year. Although its consumption decreased by 1.2% year-on-year, its total consumption of 44.2 million kiloliters significantly outpaced the second-place country. The United States ranked second with 24.19 million kiloliters (up 1.4% year-on-year), followed by Brazil in third with 12.8 million kiloliters (up 1.5% year-on-year). Among Asian countries, Japan ranked seventh with 5.55 million kiloliters.

Among the top 25 countries, India (2.08 million kiloliters, up 12.4% year-on-year) ranked 17th and Thailand (1.89 million kiloliters, up 13.2% year-on-year) ranked 22nd, both showing double-digit growth.