Why every brewer should consider Taiwan's craft beer scene

A lot of craft beer distributors around the world specialize in specific regions, and for good reason. Centralizing operations with a more singular geographic focus allows for scale and synergies across markets. We learned this lesson early, and since 2015 have been leading the charge for the Canadian craft beer movement across the globe.

In 2020, PACRIM Distributors operated 13 exclusive brands in 19 markets across the globe, with a unique focus on SouthEast Asia. We started in Thailand and Singapore, and grew along with the ASEAN market, careful not to spread too wide in favor of going deeper in our core markets.

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Recently we’ve made a strong push with Parallel 49 Brewing in Taiwan, thanks to strong partnerships and a considerable distribution network. With so many markets in their infancy in Asia, most craft beer distributors look at China, the largest craft beer market as their go-to for operations.

China, sure, is a great opportunity and will triple in size in the next 10 years, but the market is still very much akin to buying cheap beer, as well as cheap beer substitutes like Baiju and Soju as their path to a drunken stupor.

If you look at the data of leading craft beer market in Asia Pacific by Volume in 2019, the data actually shows the large opportunity of Taiwan as a haven for craft beer drinkers and distributors alike. Whereas most craft beer markets have a volume share of ~1% of the market, Taiwan boasts a healthy 5% of the market in volume represented by craft beer volume. That is extremely high versus other regional players, but you also need to consider the support that comes along with a 5% of market as well. There is infrastructure in Taiwan set up and ready to go. There is a craft beer bar scene which rivals parts of New York City and Vancouver. Cold chain logistics is paramount and the education is already there for bar owners on pasteurization. Further, and likely most important, the consumer is educated, thirsty, and constantly craving for something new. It’s a haven for craft beer drinkers.

While the market in Taiwan is much smaller by volume versus China, with a population of nearly 24 million people and a hipster craft beer vibe unlike nowhere in the world, Taiwan is quickly becoming a wonderful market for exporters.

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