41 Super INTERESTING Beer Statistics [Infographic]

beer statistics
Joe | Last Updated: November 19, 2023
I'm Joe, a veteran bartender with over a decade in the industry and a burning passion for mixing drinks.

From ancient civilizations to modern-day gatherings, beer has been a beloved beverage for thousands of years.

Its rich history, diverse flavors, and cultural significance have made it a staple in societies across the globe. But beyond the frothy head and amber liquid lies a world of fascinating facts and figures.

Whether you’re a casual drinker, a craft beer enthusiast, or just someone with a thirst for knowledge, I’ve compiled 41 super interesting beer statistics that will surprise, delight, and maybe even challenge what you thought you knew about this age-old drink.

So, if like me, you’re interested in learning more about beer and its heritage, stick around until the end of this post and I guarantee you’ll have learned something new.

Let’s get into it…

Key takeaways:
1. Beer is the most widely consumed alcoholic drink on the planet.
2. There are over 100 varieties of beer, with the two main categories being ales and lagers.
3. At any given time, 0.7% of the world is drunk.
4. Around the world, humans consume over 50 billion gallons of beer every year.
5. Men, consumers between 18 and 34, those not college-educated, and those with an income less than $40,000 and between $40,000 and $99,999 are more likely to drink beer.

Contents show

Key Beer Statistics

Beer, an ancient beverage enjoyed by many, has carved a significant niche in the global market.

These key statistics provide insights into beer’s popularity, its role as a primary alcoholic beverage choice, and its impact across various demographics and regions.

beer statistics

From consumption patterns to renowned brands, discover some of beer’s most fascinating aspects.

  1. Beer is the most widely consumed alcoholic drink on the planet.
  2. The United States has more than 7,000 breweries, with the top three leading companies being Anheuser-Busch, MillerCoors, and Pabst Brewing Company
  3. There are over 100 varieties of beer, with the two main categories being ales and lagers
  4. Beer is the preferred alcoholic beverage for 22% of consumers, while 17% prefer wine, 14% prefer spirits, and 11% prefer other beverages such as cider and hard seltzers.
  5. At any given time, 0.7% of the world is drunk.
  6. Budweiser is the world’s most famous beer.
  7. Belgium has the most individual brands of beer found in any country, with around 400 different brands.
  8. The Czech Republic consumed 2,033 million liters of beer in 2018.
  9. The Czech Republic is the country with the highest beer consumption per capita, while China has the highest overall beer consumption.
  10. Around the world, humans consume over 50 billion gallons of beer every year.
  11. Men, consumers between 18 and 34, those not college-educated, and those with an income less than $40,000 and between $40,000 and $99,999 are more likely to drink beer.
  12. In medieval Europe, the average person drank 220-250 liters of beer a year, as it had undergone fermentation and was cleaner and safer to drink than water.

>> Read more: 47 MUST-SEE Cocktail Trends & Statistics

Historical Beer Facts

The history of beer is as rich as its flavor. Rooted in ancient civilizations, beer has been a companion to humanity for millennia.

This section sheds light on the evolution of beer, its origins, and some remarkable milestones.

Learn about the significant events that have shaped the world of beer as we know it today.

  1. Dating back to 5,000 BC, beer is one of the oldest beverages in the world.
  2. The earliest evidence of beer brewing came from Ancient Egypt.
  3. The oldest archaeological evidence of fermentation is 13,000 years old.
  4. The oldest beer brewery dates back to 1040.
  5. Ancient Sumerians produced beer from malt and bread.
  6. In 1850, Louis Pasteur studied beer and invented pasteurization after finding that it “was alive”.

>> Read more: 45 INTRIGUING Wine Statistics

Beer Ingredients & Production

At the heart of every beer lies a combination of ingredients and a process that transforms them into the beverage we love.

Explore the essentials of beer production, from its core ingredients to the pioneering individuals behind brewing innovations.

  1. Beer’s core ingredients are grains, hops, yeast, and water.
  2. The United States has the most craft breweries in the world, with over 8,000 as of 2021.
  3. The first professional brewers were women.

>> Read more: 44 FASCINATING Happy Hour Statistics

Fun & Quirky Beer Facts

Beyond its taste and history, beer is full of surprises. This section is dedicated to the lighter side of beer, featuring fun facts, unusual trivia, and quirky tidbits.

Whether it’s about peculiar phobias or unexpected uses of beer throughout history, prepare to be both entertained and informed.

  1. Lager is a type of beer that is produced at low temperatures.
  2. McDonald’s sells beer on its menu in many countries such as France, Germany, Portugal, and South Korea.
  3. The Czech Republic was the first country to have a beer museum.
  4. It is alleged that the longest hangover took place after a Scotsman drank just over 28 liters of beer, and his hangover lasted for 4 weeks.
  5. Ale and lager are the two major types of beers.
  6. The most popular beer style in the United States is American Lager, followed by Light Lager and IPA (India Pale Ale).
  7. The average price of a pint of beer in the United States is $5.06.
  8. Ale is a type of beer that is produced from the warm fermentation method.
  9. Cenosillicaphobia is the fear of an empty beer glass.
  10. The U.S. ranks second in beer production at over 23 million kiloliters of beer per year.
  11. China is the world’s biggest beer producer with over 47 million kiloliters per year.
  12. In the 1600s, midwives created super-strong beer to ease the pain of labor.

>> Read more: 44 CAPTIVATING Rum Statistics

Beer Market Dynamics

The beer industry is a behemoth, contributing significantly to economies worldwide.

This segment delves into the market dynamics of beer, highlighting its economic impact, growth projections, and market shares.

  1. The beer industry contributes $328 billion to the U.S. economy and supports 2.1 million jobs.
  2. The global beer industry employs over 2 million people.
  3. The beer market in the United States is projected to reach $962.39 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 2.8% from 2019 to 2025.
  4. The craft beer market in the United States is projected to reach $502.9 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 14.1% from 2019 to 2025.
  5. In 2021, 66% of beer sales were attributed to “large, non-craft domestic” companies, while imports accounted for 21% and craft beer for 13%.
  6. The craft beer industry has a market share of 13.6% in the United States, with a total volume of 26.3 million barrels in 2020.

>> Read more: 55 SHOCKING Bar Industry Statistics

World Records & Extremes

For those who enjoy the extremes, this section celebrates the boundaries being pushed in the world of beer.

From the strongest beers that challenge the palate to astonishing world records, discover the limits of what beer can achieve and the enthusiasts who dare to redefine them.

  1. ‘Snake Venom’ is the strongest beer in the world with 67.5% alcohol by volume.
  2. Brewmeister’s Armageddon is the second-strongest beer in the world, with an alcohol content of around 65%.

>> Read more: 41 Bartender Statistics That Will ASTONISH You

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