Black Beer Market Assessment, By Beer Type [Lager, Ale, Others], By Category [Alcoholic, Non-alcoholic], By Production [Locally Produced, Imported], By Packaging [Cans, Bottles, Kegs], By Pack Size [Less Than 500ml, 500ml-750ml, More Than 750ml], By Price

Black Beer Market Assessment, By Beer Type [Lager, Ale, Others], By Category [Alcoholic, Non-alcoholic], By Production [Locally Produced, Imported], By Packaging [Cans, Bottles, Kegs], By Pack Size [Less Than 500ml, 500ml-750ml, More Than 750ml], By Price Range [Less Than USD 5, USD 5-USD 10, USD 10-USD 15, Above USD 15], By End-user [Residential, Commercial], By Channel [Off-Trade, On-Trade], By Region, Opportunities, and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global black beer market was valued at USD 31.75 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 61.98 billion in 2031, with a CAGR of 8.7% for the forecast period between 2024 and 2031. The black beer industry is growing due to a number of factors, including the increase in prevalence of obesity, the expansion of microbreweries needed to produce black beer, the variety of black beers available, and the shift in customer preferences.

Over the course of the projection period, the market for dark ale is expected to rise as more people want to prevent conditions linked to obesity. Microbreweries create dark ale, which enhances its distinct flavor and drives the craft beer industry trend. The growth of numerous local breweries over time has accelerated the manufacturing of dark ale, which is primarily handled by microbreweries. In June 2023, a non-alcoholic dark ale, Dave’s Drunkenless Dark Ale, was launched by Beneficial Beer Co., a traditional Australian style all-malt beverage with roasted coffee aroma and flavor. The product is fully fermented and brewed, just like alcohol, with the taste of alcohol.

Consumer tastes are shifting away from traditional, standard ales and toward these uniquely flavored craft beers due to the availability of a wide range of flavors and tastes. Craft beers have a unique flavor and taste because they include components not usually found in regular ale, such as dark ale.

The growing demand for craft brews and inventive, flavorful alcoholic beverages among consumers, particularly millennials, is contributing to the rise of the black beer market. Subsequently, the swift growth of the brewery industry as a result of the establishment of numerous small and local breweries has further stimulated market expansion. In January 2023, BrewDog launched Black Heart, its draught stout with 4.1% ABV, in convenient packaging of 440ml cans, 4-pack and 10-pack formats. The product, with extra dark crystal malts and coats of roasted coffee, cocoa, and a small amount of caramel, was exclusively available at Tesco and Booker stores.

One of the main factors impeding the expansion of the black beer market is the detrimental consequences of alcohol intake on one's health. Alcohol usage is linked to numerous health complications, including liver cirrhosis and cardiovascular diseases, which are adversely affecting the growth of the industry.

Growing Trend of Craft Beer Fuels the Demand for Black Beer

Craft beer's unique flavor offering, which results from the addition of substances not utilized in the production of standard beer, has increased demand for it over regular beer in recent years. ACERMEX (Asociación de Cerveceros Artesanales de México) declared a consistent rise in craft beer sales in Mexico, from 10,594 hectoliters in 2011 to 166,069 hectoliters in 2017, showing a rise of 2405%. Black beer is mostly made in microbreweries, typically served fresh in kegs, bottles, and cans. Production volumes of black beer have been observed to rise steadily over time. For instance, the Brewers Association reports that small and independent brewers produced 24.3 million barrels of beer in the United States in 2022, equivalent to 2021's total production. Craft beer's volume share of the beer market increased to 13.2% from 13.1% in the previous year. The majority of millennials who like premium beer are the ones who push the consumption of black beer. Due to the increased demand for craft beverages, the market for black beer is anticipated to rise faster over the projected period. In January 2023, Vattanac, a Cambodia-based brewery, introduced a premium deep lager beer, Dragon Premium Dark Beer, produced by importing the raw materials and producing it within the country. Premium packaging in the form of glass bottles was used for the product.

Dark Lager Holds Dominance

In the global black beer market in 2023, the dark lager sector is expected to generate the largest revenue. Dark lager is made using a quicker and easier brewing process than other black beers, including dark ale or brown porter. While dark ales are made at warm temperatures, dark lagers are made using bottom-fermenting yeast at colder temperatures.

The supply of dark lagers is expected to increase because they are easier to produce. Moreover, black lagers' smoother, crisper, cleaner flavor makes them more well-liked than other beers. In September 2023, Nigerian Breweries launched a dark lager beer, Goldberg Black, containing 6% ABV, brewed with dark malt along with notes of caramel, offering a distinct aroma and taste to consumers.

Asia-Pacific Region Shows Rapid Growth

In 2023, Asia-Pacific accounted for the highest revenue proportion of 8.7%. Throughout the forecast period, the rise of the alcoholic beverage industry in China and India, both of which are supported by legal frameworks, is anticipated to guarantee the ongoing production of black brews, hence contributing to the growth of the Asia-Pacific black beer market. Furthermore, the world's largest beer consumption base is found in Asia-Pacific. China consumed over 42 million kiloliters (11.1 billion gallons) of beer in 2022, making up almost 22% of the global beer market. This made China the world's largest beer consumer.

Future Market Scenario (2024-2031F)

As the popularity of craft beer increases, the demand for black beer is anticipated to rise, owing to its unique flavor and origination from craft breweries.

Many health-conscious consumers are continuously seeking alcoholic beverages with health benefits in the form of a lower calorie count and others. Manufacturers may capitalize on this opportunity by innovating and bringing in dark brews using natural ingredients.

Premiumization trends could lead to the positioning of black beer as a sophisticated, high-end beverage, appealing to consumers willing to pay more for quality and exclusivity. Brewery branding and marketing efforts will play a crucial role in shaping consumer perceptions and driving demand for premium black beer products.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

In the black beer market, key players include both established brewing companies and innovative craft breweries. Industry giants like Lion Group, Heineken N.V., Asahi Group Holdings Limited, D.G. Yuengling and Son Inc., and Carlsberg Breweries A/S maintain a significant presence with their traditional black beer offerings, leveraging their brand recognition and distribution networks. For instance, in February 2024, D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc. relaunched a dark lager, Yuengling Bock, with a limited edition. Yuengling Bock is a rich brown beer with a distinct malt flavor.

However, the landscape is also characterized by a vibrant craft beer scene, where breweries such as Duck-Rabbit Brewery and Uinta Brewing Company have gained acclaim for their black beer varieties. These craft brewers often prioritize creativity and quality, appealing to enthusiasts seeking unique flavor experiences.

The outlook for key players in the black beer market is promising yet competitive. Established brands may focus on maintaining market share through brand loyalty and global expansion efforts, while craft breweries continue to innovate and differentiate themselves to capture niche segments of the market. Collaboration and partnerships between larger companies and craft brewers could also emerge as strategies to drive growth and diversification.