Beer Consumption

Canadean reports that in the rapidly developing BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China), consumption of Beer is outpacing that for Alcoholic drinks overall.

According to a series of new reports from leading beverage industry analysts Canadean, the huge populations and thriving economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China have helped Beer to grow dynamically in recent years. Indeed, between 2002 and 2007, total consumption across the four countries increased by almost 50%!

India is believed to hold the potential to grow faster than any other BRIC country over the next thirty to fifty years. The sub-continent’s Beer market has been equally dynamic, growing by almost 90% since the turn of the Century. Exceptionally high growth was generated in the northern states of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan which took full advantage of reduced taxes and improvements in the distribution policy.

Consumers in India are displaying a distinct preference for Strong Beer which has gained market share steadily in recent years and now accounts for almost 70% of total volume. Kingfisher Strong replaced Kingfisher Premium as the leading Beer and the Kingfisher brand overall now holds a commanding position. Interestingly, international brands have made little impression in India. The only real success story has been Foster’s whose Indian operation was acquired by SABMiller in September 2006.