Global Hard Seltzer Market Size, Segments, Outlook, and Revenue Forecast 2022-2028 by ABV Content, Flavor, Packaging Type, End-User, Distribution Channel, and Major Regions

Hard Seltzer, also known as spiked seltzer, hard sparkling water, and alcoholic seltzer, is a blend of carbonated water, fruit flavoring, and alcohol. The flavors differ from brand to brand and from basic flavors like lime, black cherry, ruby grapefruit, and others to more elevated flavors such as lemon agave hibiscus, cucumber peach, melon basil, and others. These drinks contain fewer calories and carbohydrate content as compared to beers or wines.

According to this analysis, the Global Hard Seltzer Market is expected to record a positive CAGR of ~12% during the forecast period (2022-2028) and is expected to reach nearly US$ 18 billion by 2028, owing to the increasing demand for low-alcoholic beverages among sober-curious and others consumers. Additionally, change in drinking patterns and rising adoption of low-calorie content, natural ingredient, and less-sugar content beverages among consumers are further expected to fuel the growth of the market.

Increasing adoption of western culture coupled with rising preference for flavored alcoholic beverages among young consumers is anticipated to propel the growth of the Global Hard Seltzer Market during the forecast period.

Rising consumption of carbonated beverages along with the increasing preference for hard seltzer beverages for their low-calorie and enhanced taste among millennials is likely to propel the growth of the Global Hard Seltzer Market.

The Global Hard Seltzer Market faces challenges due to the stringent regulations laid by governmental bodies on hard seltzer products.

The high custom duties and excise duties limit coupled with tax policies laid on the import and exports of seltzer beverages may hinder the growth of the market.

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically impacted the Hard Seltzer Market owing to the strict lockdown impacted the import and export, the manufacturing process of hard seltzer as well as the limitations on social gatherings in the initial stage have dropped the demand for hard seltzer. In the second stage, the demand for hard seltzer rose significantly as hard seltzer drinks were easily available on e-commerce channels like Drizly, Minibar, and others. Moreover, the outbreak impacted the consumption pattern of alcoholic beverages among consumers and increased the demand for low-calories, low-alcohol-content beverages among consumers, which has benefitted the growth of the Global Hard Seltzer Market.

Scope of the Report

The Hard Seltzer Market is segmented by ABV content, flavor, packaging type, end-user, and distribution channel. In addition, the report also covers market size and forecasts for the four region's Hard Seltzer Market. The revenue used to size and forecast the market for each segment is US$ billion.

By ABV Content

• ABV Less than 5%
• ABV More than 5%

By Flavor

• Lime
• Berries
• Pineapple
• Grapefruit
• Orange
• Others

By Packaging Type

• Bottles
• Cans
• Others

By End-Users

• Consumers
• Commercial

By Distribution Channel

• Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
• Specialty Stores
• Convenience Stores
• Others

By Geography

• North America (USA, Canada, and Mexico)
• Europe (Germany, UK, France, Spain, and Italy)
• Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, South Korea, India, Indonesia, and Australia)
• LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East, and Africa)

Key Players

• Anheuser-Busch InBev
• White Claw Seltzer
• The Boston Beer Company
• San Juan Seltzer
• Hard Seltzer Beverage Company, LLC
• BON V!V
• THE SMIRNOFF Co
• Blitz-Weinhard Brewing Company
• Molson Coors Beverage Company
• Corona Seltzer

Key Trends by Market Segment

By ABV Content: ABV more than 5% segment held the largest share of the Global Hard Seltzer Market by type in 2021, owing to the growing trend of moderation among consumers.

The change in drinking patterns and rising focus on health and wellness along with the increasing number of consumers wanting to cut down on alcohol has boosted the demand for low-alcohol content beverages like hard seltzer, which is anticipated to fuel the demand for the segment in the Global Hard Seltzer Market.

By Flavor: The lime segment accounted for the largest share of the Global Hard Seltzer Market in 2021, attributed to increasing consumer preferences for sour and fruity flavors in alcoholic beverages.

The increasing company focus on the innovation of new flavors including lime flavor hard seltzer in the market to fulfill the demand of consumers coupled with the rising popularity of citrus-flavored hard seltzer like lime among the young population, is anticipated to aid the growth of the segment in the Global Hard Seltzer Market.

