Global Malt Beverages Market Grows Steadily at a CAGR of 8.05%

Introduction

Malt beverages are drinks brewed primarily from malted barley, often combined with water, yeast, and other grains. They include both alcoholic varieties, such as beer, flavored malt drinks, and RTD cocktails, and non-alcoholic options, like malted soft drinks. These beverages are consumed for refreshment, social occasions, and culinary pairings. The market benefits from increasing consumer focus on health-conscious and functional beverages, including low-sugar and fortified malt drinks.

Market Dynamics

Rising popularity of flavored malt beverages (FMBs) and craft variants drives the global market

The global malt beverages market is being propelled by growing demand for flavored malt beverages (FMBs) and craft-style variants, as consumers increasingly seek distinctive, refreshing, and innovative drinking experiences. The trend toward bold flavors and premium-quality products has led brands to explore new recipes and ingredient combinations.

For example, in April 2025, Molson Coors launched Blue Moon Extra an 8% ABV version of its classic Belgian White, enhanced with orange peel and coriander, appealing to those desiring familiar tastes with a stronger twist. Such product innovations demonstrate how FMBs and craft offerings are shaping global consumer preferences.

Expansion in e-commerce and online alcohol delivery platforms creates tremendous opportunities

The global malt beverages market is seeing significant growth opportunities through the rise of e-commerce and online alcohol delivery platforms, as digital channels transform consumer buying habits. Increasing demand for convenience and home delivery has made online retail a key growth driver for malt beverage brands.

• In 2025, Carlsberg Asia introduced its Digital Acceleration Programme, collaborating with major quick-commerce platforms such as Meituan, Grab, and Delivery Hero across eight Asian markets. The initiative leverages real-time data, personalized product offerings, and ultra-fast delivery, including 30-minute options.

These strategies demonstrate how digital ecosystems enable producers to expand reach, strengthen consumer engagement, and boost sales in competitive off-trade channels.

Regional Analysis

North America stands as the dominant region in the global malt beverages market, supported by high consumer demand for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic variants. The region has witnessed strong growth in flavored malt beverages (FMBs) such as hard seltzers and RTD malt cocktails, with leading companies like Molson Coors, Anheuser-Busch InBev, and Boston Beer Company driving innovation. Premiumization, health-conscious choices, and diversified flavor profiles continue to shape market expansion. Moreover, the region benefits from a well-established distribution network across on-trade and off-trade channels, making malt beverages a staple in consumer lifestyles.

Key Highlights

• The global malt beverages market size was valued at USD 843.26 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow from USD 907.51 billion in 2025 to reach USD 1,675.39 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 8.05% during the forecast period (2025–2033).
• By Product, the market is segmented into Alcoholic Malt Beverages and Non-Alcoholic Malt Beverages. The Alcoholic malt beverages segment dominates the global market.
• By Distribution, the market is segmented into On-trade and Off-trade. The on-trade segment dominates the global market.
  North America is the highest shareholder in the global market.

Competitive Players

1. Boston Beer Company, Inc.
2. Anheuser-Busch InBev
3. Heineken N.V.
4. Carlsberg Group
5. Molson Coors Beverage Company
6. Diageo plc
7. Kirin Holdings Company Limited
8. Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd.
9. BrewDog plc
10. others

Recent Developments

• In April 2025, White Claw introduced ClawTails, a line of premium flavored malt beverages crafted using their Cold Wave Filtered process. Available in four cocktail-inspired flavors, Strawberry Cosmo, Mango Margarita, Blackberry Mojito, and Tropical Mai Tai, each with 7% ABV, real juice, and no artificial sweeteners. These are available across the U.S. in 12-ounce cans and 19.2-ounce cans of select flavors.

Segmentation

1. By Product
   1. Alcoholic Malt Beverages
      • Beer
        • Ale
        • Lager
        • Stout
        • Others
      • Flavored Alcoholic Malt Beverages
        • Hard Seltzers
        • Malt-Based Cocktails
        • Hard Tea
        • RTD Malt Drinks
   2. Non-Alcoholic Malt Beverages
      • Non-Alcoholic Beer
      • Flavored Non-Alcoholic Malt Beverages
2. By Distribution
   1. On-trade
   2. Off-trade
      • Liquor Stores
      • Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
      • Online
      • Others
3. By Regions
   1. North America
   2. Europe
   3. Asia-Pacific
   4. Latin America
   5. The Middle East and Africa