Beer - India

India, known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse population, has seen a significant development in its beer market over the years. With a growing middle class and changing consumer preferences, the beer market in India has witnessed a steady increase in demand and consumption.

Customer preferences: Indian consumers have traditionally preferred spirits like whiskey and rum over beer. However, there has been a shift in customer preferences in recent years. The younger generation, influenced by western culture and global trends, has shown a greater inclination towards beer. This can be attributed to the perception of beer as a more social and casual drink, suitable for social gatherings and parties. Additionally, the availability of a wide range of beer flavors and styles has also contributed to its growing popularity among consumers.

Trends in the market: One of the key trends in the Indian beer market is the rise of craft beer. Craft breweries have gained popularity among consumers who seek unique and flavorful beer options. Craft beer is often perceived as a premium product, appealing to consumers looking for a higher quality and more artisanal drinking experience. This trend has led to the emergence of a vibrant craft beer scene in major cities across India. Another trend in the Indian beer market is the increasing popularity of low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beer. Health-conscious consumers are opting for these alternatives as they offer a lighter and less intoxicating drinking experience. Non-alcoholic beer is also gaining traction among consumers who want to enjoy the taste of beer without the alcohol content.

Local special circumstances: India has a unique set of circumstances that have shaped the beer market in the country. One such circumstance is the presence of a strong regulatory framework governing the sale and consumption of alcohol. Each state in India has its own set of regulations, including restrictions on the sale of alcohol and varying tax rates. These regulations can impact the availability and pricing of beer in different regions of the country. Another special circumstance is the cultural and religious diversity of India. Some states have a higher proportion of population that follows religions with restrictions on alcohol consumption. This can limit the demand for beer in these regions. Additionally, cultural norms and traditions also play a role in shaping consumer preferences and consumption patterns.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The growth of the beer market in India can be attributed to several macroeconomic factors. The country's strong economic growth has led to an increase in disposable income, allowing consumers to spend more on discretionary items like beer. Urbanization and the rise of a young working population have also contributed to the growth of the beer market, as these demographics are more likely to consume beer. Furthermore, globalization and the influence of western culture have played a significant role in shaping consumer preferences in India. Exposure to international brands and trends has led to a greater acceptance and demand for beer among Indian consumers. In conclusion, the beer market in India has experienced significant development due to changing customer preferences, emerging trends, local special circumstances, and underlying macroeconomic factors. The rise of craft beer, the popularity of low-alcohol and non-alcoholic options, and the influence of globalization have all contributed to the growth of the beer market in India. As the country continues to evolve and its consumer base expands, the beer market is expected to further flourish in the coming years.

Data coverage:
The data encompasses B2C enterprises. The at-home market covers retail sales via super- and hypermarkets, eCommerce, convenience stores, or similar sales channels. The out-of-home data encompasses all sales to hotels, restaurants, catering, cafés, bars, and similar hospitality service establishments. Combined numbers encompass both the at-home market and the out-of-home market. Both the at-home and the out-of-home market are valued at retail selling prices including all sales and consumption taxes.

Modeling approach:
Market sizes are determined through a Top-Down approach, building on specific predefined factors for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use resources from the Statista platform as well as in-house market research, national statistical offices, international institutions, trade associations, companies, the trade press, and the experience of our analysts. In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as GDP, consumer spending (e.g. consumer spending on alcoholic beverages, consumer spending at Hotels, Restaurants etc.), and price level index. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

Forecasts:
In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the exponential trend smoothing is well suited for forecasting the Alcoholic Drinks market with a projected steady growth. The main drivers are GDP per capita and consumer spending per capita.

Additional notes:
The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level.