By Packaging Type: Canssegment accounted for the largest share of the Global Hard Seltzer Market in 2021, owing to its lightweight and easy-handling packaging.

The increasing preference for less bulky, lighter packaging, and readily recyclable packaging among manufacturers as well as packaging which also saves transportation costs and saves shelf space is anticipated to boost the demand for the segment in the market.

By Distribution Channel: Supermarkets/hypermarket segment accounted for the largest share of the Global Hard Seltzer Market in 2021, due to the high customer reach, wide availability of different brands in one place, a large consumer base, and the capacity to hold multiple users simultaneously.

The availability of different flavors and brands of hard seltzer in supermarkets or hypermarkets along with the increasing preference of consumers to shop for hard seltzer in supermarkets due to huge discounts and offers is likely to propel the growth of the segment in the market.

By End-User: Consumers segment accounted for the largest share of the Global Hard Seltzer Market in 2021, attributed to the increasing popularity of strong carbonated drinks with low-alcohol content and a variety of flavors.

Rapid urbanization and an upsurge in disposable income, adoption of western culture along with the change in lifestyle and drinking patterns, and rising demand for low-calorie, less sugar alcoholic beverages among consumers, is likely to boost the demand for the segment in the Global Hard Seltzer Market.

By Geography: North America region accounted for the largest share of the Global Hard Seltzer Market in 2021, owing to the rising consumer awareness regarding hard seltzer and the presence of major brands in the region.

Easy availability of international brands of hard seltzer in the region coupled with the increasing number of manufacturers promoting their products and introducing new products in the market, is expected to augment the growth of the region in the Hard Seltzer Market.

Competitive Landscape

The Hard Seltzer Market is Significantly competitive with ~150 players that include globally diversified players, regional players as well as a large number of country-niche players having their niche in Hard Seltzer.

Regional players comprise ~55% of the total number of competitors, while the country-niche players comprise the second highest of the total number of competitors. Some of the major players in the market include Anheuser-Busch InBev, White Claw Seltzer, The Boston Beer Company, San Juan Seltzer, Hard Seltzer Beverage Company, LLC, BON V!V, THE SMIRNOFF CO., Blitz-Weinhard Brewing Company, Molson Coors Beverage Company, and Corona Seltzer among others.

The leading global Hard Seltzer companies such as Anheuser-Busch InBev, White Claw Seltzer, and BON V!V are highly focused on introducing new products with interesting flavors in the market and promoting their products on social media.

Recent Developments Related to Major Players

In May 2022, White Claw Seltzer launched a new product named White Claw Hard Seltzer REFRSHR Lemonade. The new seltzer lemonade contains striking flavors like Calamansi to Limón and has a distinct taste and comes in fabulous packaging. The White Claw REFRSHR comes in four distinct flavors namely Limón with a hint of Calamansi, Lemonade Blood Orange with a hint of Black Raspberry, Lemonade Blackberry with a hint of Red Cherry, and Lemonade Strawberry with a hint of Kiwi. The new product launch helped the company in expanding its product portfolio.

In April 2022, Anheuser-Busch InBev invested US$ 50 million in its St. Louis campus to boost the production of seltzer. The company planned to add a new dedicated seltzer building with new equipment and systems for making their popular products like Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzer, Bud Light Seltzer, and others. The new brewery will also be equipped with equipment that allows the streamlined addition of flavors to the seltzer liquid. The investment helped the company in expanding its product line.

In March 2022, Corona Seltzer launched a new product named Corona Hard Seltzer Seltzerita in four distinct flavors such as lime, mango, peach, and strawberry in the USA. The new innovative product has a fusion of traditional classic margaritas with a refreshing Corona perspective. The new product launch helped the company in enhancing its product portfolio.

Conclusion

The Global Hard Seltzer Market is forecasted to continue exponential growth, primarily driven by the growing demand for low-calorie, less-sugar, natural-flavored alcoholic drinks among young consumers. In addition, increasing consumption of strong carbonated drinks, especially among sober-curious consumers coupled with the rising popularity of hard seltzer as a status symbol among millennials is likely to augment the growth of the market. Though the market is highly competitive with ~150 participants, regional players control the dominant market share.

