Market Trends of Asia-Pacific Craft Beer Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the APAC Craft Beer Market according to our research experts:
Emergence of Innovations in Craft Beer
The increased health consciousness has led consumers to look for healthier choices even in craft beer such as less or no-calorie craft beers, and less or no-alcohol craft beer. The prevalence of lifestyle diseases such as liver diseases is the major reason for the adoption of low-alcohol craft beers. The millennial generation is more inclined towards alcohol-free craft beer as consumers tend to believe that low/no alcohol content beer is healthy. With the growing demand for craft beer, the manufacturers of craft beer in the region are focused on innovating new product lines with low calories and low alcoholic content within craft beer. For instance, in September 2020, Big Drop Brewing Co. launched its alcohol-free craft beer range in Australia. The launch includes the products Pine Trail Pale Ale and Uptown Craft Lager, offered in 4-packs with no alcohol content but with the same flavor.
Moreover, the rise in the lactose intolerance population and the prevalence of celiac diseases especially in countries such as Australia has changed consumers' preference towards craft beer consumption. According to Coeliac Australia, 1 in 70 Australian population has coeliac disease. Hence, manufacturers in the craft beer industry have launched gluten-free craft beers. For instance, in September 2021, TWØBAYS Brewing Co launched the gluteen free Stargaze Hazy Pale craft beer. The Stargaze Hazy Pale craft beer is brewed on Vienna millet base and has fruity pale with pineapple, lychee and mango aromas giving way to tropical, stone fruit and citrus flavours.
Japan holds the Largest Share
Beer is a major part of the drinking and dining culture in Japan. Craft beer emerged as the premium drink in the country which is driving affluent consumers towards craft beer. A wide range of craft beers is available in the market, each one having its characteristic tastes and flavors, there has been growing affluence across the country with an increasing demand for innovative tastes which has resulted in a rise in the quality and varieties of Craft beer which is driving the growth of the Asia-Pacific Craft Beer Market. According to Kita Sangyo, the number of microbreweries in Japan has increased from 225 in 2014 to 443 in 2020 which indicates the growth of the market in the region. The major brands offering craft beers in the country are Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo, and Suntory among others.
Moreover, the rise in the low sugar craft beers is gaining traction among health-conscious consumers. The manufacturers are innovating new flavors in craft beer and reducing sugar content in craft beers. For instance, in October 2020, Kirin Brewery launched Kirin Ichiban Zero Sugar Beer in Japan, the company has sold more than 72 million cans. With the increase in the demand for low-calorie beer, the company has increased the production volume of Kirin Ichiban Zero Sugar Beer by 60% in 2021 which indicates the demand for low-calorie beer in the regions.
