The price of lager peaked in the United Kingdom in 2023. In that year, lager cost an average *** pence for a pint. Since 2012, the price of a pint of lager has increased by over ** percent.

This statistic illustrates the monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) for alcoholic beverages in the United Kingdom (UK), from March 2017 to April 2024, where the year 2015 equals 100. In March 2024, the index value of alcoholic beverage prices, including spirits, wine and beer, was measured at *****. Consumer price indices are designed to measure changes in the price of everything consumers buy. More information on CPI can be found here.

In December 2023, a pint of draught lager beer cost on average **** British pounds in the United Kingdom. This was a slight increase compared to November of that year when the average price was one pence lower. From December 2015 to December 2023 the price of a pint of draught beer rose by ** percent. Lager Draught or draft beer is defined as beer that is served from a keg or cask. Compared to bitter, the price of draught lager was on average **** pounds in October of 2020. Lager was one of the most popular beer category among UK consumers. UK beer market Overall close to *** million liters of beer were sold in the UK in 2023. Compared to its European neighbors, UK per-capita consumption is in the middle and came to ** liters.

In 2023, supplies from abroad of beer decreased by -7% to 813M litres, falling for the second consecutive year after two years of growth.

The beer and malt production landscape in Europe is fuelled by the continent's storied cultural affinity for the brew and the evolving tastes of its consumers. Currently, Europe has the highest average alcohol consumption globally, with eight of the top 10 drinking nations within its borders, including the Czech Republic, Austria and France, according to data from the CIA. However, there is a drop occurring, with the average European now drinking 9.5 litres of pure alcohol annually — a significant fall of 21% since the turn of the millennium, according to the World Health Organisation. This decline echoes a growing societal awareness of the risks of alcohol excess and a discernible trend towards more responsible consumption practices. This is projected to cause a shrinking of industry revenue at a compound annual rate of 3.7% over the five years through 2024, including a 3.3% drop in 2024 alone, reaching €70.4 billion. Despite falling alcohol consumption, beer has exceeded traditional spirits and wine as the beverage of choice in many European countries. France, a nation renowned for its wine, has seen beer become the more favoured alcoholic drink of choice, according to a 2023 survey by French wine consultancy firm Sowine. These shifts have bolstered the presence of multinational breweries that capitalised on emerging markets and triggered a flourishing microbrewery segment, illustrating a robust appetite for locally crafted beers. The thirst for artisanal brews is strong in many parts of Europe, with countries like Italy, Germany and France experiencing a surge in microbrewery establishments. This is despite a deceleration in certain regions, like the UK and Spain. Health concerns regarding alcohol consumption are predicted to continue driving a downward trend; more governments are set to introduce regulations to curb excessive drinking, like Scotland's minimum pricing strategy, which has successfully curbed alcohol-related harms. There is a burgeoning opportunity for consolidation within the craft beer segment. Multinationals like InBev and Heineken are poised to leverage this inflexion point as the market matures and the growth of independent microbreweries steadies in some regions. They've already begun strategically acquiring artisan brands, a trend which is likely to hasten. Overall, industry revenue is projected to rise at a compound annual rate of 3% over the five years through 2029, reaching €81.7 billion .

In 2024, the UK beer market decreased by -4.6% to $5.3B, falling for the second consecutive year after two years of growth. Over the period under review, consumption, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $6.7B. From 2023 to 2024, the growth of the market failed to regain momentum.

United Kingdom Retail Price Index: Alcoholic Drink: Beer: On Sales data was reported at 363.300 13Jan1987=100 in Oct 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 363.800 13Jan1987=100 for Sep 2018. United Kingdom Retail Price Index: Alcoholic Drink: Beer: On Sales data is updated monthly, averaging 223.800 13Jan1987=100 from Jan 1987 (Median) to Oct 2018, with 382 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 363.800 13Jan1987=100 in Sep 2018 and a record low of 100.000 13Jan1987=100 in Jan 1987. United Kingdom Retail Price Index: Alcoholic Drink: Beer: On Sales data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Office for National Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Kingdom – Table UK.I011: Retail Price Index.

As of 2023, the leading beer brand by sales in the United Kingdom (UK) was Stella Artois. In the 12 months that ended in March 2023, Stella Artois generated approximately 233 million British pounds from the sale of beer. Budweiser was the brand with the second highest retail revenue in 2022 and sold 136 million British pounds worth of beer.

Beer consumption in the United Kingdom

In 2021, the annual average Consumer Price Index (CPI) of beer in UK reached its peak at 107.2. The price of beer has continuously increased since 2016. The annual volume of beer consumed in the UK amounts to approximately 46.1 million hectoliters. Although beer consumption in the UK has fluctuated, there has been a continuous rise in consumer spending on beer during the last decade. In 2020, the increase in consumer spending on beer was particularly high, exceeding the price increases by a noticeable margin. In the following year, the high spending levels remained.

