Rise in the youth population is expected to drive market expansion shortly at a CAGR of 2.80% during the forecast period 2023 to 2032.

Market Research Future (MRFR) has published a cooked research report on the “Light Beer Market” that contains information from 2018 to 2032. The Light Beer Market is estimated to register a CAGR of 2.80% during the forecast period of 2023 to 2032.

MRFR recognizes the following companies as the key players in the global Light Beer Market— ABInBev, MillerCoors, Heineken USA, Pabst, Diageo-Guinness, Carlsberg, Asahi Breweries, Suntory Beer, Arpanoosh, ErdingerWeibbrau.

Light Beer Market Highlights

The global Light Beer Market is accounted to register a CAGR of 2.80% during the forecast period and is estimated to reach USD 391.3 billion by 2032.

Beer consumption has seen a notable uptick in recent years, driven by increased disposable income and shifts in consumer preferences. Furthermore, the unprecedented growth in the youth demographic and a rise in female drinkers have contributed to the expansion of the light beer market.

Segment Analysis

The global Light Beer Market has been segmented based on Production, Package, Distribution Channel, Type, Flavor, Application, and Age Group.

Based on the Production, the market is segmented into Macro-brewery, Microbrewery, Craft brewery, and Others. The Craft brewery segment was attributed to holding the largest market share in 2022.  The production volume for craft beer in America witnessed a 5% increase in the first two quarters of 2017, it slightly lagged behind the growth achieved in the middle of 2016. According to the Brewers Association's Chief Economist, small craft brewers are anticipated to experience progressive growth in the matured beer market over the next five years.

Based on the Package, the Light Beer Market has been segmented into Glass, PET bottles, Metal cans, and others. The PET bottle segment was expected to hold the largest market share in 2022. Several beer manufacturers are transitioning from glass bottles to PET packaging due to their superior physical properties, including high design flexibility, lightweight construction, and recyclability. PET bottles are significantly lighter, up to 86%, compared to their glass counterparts, leading to improved supply chain performance and reduced packaging-related production costs. These PET bottles can withstand pressures of 20 pasteurization units (PU) in the tunnel, meet standard lager requirements, and maintain a stable base after pasteurization. Additionally, PET bottles exhibit high impermeability to gases, providing excellent resistance to oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide loss, resulting in a shelf life of up to six months. Pivovarna Laško, d.d. introduced 0.38-liter PET packaging for beer, followed by 0.5-liter and 1.0-liter PET multilayer packaging. SABMiller plc. launched Haywards 5000, Knockout, and Foster's beer brands in 1-liter PET bottles in the Indian subcontinent. The increased investment in research and development for PET bottles is expected to create new opportunities for market players.

Based on the Distribution Channel, the Light Beer Market has been segmented into Hypermarkets & supermarkets, On-trade, Specialty Stores, Convenience Stores, and others. The Hypermarkets & supermarkets segment was expected to hold the largest market share in 2022. Hypermarkets and supermarkets are gaining favor due to the availability of a wide array of consumer goods in one convenient location, ample parking facilities, and extended operating hours. The increasing trend of urbanization, a growing working-class population, and competitive pricing further contribute to the popularity of hypermarkets in both developed and developing regions. Additionally, the presence of knowledgeable store associates assisting customers in choosing the right products enhances the growth of this retail segment. Consequently, these factors drive customers to choose this distribution channel for the purchase of light beer products over others. Thus, the supermarket/hypermarket distribution channels play a significant role in fueling the market's growth in terms of value sales.

Based on the Type, the Light Beer Market has been segmented into Limit Fermentation and Dealcoholization Methods. The limited fermentation segment was expected to hold the largest market share in 2022. As consumer health consciousness rises, there is a growing demand for beverages with reduced alcohol content. Employing the strategy of limiting fermentation in the brewing process can yield beers with fewer calories and lower alcohol levels, aligning with the preferences of health-conscious consumers.

