Ales Market Report 2025

The ales market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $21.32 billion in 2024 to $22.89 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to cultural and social trends, changing consumer preferences, microbrewery and craft beer movement, local and artisanal focus, food and beverage pairing.

The ales market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $29.93 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to sustainability and locally sourced ingredients, health and wellness trends, innovations in brewing techniques, marketing and branding strategies, globalization of craft beer culture. Major trends in the forecast period include low-alcohol and non-alcoholic ales, sustainable brewing practices, digital marketing and e-commerce, collaborative brews, beer tourism.

The rising inclination to consume beer is anticipated to drive the growth of the ales market in the future. Beer is an alcoholic beverage made by extracting essential materials with water, followed by boiling and fermentation. Light to moderate beer consumption has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, improved blood sugar control, stronger bones, and a reduced risk of dementia, which contributes to the growing preference for beer and, consequently, ales. For instance, in December 2023, a report from Kirin Holdings Company Limited, a Japan-based beverage company, indicated that approximately 192.1 million kiloliters of beer were consumed in 2022, reflecting a 2.9% increase from the previous year. Additionally, in August 2024, Beverage Daily reported that the Brewers Association, a UK-based digital publication focused on the beverage industry and dedicated to promoting small and independent American brewers, noted that the number of craft breweries rose to 9,761 in 2023, up from 9,675 in 2022, while the craft beer market share increased from 13.2% to 13.6%. Thus, the increasing propensity to consume beer is driving the growth of the ales market.

The burgeoning consciousness surrounding health and wellness is anticipated to be a pivotal factor propelling the expansion of the ales market in the foreseeable future. The understanding that health extends beyond mere absence of illness to encompass mental, social, and physical well-being has sparked a proactive pursuit of wellness-oriented lifestyles. Moderate beer consumption is associated with potential health and wellness benefits such as aiding digestion, providing nutritional advantages, supporting heart health, and exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to the minerals and compounds present in beer, particularly ales. As observed in January 2022, with insights from Mindbody, Inc., over half of Australians (52%) were committed to nurturing their overall well-being to fortify their resilience against illnesses, signifying the driving force of increasing health and wellness awareness in shaping the ales market.

Product innovation stands out as a prominent trend gaining traction within the ales market. Leading companies within this sector are channeling efforts into crafting novel products to fortify their market positioning. An exemplary instance emerged in March 2023, as Bira, an India-based craft beer brand, unveiled the Hill Station Cider Ales. These hard cider ales are crafted using fresh Himalayan apples and mountain barley, offering dry yet mildly sweet flavors with subtle malt notes and a robust essence of fresh orchard apples. The natural crispness of Himalayan apple ciders renders them versatile for all seasons and ideally served over ice, showcasing an innovative product catering to evolving consumer preferences within the ales market.

Prominent entities within the ales market are embracing a strategic partnership approach as a means to bolster their visibility and reach. These collaborations involve leveraging the strengths and resources of each partner to attain mutual advantages and foster success. A case in point emerged in May 2023, as Heineken N.V., a Netherlands-based brewing company, unveiled a strategic partnership with Formula 1, a UK-based motor racing competition. This alliance has spurred Heineken's expansive engagement, intending to target a new audience through ethical drinking messaging and the promotion of Heineken 0.0, the world's leading non-alcoholic beverage. The collaboration aims to forge deeper connections with the burgeoning fan base of the sport by introducing innovative initiatives, advocating responsible consumption, and delivering premium entertainment experiences. Notably, the partnership features the involvement of Dutch superstar DJ and producer Martin Garrix, set to headline a series of captivating performances for Heineken across the season, commencing with the Canadian Grand Prix.

In August 2024, Northern Bar Management Ltd., a company based in the UK that operates bars, restaurants, and takeaway brands in Northern England, acquired Anarchy Brew Co. for an undisclosed sum. Through this acquisition, Northern Bar Management Ltd. intends to expand the brewery's taproom, strengthen its market presence, and address financial challenges. Anarchy Brew Co. is a UK-based craft ale brewery.

Major companies operating in the ales market include Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV, Heineken N.V., Carlsberg A/S, Diageo plc, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., United Breweries Group, China Resources Snow Breweries Limited, The Boston Beer Company Inc., Asahi Group Holdings Ltd., Beijing Yanjing Brewery Co. Ltd., Dogfish Head Craft Brewery Inc., Oettinger Brauerei GmbH, Squatters Craft Beers, D.G. Yuengling & Son Inc., Kirin Holdings Company Limited, Molson Coors Beverage Company, Sapporo Holdings Limited, Tsingtao Brewery Co. Ltd., New Belgium Brewing Company Inc., Bell's Brewery Inc., Stone Brewing Co., The Brooklyn Brewery, Lagunitas Brewing Company, Deschutes Brewery & Public House, Founders Brewing Co., Oskar Blues Brewery, Goose Island Beer Company, Magic Hat Brewing Company, Harpoon Brewery LLC, Full Sail Brewing Company, Rogue Ales & Spirits, Avery Brewing Co., Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Odell Brewing Co., Victory Brewing Company, Left Hand Brewing Company.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the ales market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the ales market report forecast period. The regions covered in the ales market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the ales market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Ale, a variety of beer produced through a warm fermentation process, yields a sweet, full-bodied, and fruity flavor profile. Not only does ale offer significant nutritional value, but it also contributes to hydration. This type of beer is known for its diverse range of flavors, characterized by a brighter, richer, more assertive, and hoppy taste, often accompanied by a higher alcohol content.

The primary production methods for ale include macro brewery, micro-brewery, and craft brewery. Macro breweries engage in large-scale production, crafting quantities exceeding 6 million barrels of beer annually. These ales are packaged in various formats such as bottles, cans, and others, and are classified into popular priced, premium, and super premium categories. Distribution occurs through both on-trade and off-trade channels.

The ales market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides ales market statistics, including ales industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with an ales market share, detailed ales market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the ales industry. This ales market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The ales market consists of sales of blonde ale, brown ales, pilsner, sour ale, and pale ale. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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