Ales Market Report 2026

The ales market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $22.14 billion in 2025 to $23.41 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of beer consumption culture, growth of microbrewery establishments, rising disposable income levels, established on-trade distribution networks, strong consumer preference for traditional ales.

The ales market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $30.01 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing demand for premium alcoholic beverages, expansion of experiential drinking culture, growing investments in craft brewing infrastructure, rising focus on sustainable packaging, increasing innovation in brewing techniques. Major trends in the forecast period include rising demand for craft and specialty ales, growing preference for premium and super-premium beers, expansion of local and microbrewery production, increasing flavor experimentation and seasonal offerings, enhanced focus on sustainable brewing practices.

The increasing health and wellness awareness is expected to propel the growth of the ales market in the coming years. Health is increasingly viewed not merely as the absence of disease, but as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, while wellness represents a proactive approach in which individuals consciously adopt healthier lifestyle choices. Moderate beer consumption, particularly ales, has been associated with potential health and wellness benefits such as digestive support, nutritional value, cardiovascular health, and anti-inflammatory effects, owing to the minerals and bioactive compounds present in beer. As consumers become more health conscious, interest in beverages perceived as offering functional or balanced lifestyle benefits continues to grow. For instance, in December 2024, according to Health Affairs, a US-based journal of health policy, healthcare spending in the United States increased by 7.5% in 2023, up from 4.6% in 2022, reflecting heightened awareness and investment in health and preventive care. Therefore, increasing health and wellness awareness is driving the growth of 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 are 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 2025. 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, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the ales market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.

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.

This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.