Based on the Flavor, the Light Beer Market has been segmented into Citrus, Herbal, Fruity, and Spiced. The Fruity segment was expected to hold the largest market share in 2022. Fruit-infused light beers offer a broad consumer appeal, reaching beyond traditional beer enthusiasts. By incorporating fruit flavors, breweries create a more accessible and pleasing option, broadening the market to encompass individuals attracted to the invigorating and lively attributes of fruity beverages

Based on the Application, the Light Beer Market has been segmented into Men and women. The Men segment was expected to hold the largest market share in 2022. The light beer category, renowned for its reduced calorie content, has become increasingly popular among individuals mindful of their caloric intake, including men actively pursuing diet and fitness goals. This trend is in harmony with the overarching health and wellness movements

Based on the Age Group, the Light Beer Market has been segmented into 18-25, 26-35, 36-45, 46-55, and 56+. The 26-35 segment was expected to hold the largest market share in 2022. Individuals within the 26-35 age demographic frequently participate in social activities, gatherings, and events. The appeal of light beers, characterized by their sessionability and lower alcohol content, lies in their alignment with this demographic's preference for beverages that enhance extended socializing without inducing excessive intoxication

Regional Analysis

The global Light Beer Market, based on region, has been divided into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. North America consists of the US and Canada. The Europe Light Beer Market comprises of Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, and the rest of Europe. The Light Beer Market in Asia-Pacific has been segmented into China, India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and the rest of Asia-Pacific. The Rest of the World Light Beer Market comprises of Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.

The largest market share for the Light Beer Market was maintained by the North American regional sector. The notable upswing in the expansion of light beer within the U.S. market is propelled by the influence of social media and local events/promotions associating light beer with premium quality, sustainability, and locally produced offerings. As of 2022, the United States ranked as the second-largest global contributor to beer production, reaching approximately 194 million hectoliters, trailing only China. Domestic beer accounted for around 69 percent of beer consumption in the U.S. during the same year. The Bud brand, encompassing Bud Light, secured its position as the leading domestic beer brand with sales exceeding 6.4 billion U.S. dollars. Meanwhile, in Canada, the burgeoning health trend has impacted the sale of light beer, prompting a surge in the consumption of no/low alcohol beer. This shift has notably claimed a substantial share of the Canadian beer market. In contrast, the Mexican market exhibits a preference for lagers, pilsners, and both light and dark beers. The substantial consumption of light beer in Mexico has experienced significant growth, presenting an opportunity for the emergence of new brewers in the region. Additionally, the popularity of low-alcohol beer in Canada has opened up new avenues for market growth.

Moreover, the Europe market has been persistently growing over the forecast period. Germany stands out as a significant beer consumer in the European region, expressing a preference for top-fermented beers, including light beers. The United Kingdom, another major player in beer consumption, also favors top-fermented varieties. In contrast, France, with its prominence in beer consumption, exhibits a population preference for bottom-fermented beers. Consequently, the diverse countries in Europe showcase distinct inclinations toward different beer styles. The rising beer consumption across Europe has led to an increase in the number of brewers in the region. In 2022, European Union (EU) countries collectively produced nearly 34.3 billion liters of beer containing alcohol, along with 1.6 billion liters of beer with less than 0.5% alcohol or no alcohol content. This marked a 7% increase in the production of alcoholic beer compared to 2021, returning to levels akin to the pre-pandemic year of 2019 when production reached 34.7 billion liters. Furthermore, businesses that primarily sell food are not obligated to acquire an alcohol license to serve beer below 3.5% alcohol by weight (ABV), thereby contributing to the growth of the light beer market in the European region.

The beer culture in the Asia-Pacific region is primarily influenced by the Western world, with a notable surge in the craft beer trend. However, the growth rate of craft beer outpaces the industry's production volume, primarily attributable to challenges in the distribution channels of craft beer breweries. Despite this, the Asia-Pacific region remains a highly attractive growth market for the beer industry. China, in particular, has witnessed substantial growth in beer production, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics, increasing from 34.11 billion liters in 2020 to approximately 35.6 billion liters in 2021. This growth is fueled by a burgeoning young population, elevated income levels, and ongoing urbanization trends. These factors collectively position the Asia-Pacific region as a lucrative market for the beer industry, with significant potential for expansion.

Furthermore, the rest of the world's Light Beer Market is divided into the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Economic growth in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America has contributed to an increase in disposable incomes for a significant portion of the population. With higher purchasing power, consumers are more likely to explore and adopt premium and specialty beverages, including light beers.

Key Findings of the Study

• The global Light Beer Market is expected to reach USD 391.3 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 2.80% during the forecast period.


• The Asia-Pacific region accounted for the fastest-growing global market because the rising demand for beer in the region is directly linked to the increasing preferences for diverse tastes and unique beer-drinking experiences, driven predominantly by the growing popularity among millennials and the young workforce.


• Based on Production, the Craft brewery segment was attributed to holding the largest market in 2022, with an approximate market share of 55–60%.


• ABInBev, MillerCoors, Heineken USA, Pabst, Diageo-Guinness, Carlsberg, Asahi Breweries, Suntory Beer, Arpanoosh, ErdingerWeibbrau