China Beer Market Overview, 2028

Traditional Chinese beers, such as "baijiu" and "huangjiu," have been consumed for centuries. However, the modern beer industry started in the late 19th century with the arrival of foreign breweries. In the early 20th century, Chinese breweries began to emerge, and the industry witnessed further development after the economic reforms of the 1980s. The Chinese beer market has experienced remarkable growth, driven by factors such as population size, rising disposable incomes, and changing lifestyles. According to industry reports, China surpassed the United States as the world's largest beer market in terms of consumption volume. The Chinese beer market is highly competitive, with both domestic and international players vying for market share. Some of the major domestic breweries include China Resources Snow Breweries (CR Snow), Tsingtao Brewery, Beijing Yanjing Brewery, and Zhujiang Brewery. International breweries like Anheuser-Busch InBev (ABI), Heineken, and Carlsberg have also made significant investments in China and established joint ventures with local companies.

According to the research report "China Beer Market Overview, 2028," published by Bonafide Research, The China Beer Market was valued at above USD 123.17 Billion in 2022. Domestic Chinese beer brands dominate the market. Companies like China Resources Snow Breweries (CR Snow), Tsingtao Brewery, and Beijing Yanjing Brewery have a significant market share. These brands have built strong recognition and loyalty among Chinese consumers. While mass-market lagers continue to be popular, there is a growing trend of premiumization in the Chinese beer market. Consumers are willing to pay more for higher-quality, imported, and craft beers. This trend reflects the increasing purchasing power and evolving tastes of Chinese consumers. China's e-commerce boom has extended to the beer market. Online beer sales have experienced rapid growth, with consumers opting for the convenience of purchasing beer online and having it delivered to their doorstep. E-commerce platforms provide a wide variety of beer options and promotional offers, attracting a significant consumer base. Beer festivals have become a popular trend in China. Events such as the Qingdao International Beer Festival and the Shanghai International Beer Festival attract large crowds and provide a platform for breweries to showcase their products. These festivals also contribute to the growing beer culture in China. Health-conscious trends are influencing the Chinese beer market. Low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beers have gained popularity among consumers seeking healthier alternatives. Brewers are also exploring options to introduce functional ingredients and natural flavors in response to consumer demands for healthier beer options.

Breweries are required to obtain licenses and permits to operate legally. This includes obtaining a production license, a hygiene license, and a product label registration certificate. These licenses ensure that breweries meet quality and safety standards set by the government. The Chinese government regulates the alcohol content in beer. According to regulations, the alcohol content of beer must not exceed a certain limit. This is done to promote responsible drinking and prevent the sale of high-alcohol products that may pose health risks. Beer products in China must comply with specific labeling requirements. These regulations include providing accurate information about the alcohol content, ingredients, nutritional value, and production details. The labels must be clear, legible, and conform to standard formats set by the government. The government regulates the advertising and marketing of beer in China. There are restrictions on advertising content, placement, and target audience. For instance, beer advertisements must not promote excessive drinking, target minors, or make misleading claims about health benefits. Also, the Chinese government imposes taxes on beer production and consumption. Tax rates may vary based on factors such as alcohol content, production volume, and geographic location. Taxation policies aim to generate revenue for the government and regulate beer consumption. The government sets health and safety standards for the production, storage, and transportation of beer. Breweries must comply with hygiene standards, maintain quality control processes, and ensure proper handling and storage to prevent contamination and ensure consumer safety. The Chinese government has regulations in place for the import and export of beer. This includes requirements for labeling, certification, customs procedures, and compliance with import/export duties and taxes. These regulations aim to ensure the quality and safety of imported and exported beer products.

The Chinese beer market faces various challenges and opportunities. One key challenge is intense competition, both from domestic rivals and international brands. Local breweries are investing in marketing and product innovation to compete with established players. Additionally, changing consumer preferences and the rise of alternative beverages pose challenges to the beer industry. However, opportunities abound, such as the potential for further premiumization, expansion into untapped regions, and leveraging e-commerce platforms to reach a broader consumer base. The beer market in China is a dynamic and evolving industry driven by changing consumer preferences, rising disposable incomes, and urbanization. The market offers vast opportunities for both domestic and international breweries, but competition is fierce. Understanding consumer trends, adapting to preferences, and navigating government regulations are key to success in this rapidly growing market.

Considered in this report:
• Geography: China
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028



Aspects covered in this report:
• China Beer Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product type:
• Lager
• Ale
• Stout & Porter
• Malt
• Others (pilsner, hard seltzer, kegs, porter)

By Category:
• Standard Beer
• Premium Beer

By Packaging :
• Bottle
• Cann
By Production:
• Macro Brewery
• Micro Brewery
• Craft Brewery

By Beverages Type:
• Alcoholic
• Non- Alcoholic

By Distribution Channel:
• On trade
• Off trade

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us. we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience:
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to beer industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.