Global beer production fell 0.7% to 1.9bn hectolitres last year, with Africa the only region posting a 2.6% increase.
Global beer production declined 0.7% in 2025 to just under 1.9bn hectolitres, marking a second consecutive annual drop. Africa was the sole region to record growth, with output rising 2.6% to 166.7 million hectolitres, driven by gains in South Africa.
Europe saw a 1.6% decline, with Germany, the region’s largest brewer, posting a drop exceeding 5%. Asia’s output fell 1.2% to 586.7 million hectolitres, as China’s contraction offset modest gains in India. The Americas reported mixed results, with North America down 1.9% and Central and South America up 1.3% and 1.7%, respectively.
Anheuser-Busch InBev remained the world’s largest brewer, accounting for over a quarter of global production at 484.2 million hectolitres. Heineken followed with 235.7 million hectolitres, representing 12.4% of total output.