28bn case global alcohol market by 2022?
Wine will see the largest growth of 37.8 million cases followed by spirits (at 36.5m cases).
Beer
Most notably, the global beer market is expected to return to growth in 2018 following a poor 2017 in many markets, but then lose volumes year-on-year to 2022. But despite declining beer volumes, global beer market value is expected to grow year-on-year. China, the US and Russia, where domestic beers are all in decline, are the main contributors to the drop in beer volumes.
Wine
Within the wine category, still and sparkling wines are leading the growth while fortified, light aperitifs and other wines are all expected to decline. The US, Russia and Brazil are predicted to be the largest-growing markets for still and sparkling wines between 2017 and 2022.
Spirits
Spirits will see mixed fortunes, believes the IWSR, which predicts the strongest global growth for whisky followed by gin, genever and agave-based spirits. Vodka is forecast to see the largest drop, mainly due to continuing declines in Russia. Rum and brandy are also forecast to decline due to drops in low-priced brandy and value rum. However, when looking at the premium-and-above segment, all spirits categories are expected to grow. Of significance here, the IWSR’s forecasts have taken into account tariffs which have been placed on US whiskey in some markets.
US
The US will continue to be a key market with top growth for wine and spirits including US whiskey, Irish whiskey, Canadian whisky, tequila, mezcal, Cognac/Armagnac and vodka. The leading growth market for gin will still be the UK and France is expected to be the lead growth market for rum. Vietnam, Mexico and Brazil are forecast to increase the most for beer, while Germany will lead growth for low-alcohol beer. Romania is poised to show top growth for cider while Japan continues to lead mixed drinks growth. The IWSR is widely seen as the most authoritative data source on the beverage alcohol market and its unique approach to forecasting has proven reliable. Comparing last year’s forecast for 2017 with actual 2017 data, the IWSR’s forecast at a global level differed by just -0.4%.
