Market Trends of Middle East & Africa Beer Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the MEA Beer Market according to our research experts:
Inclination Towards Low Alcohol by Volume Beer
The key factors propelling the Middle East & African beer market are the expanding numbers of breweries and the rising demand for beer throughout the region. The taste for low-alcohol-by-volume beverages has steadily increased. Additionally, due to growing interest from consumers who are health-conscious, sales of low- and no-alcohol beers have increased. The introduction of fresh and cutting-edge items is one of the additional aspects promoting market expansion. For example, in 2020, Heineken launched an alcohol-free range in the United Arab Emirates beer market. Additionally, low-alcohol beers, particularly those with an ABV of 2.8% or less, are now more affordable than their high-alcohol counterparts.
To meet an increase in demand, retailers in the United Arab Emirates are stocking their shelves with alcohol-free beers and spirits. Some popular soft drinks are being outsold by alcohol-free beers and spirits as consumers seek out healthier options for their go-to libations. In Dubai, restaurants have begun to promote beer bargains without alcohol as a part of their weekend brunch packages.
Africa as the Largest Market Share Holder in the Region
With regard to regional beer consumption, Africa holds the largest share of the Middle East and Africa Beer market. The colonial impact that the African nations experienced in the past largely contributed to the development of the consumers' interest in consuming more of these beverages. South Africans are among the world's heavy drinkers, consuming 55.40 liters of beer per person annually, according to the World population review study that was conducted in the year 2020. The region also witnessed a rise in the popularity of craft beer in the past few years. Additionally, the rise in popularity of craft beer offers a lot of opportunities to brewers across the region. For instance, as of 2020, there were more than 200 craft breweries in South Africa, according to the Craft Brewers Association of South Africa. Furthermore, a number of breweries offer online doorstep delivery of craft beers in Africa including Darling Brewery, and Bar Keeper, among others.
