Sales of alcoholic drinks in France declined in total volume terms in 2023, following moderate growth in 2022 and strong growth in 2021. Factors contributing to this stagnation included the impact of elevated inflation, which made consumers more cautious in their spending, and a normalisation effect after the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in the latter half of 2021, leading to increased social events across 2022 and 2023. As a result of a return to social drinking occasions, there was also a cannibalisation of off-trade sales by on-trade sales, further impacting overall volume sales in 2023.

Alcoholic drinks saw volume sales rise in Thailand in 2023. Beer and imported spirits registered a dynamic year, while wine saw growth in the number of imports and cider/perry remained a niche segment. Tourism was a key influence on the development of the alcoholic drinks market in Thailand during the year. Thailand is a popular tourist destination known for its nightlife and entertainment venues and the recovery of the tourism industry following the pandemic had significant implications for the sale of alcoholic drinks, particularly in tourist-heavy areas such as Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya. The health and wellness trend was another influential factor in the development of alcoholic drinks in 2023, increasingly shaping players’ product innovation strategies and prompting the development of products with low or no alcohol content and fewer calories. The beer category continues to be dominated by a few players, but Carabao (CBG) has recently joined the competition.

Alcoholic drinks in Canada in 2023 presented a mixed picture. While overall volume growth remained modest, strong performances by Ready-to-Drink (RTD) beverages and non-alcoholic drinks masked a decline in traditional alcoholic beverage consumption.

In 2023, total volume sales of alcoholic drinks in Japan saw a slight decline. However, performances differed widely across the two different channels. The on-trade channel demonstrated a second year of robust rebound as Japan began to move past the COVID-19 pandemic.

Total volume of alcoholic drinks in China saw a marginal rebound in 2023, shifting from decline in 2022 to a slight single-digit increase in 2023. However, the off-trade channel experienced a slight decrease in volume sales, while the on-trade channel saw a low single-digit volume increase.

Alcoholic drinks in the Philippines continued to see healthy growth in volume terms in 2023. This was within the context of a gradually improving economy, which had a positive impact on consumer spending. Indeed, the country finished with year with a GDP growth rate of 5.6%, which exceeded that of other major Asian economies, including China, Vietnam and Malaysia.

Alcoholic drinks have always straddled the line between traditionalism and novelty, with heritage providing timeless gravitas, while innovation recruits younger consumers or allows for fresh occasions or need states to emerge. The pandemic years derailed new product launch pipelines as the focus shifted back towards streamlining operations, but as Gen Z is coming of age, brand and category promiscuousness replace blind loyalty, and new rituals emerge, what does the future hold for innovation?

In the latest report from PACRIM with Euromonitor, we examine how the food, beverages and tobacco industry is performing globally and in the largest countries in terms of food, beverages and tobacco output. The report also provides data for production, market size, imports, exports, industry costs, industry profitability and number of companies. The industry and market overview provide benchmarks against other countries in the region.

Check out PACRIM’s Guide to Alcohol in the Middle East and Africa, where the alcoholic drinks market has made a swift recovery from the pandemic losses of 2020, returning to pre-COVID-19 sales levels already in 2023. In spite of the difficult economic situation, premiumization continued to be seen in Nigeria, although it slowed in 2023. Higher-income consumers, the key consumers of premium products, tend to less impacted by difficult economic conditions. Another trend being seen in a number of countries is the ongoing popularization of no-/low-alcohol products.

While premiumization has demonstrated remarkable resilience in spirits, the inevitable slowdown is now underway. Discretionary spending is being scaled back, as a result of prolonged cost of living pressures, and the effects will become increasingly pronounced. Nevertheless, trends are not changing course entirely; core drivers of premiumization are deeply embedded in demand, while moderation favors quality over quantity. How can brands enhance value in an unsettled world?

Sober curious culture is a trend that is about drinkers trying to moderate their consumption levels rather than fully abstaining from alcohol.

The world of Canadian craft beer is a rich tapestry of tradition, innovation, and unparalleled dedication. With the vast landscapes of Canada as its backdrop, this industry has seen a surge in popularity, and it's essential to understand the journey from barley to bottle. Let's embark on a tour of the making of Canadian craft beer.

Craft beer is an art form, a delicacy that transcends mere brewing. Canadian craft beer, with its unique combination of tradition and innovation, has certainly made its mark on the global stage.

Canada boasts an immensely diverse landscape, from its towering mountains to its vast prairies. This bounty of nature isn't just for show – it plays a pivotal role in influencing the taste and quality of Canadian craft beers.

PACRIM is excited to bring on two new breweries focused on international growth and expansion. Twin Sails and Four Winds are well known nationally across Canada for their commitment to quality, outstanding beer selection, and generally being really great guys. We are excited to work closer with them come Summer 2023.

PACRIM Distributors featured in the December 2022 newsletter by the Canadian Trade Commission Service for its work in bringing Canadian Craft Beer to Costa Rica with local players.

Topline data from the latest report on Competitive Strategies in Beverage Alcohol for 2022, featuring data from Euromonitor and insight from PACRIM Distributors Inc. Full report available info@pacrimdistributors.com

Latest 2023 country report on the total Beer Market in Norway, and market forecasts for 2022-2025 featuring content from Euromonitor 2023

Latest 2023 country report on the total Beer Market in Sweden, and market forecasts for 2022-2025 featuring content from Euromonitor 2023

Sales of alcoholic drinks rebounded in 2021 after declining in 2020. The on-trade made a better-than-expected resurgence as people began socialising once more thanks to the rollout of the vaccination programme. Beer and spirits remain the largest categories, while wine sales remain low. RTDs are also growing in popularity, especially among young adults.