7 Largest and Most Successful Beer Companies Around the World

Introduction

Beer is the most popular alcoholic drink across the entire world, in terms of quantity consumed. This great demand has led to the establishment of many breweries that are keen to have a share of the market. A survey from March 2017 found that there were more than 19,000 beer companies in 208 countries worldwide, the majority producing craft beers.

The global beer industry is expected to keep growing in the coming years. However, even as it flourishes, there are some breweries that continue to dominate and control the market. Here are the 7 biggest and most successful beer brands among them.

1. Anheuser-Busch InBev (Belgium)

Based in Belgium, Anheuser-Busch InBev tops this list as the largest beer company in the world. It currently dominates the global beer market with a product portfolio of 500 beer brands including Budweiser and Bud Light. The company distributes its products through a network of more than 600 independent distributors and wholesalers. Recently, it acquired SABMiller, one of the biggest British multinational brewers. This is likely to boost its value globally and cement its position as the global market leader.

2. Heineken (Netherlands)

The Netherlands is home to Heineken, one of the biggest global breweries across the world. Established in 1864, the company has a footprint in over 70 countries with most of its sales generated in the US. Heineken produces local, regional, specialty and international beers brands such as Amstel, Desperados, Affligem, Sol, Tecate, and Red Stripe. As well as all this, the Netherlands also permits online gambling. This means players can sip their favorite brew while playing entertaining casino games such as Book of Aztec slot at online casinos - all from the comfort of home.

3. China Resources Snow Breweries (China)

Based in Hong Kong, this brewer accounts for about 25% of the beer market in China. The company was originally formed as a joint enterprise between China Resources Enterprise and the British multinational, SABMiller. It is now owned solely by China Resources Enterprise and produces, among other products, Snow beer, one of the most popular beer brands across the world. It does this at its brewing plants located in provinces, autonomous regions and administered municipalities throughout the country. Currently, the company's annual production capacity is over 20 million kiloliters.

4. Carlsberg (Denmark)

Founded in 1847, Carlsberg is one of the most successful brewers in the world today. Once a small corporate entity, it is now the fourth-largest beer company worldwide. Carlsberg has a large product portfolio consisting of 140 beer brands including Kronenbourg, Tuborg, Somersby Cider and Neptun. Since the 1990s, Carlsberg has been achieving steady growth in profits and sales despite a competitive market. In 2016, the company introduced a new strategy, SAIL’22, which focused on its core operations and areas for future progress.

5. Molson Coors (US / Canada)

Incorporated in 2002, Molson Coors is a global company that owns 31 breweries. It has a diverse portfolio of beer brands including Coors Light, Molson Canadian, Carling, Miller Lite and Staropramen. Molson Coors has a robust presence in the world’s largest beer markets including the US, Canada and the UK. Recently, the brewer merged its operations with its long-time adversary, SABMiller. This was done in order to solidify its footprint in the US and Puerto Rican beer markets.

6. Tsingtao Brewery Group (China)

As one of the oldest beer companies in China, Tsingtao Brewery is steadily gaining greater popularity across the world. The 115-year-old brewery has a presence in over 100 countries and produces various beer brands including the popular Tsingtao beer. Currently, the company is developing more customized products in order to satisfy the tastes and preferences of different customers. In addition, it's also looking to cement its presence in European countries through its co-operation with different partners.

7. Asahi (Japan)

Established in 1889, Asahi Breweries is one of the top beer companies in Japan. This brewer maintained the top position in sales in that country for twelve years after it produced the Asahi Super Dry beer brand. Today, it produces a vast variety of beer brands including Asahi Stout and Asahi Black in order to meet the diverse needs of its customers. In addition, Asahi Breweries is also expanding its portfolio to include food products and pharmaceuticals.

Conclusion

The aforementioned are the biggest and most successful beer companies in the world today. However, the list is not exhaustive as there are other equally successful companies. They include China-based brewer Yanjing Group, Kirin of Japan and French-based brewing company, Groupe Castel.

Most of these companies attribute their success to their consistency in the use of quality ingredients. Apart from that, embracing technology in the production process and diversifying their product range has also played a huge part. Not forgetting improving distributor relationships and merging operations with other like-minded companies.