Effects of the pandemic on the production of beer in the United Kingdom

The volume of annual beer sales in the UK was on a downward trend during the period from 2004 to 2016. Afterward, sales were slowly rising until 2020. During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, beer sales experienced a drop of nearly four million barrels. That year, considerably less beer was produced in the UK. However, the annual production volume of beer in the UK has gone back to prior pandemic levels the following year, amounting to almost 38.4 million hectoliters in 2021. The number of enterprises for the manufacture of beer has more than doubled since 2008 and amounts to 1,359.

The European beer market, valued at €751.05 million in 2025, exhibits a robust growth trajectory, projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.06% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by several key drivers. The increasing popularity of craft beers and specialized brews caters to evolving consumer preferences for unique flavor profiles and higher-quality ingredients. Furthermore, strategic marketing campaigns highlighting the social and cultural aspects of beer consumption, along with innovative packaging and distribution strategies targeting younger demographics, are contributing significantly to market expansion. The market is segmented by product type (ale, lager, and other product types) and distribution channel (on-trade, encompassing pubs and restaurants, and off-trade, including supermarkets and retail stores). Competition is fierce, with major players like Anheuser-Busch InBev, Heineken, Carlsberg, and Asahi Group Holdings vying for market share. While the on-trade segment is recovering from pandemic-related restrictions, the off-trade segment continues its strong performance, driven by convenience and home consumption trends. Regional variations exist, with Germany, the UK, France, and Spain representing significant market segments, exhibiting varying growth rates influenced by local consumer preferences and economic conditions. Regulatory changes regarding alcohol consumption and sustainability concerns are potential restraints, but are likely to be offset by the industry's continuous adaptation and innovation. The forecast period (2025-2033) promises further growth, fueled by the aforementioned trends and the potential for market penetration in Eastern European countries. However, challenges remain. Economic fluctuations can impact consumer spending, and increasing health consciousness may influence consumption patterns. The industry's response to these challenges will involve diversification of product offerings, enhanced brand building, and sustainable practices to maintain market leadership and attract new consumers. The successful navigation of these factors will determine the extent of market expansion and the competitive landscape within the European beer market in the coming years. The continued focus on premiumization, with a shift towards higher-priced, specialized beers, is expected to be a key driver of value growth in the market. Recent developments include: December 2023: AB-InBev expanded its product portfolio in the United Kingdom with the launch of a new 4.5 percent ABV Italian-style lager, Via Roma, exclusively at the supermarket chain Sainsbury’s., June 2023: The Brewers Association expanded its product portfolio in the United Kingdom by launching six American craft breweries featuring 14 different beers, eight of which have been unavailable in the United Kingdom., April 2023: Heineken launched its Spanish lager brand Cruzcampo on draught into pubs and bars across the United Kingdom. As per the brand, Cruzcampo is brewed at Heineken’s “Royal Brewery” in Manchester, essentially making the beer a British beer but simply using its Spanish branding., March 2023: Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company launched Carlsberg 0.0 across the United Kingdom. According to the company’s claim, Carlsberg 0.0 has been specifically brewed as an alcohol-free beer, meaning it delivers everything beer drinkers expect from a well-balanced Pilsner – refreshing, with a crisp, hoppy bite – just crafted to contain zero alcohol., January 2023: Asahi Europe & International launched its alcohol-free beer, Asahi Super Dry 0.0% across the United Kingdom. The company states that the beer is available in bars and restaurants and sold individually and in multipacks.. Key drivers for this market are: Increasing Demand for Alcoholic Beverages, Health Conscious Consumers Accelerating Demand For Gluten-free Beer. Potential restraints include: Increasing Demand for Alcoholic Beverages, Health Conscious Consumers Accelerating Demand For Gluten-free Beer. Notable trends are: Increasing Demand for Alcoholic Beverages.

Beer Price Per Unit in the UK, 2019 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

This statistic shows the average price per pint of draught bitter sold through pubs in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2003 to 2018. Over this period, prices have risen at a steady rate. In 2018, the average price of a pint of bitter served on draft was calculated at 3.08 British pounds. The market for alcoholic beverages in the United Kingdom is centered around beer, which makes up a large portion of sales in both the on-trade and off-trade, although more so for the former. A surge in the popularity of wine, however, has resulted in a decrease in the share of beer consumed on-trade. On-trade beer consumption has further decreased over time in favor of the off-trade, likely due to increased prices as a result of tax. Consequently, consumer spending on beer has substantially increased, whereas consumption levels have remained fairly steady when based on volume.