Note: This is an upcoming/planned report, so the figures quoted here for a market size estimate, forecast, growth, segment share, and competitive landscape are based on initial findings and might vary slightly in the actual report. Also, any required customizations can be covered to the best feasible extent for pre-booking clients, and the report delivered within a maximum of two working weeks.

Key Topics Covered in the Report

• Snapshot of the Global Hard Seltzer Market
• Industry Value Chain and Ecosystem Analysis of the Hard Seltzer Market
• Market size and Segmentation of the Global Hard Seltzer Market
• Historic Growth of the Overall Global Hard Seltzer Market and Segments
• Competition Scenario of the Hard Seltzer Market and Key Developments of Competitors
• Porter’s 5 Forces Analysis of the Global Hard Seltzer Industry
• Overview, Product Offerings, and Strategic Developments of Key Competitors
• COVID-19 Impact on the Overall Global Hard Seltzer Market
• Future Market Forecast and Growth Rates of the Global Hard Seltzer Market and by Segments
• Market Size of Application/End-User Segments with historical CAGR and Future Forecasts
• Analysis of the Hard Seltzer Market in Major Regions
• Major Production/Consumption Hubs in the Major Regions
• Major Production/Supply and Consumption/Demand Hubs in Each Region
• Major Country-wise Historic and Future Market Growth Rates of the Total Hard Seltzer Market and Segments
• Overview of Notable Emerging Competitor Companies within Each Major Region

Major Companies Mentioned in the Report

• Anheuser-Busch InBev
• White Claw Seltzer
• The Boston Beer Company
• San Juan Seltzer
• Hard Seltzer Beverage Company, LLC
• BON V!V
• THE SMIRNOFF Co
• Blitz-Weinhard Brewing Company
• Molson Coors Beverage Company
• Corona Seltzer
• Heineken
• Pursue Hard Seltzer
• Sonic Hard Beverages
• The Coca-Cola Company
• Mode

Key Target Audience - Organizations and Entities Who Can Benefit by Subscribing This Report

• Hard Seltzer Producers
• Spiked Seltzer Producers
• Alcoholic Beverages Manufacturers
• Hard Sparkling Water Manufacturers
• Alcoholic Beverages Companies
• Carbonated Drinks Companies
• Suppliers of Packaging Materials (Suppliers of Bottles, Corks)
• Food Regulatory Authorities
• Alcoholic Beverages Regulatory Authorities
• Government Ministries and Departments of Alcoholic Beverages
• Investment Banks and PE Firms Focused on Alcoholic Beverages Industry
• Potential Entrants into Alcoholic Beverages Industry
• Beverages Research and Development Associations
• Investment Banking & Financial Institutes
• Research & Development Institutes for Alcoholic Beverages Sector
• Investors in Hard Seltzer Start-ups
• Investors in Alcoholic Beverages Start-ups
• Environmental Regulatory Bodies
• Packaging Equipment Manufacturers
• Government & Food Safety Regulations
• Caffeine Producers
• Sweetener Producers
• F&B Marketing Agencies
• Government Departments for Food Standards

Period Captured in the Report

• Historical Period: 2017-2021
• Forecast Period: 2022E-2028F

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Study Period of this Market Report?

• The Global Hard Seltzer Market is covered from 2017-2028 in this report, which includes a forecast for the period 2022-2028

What is the Future Growth Rate of the Global Hard Seltzer Market?

• The Global Hard Seltzer Market is expected to witness a CAGR of ~12% for the next six years

What are the Key Factors Driving the Global Hard Seltzer Market?

• The increasing trend for low-alcohol content beverages among the sober-curious population coupled with rising adoption of western culture, changes in drinking patterns, and increased demand for less-sugar, low alcohol-content, and flavored beverages among consumers are anticipated to augment the growth of the Global Hard Seltzer Market

Which is the Largest ABV Content Segment within the Global Hard Seltzer Market?

• ABV more than 5% held the largest share of the Global Hard Seltzer Market in 2021

Who are the Key Players in the Global Hard Seltzer Market?

• Anheuser-Busch InBev, White Claw Seltzer, The Boston Beer Company, San Juan Seltzer, Hard Seltzer Beverage Company, LLC, BON V!V, THE SMIRNOFF CO., Blitz-Weinhard Brewing Company, Molson Coors Beverage Company, and Corona Seltzer, among others.

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