The global light beer market stood at a value of around USD 302.22 Billion in 2024. The market is further expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.90% in the forecast period of 2025-2034 to attain a value of USD 402.23 Billion by 2034.
Growing Popularity of Craft Beer among the Millennials to Bolster the Growth of the Light Beer Industry
Based on production, the craft brewery segment accounts for a significant share in the market, owing to the growing popularity of craft beer among consumers between the ages of 18 and 30. The growing inclination towards craft beer can be attributed to its light flavour and rich mouthfeel and its high nutritional value, such as the presence of dietary silicon, which helps improve bone density and lower the risk of arthritis. In addition, the launch of refreshing, light beers that are clean and balanced by various brands is adding to their popularity. Furthermore, the segment growth in the forecast period is expected to be driven by the ability of the product to mimic the taste of standard beers while offering improved health benefits.
The global market for light beer is driven by the changing consumer preference towards beverages with lower alcohol content, owing to the increasing inclination of people towards health and fitness. As light beer has low alcoholic and calorific value, it allows people to limit alcohol and calorie intake, further helping them control the negative side-effects of excessive beer consumption, such as diarrhoea, weight-gain, and lost-control of the senses, among others. In addition, the rapid expansion of supermarkets and hypermarkets and speciality stores, particularly in emerging nations, is expected to further aid the market growth in the forecast period, as this would enhance the availability of light beer, propelling the sales of the product.
Growing Popularity of Craft Beer among the Millennials to Bolster the Growth of the Light Beer Industry
Based on production, the craft brewery segment accounts for a significant share in the market, owing to the growing popularity of craft beer among consumers between the ages of 18 and 30. The growing inclination towards craft beer can be attributed to its light flavour and rich mouthfeel and its high nutritional value, such as the presence of dietary silicon, which helps improve bone density and lower the risk of arthritis. In addition, the launch of refreshing, light beers that are clean and balanced by various brands is adding to their popularity. Furthermore, the segment growth in the forecast period is expected to be driven by the ability of the product to mimic the taste of standard beers while offering improved health benefits.
North America Accounts for a Significant Share in the Light Beer Industry
The light beer industry in North America witnessed a significant growth in the historical period owing to the increased popularity of beer across various countries, especially in the United States. The market has been driven by the high consumer purchasing power, high standards of living, and a significant investment by the key players in product marketing. Over the forecast period, the market is expected to be aided by the growing risk of diabetes in the region, as light beer is known for its fewer calories compared with a reference, full-strength version.Light Beer: Market Segmentation
Light beer is defined as a type of beer that has a reduced alcohol content with a meaningful decrease in calories compared to a regular beer. Light beer allows people to consume a moderate amount of beer without being intoxicated. The alcohol content in light beers may vary from 2.2 to 3.2%.Based on production, the market is divided into:
- Macro-Brewery
- Micro-Brewery
- Craft Brewery
- Others
On the basis of the package, the industry is segmented into:
- Glass
- PET Bottle
- Metal Can
- Others
The various distribution channels of the product include:
- Hypermarkets and Supermarkets
- On-Trade
- Speciality Stores
- Convenience Stores
- Others
The regional markets for the product include:
- North America
- Europe
- Asia-Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East and Africa
The global market for light beer is driven by the changing consumer preference towards beverages with lower alcohol content, owing to the increasing inclination of people towards health and fitness. As light beer has low alcoholic and calorific value, it allows people to limit alcohol and calorie intake, further helping them control the negative side-effects of excessive beer consumption, such as diarrhoea, weight-gain, and lost-control of the senses, among others. In addition, the rapid expansion of supermarkets and hypermarkets and speciality stores, particularly in emerging nations, is expected to further aid the market growth in the forecast period, as this would enhance the availability of light beer, propelling the sales of the product.
Key Industry Players in the Global Light Beer Market
The report gives a detailed analysis of the following key players in the global light beer market, covering their competitive landscape, capacity, and latest developments like mergers, acquisitions, and investments, expansions of capacity, and plant turnarounds:- Anheuser-Busch InBev
- Carlsberg Breweries A/S
- HEINEKEN International B.V.
- Diageo
- Molson Coors Beverage Company
- Others
Table of Contents
1 Executive Summary
2 Market Overview and Stakeholder Insights
3 Economic Summary
4 Country Risk Profiles
5 Global Light Beer Market Analysis
6 North America Light Beer Market Analysis
7 Europe Light Beer Market Analysis
8 Asia-Pacific Light Beer Market Analysis
9 Latin America Light Beer Market Analysis
10 Middle East and Africa Light Beer Market Analysis
11 Market Dynamics
14 Competitive Landscape
Companies Mentioned
The key companies featured in this Light Beer market report include:- Anheuser-Busch InBev
- Carlsberg Breweries A/S
- HEINEKEN International B.V.
- Diageo
- Molson Coors Beverage Company
Table Information
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| No. of Pages | 150 |
| Published | August 2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2025 - 2034 |
| Estimated Market Value ( USD | $ 302.22 Billion |
| Forecasted Market Value ( USD | $ 402.23 Billion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate | 2.9% |
| Regions Covered | Global |
| No. of Companies Mentioned | 6 |