The UK beer market is expected to see an increase in consumption over the next decade, with a forecasted rise in market volume to 4.3B litres and market value to $7.8B by 2035.

The UK beer market is expected to see a rise in demand over the next decade, leading to an increase in consumption. By 2035, the market volume is projected to reach 4.1 billion litres, with a value of $8 billion.

Forecast: Beer Market Size Value Per Capita in the UK 2022 - 2026 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

Beer Market Size Value in the UK, 2021 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

Forecast: Beer Market Size Value in the UK 2022 - 2026 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

United Kingdom Retail Price Index: Alcoholic Drink: Beer data was reported at 321.100 13Jan1987=100 in Oct 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 323.500 13Jan1987=100 for Sep 2018. United Kingdom Retail Price Index: Alcoholic Drink: Beer data is updated monthly, averaging 212.450 13Jan1987=100 from Jan 1987 (Median) to Oct 2018, with 382 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 323.500 13Jan1987=100 in Sep 2018 and a record low of 100.000 13Jan1987=100 in Jan 1987. United Kingdom Retail Price Index: Alcoholic Drink: Beer data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Office for National Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s UK – Table UK.I011: Retail Price Index.

Beer Market Size Value Per Capita in the UK, 2021 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

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Craft Beer Market Size 2025-2029

The craft beer market size is forecast to increase by USD 123.2 billion at a CAGR of 13.7% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by several key trends. One of the primary factors fueling market expansion is the increasing popularity of craft beer in developing countries. This global phenomenon is being driven by the rising number of consumers seeking unique and authentic beer experiences. The growing demand for unique flavors in the market has led many small-scale breweries to invest in high-quality microbrewery equipment to enhance their production capabilities. Another significant trend is the growing population of millennials, who are increasingly embracing craft beer due to its artisanal appeal and diverse flavors. However, the high price point of craft beer may pose a challenge to market growth. Despite this, the market is expected to continue its upward trajectory, driven by these and other emerging trends.

What will be the Size of the Market During the Forecast Period?

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The market has experienced significant sales growth in recent years, driven by evolving consumer tastes and the proliferation of microbreweries producing artisanal brews. Consumers are increasingly seeking out locally sourced ingredients and premium quality beers, leading to a shift away from mass-produced, bottled beers. This trend is particularly strong among millennials, who view craft beer as a social drink and appreciate the health benefits associated with its consumption. Regulations play a crucial role in the craft beer industry, with brewers navigating complex rules surrounding production, labeling, and distribution. Promotion challenges also exist, as brewers strive to differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace.
Moreover, party culture and collaborations have emerged as effective marketing strategies, with breweries partnering to create innovative flavors using indigenous ingredients and Western cultural influences. Microbreweries are at the forefront of this trend, with many investing in brewing solutions and brewpub equipment to meet growing demand. Brewer associations also play a vital role in advocating for tax breaks and other industry initiatives, helping to support the growth of the market. Beer festivals have become popular events, providing opportunities for consumers to sample new brews and connect with brewers. The beer industry as a whole continues to adapt to these trends, with a focus on delivering high-quality, unique offerings to meet the demands of discerning consumers. The market dynamics of the craft beer industry are constantly evolving, with new breweries and innovative flavors emerging regularly. Overall, the future looks bright for the market, as it continues to capture the imagination and loyalty of consumers around the world.

How is this market segmented and which is the largest segment?

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Product

  India pale ale
  Seasonal craft beer
  Pale ale
  Amber ale
  Others


Distribution Channel

  Off-trade
  On-trade


Geography

  North America

    Canada
    US


  Europe

    Germany
    UK
    France


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  South America

    Brazil
    Argentina


  Middle East and Africa

By Product Insights

The India pale ale segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

India Pale Ale (IPA), a stronger variant of pale ale with higher alcohol content and distinctive bitter taste, gained popularity through American craft beer revival in the late twentieth century. Originally carried by British colonists to India, IPA had nearly disappeared until its reincreasence. Today, it is the leading craft beer style globally, favored for its diverse exotic flavors. IPA's bitterness results from regular hops addition, making it a preferred choice among consumers worldwide. This beer style's popularity is driven by its unique character and health benefits associated with moderate beer consumption. Local ingredients are increasingly used in brewing IPA, contributing to its authenticity and appeal.

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The India pale ale segment was valued at USD 30.50 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

North America is estimated to contribute 35% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.

Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

For more insights on the market share of various regions, Re

In 2023, the price index value of beer was measured at 122.6. Consumer price indices are designed to measure changes in the price of everything consumers buy. More information on CPI can be found here