Lager Market – By Type , By Alcohol Content , By Pricing , By Brewing Method , By Packaging , By Distribution Channel and By Geography - Opportunity Analysis & Industry Forecast, 2025-2031

Lager Market Overview:

The Lager Market size is estimated to reach $319 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 2.9% during the forecast period 2025-2031. Lager's popularity is driven by the growing demand for malt lagers that reflects a preference for rich, flavorful beers. Innovative brewing techniques, beer festivals and the rise of online beer sales are expanding access and exposure to a wider audience. Additionally, trends such as mindful drinking further propel market growth for low ABV and non-alcoholic lagers.

A major trend in the market is the growing demand for gluten free lagers. Traditional lagers are brewed with barley and wheat making them unsuitable for those avoiding gluten. However, breweries are using alternative grains such as sorghum, millet and rice to produce gluten-free lagers that maintain the same refreshing taste and mouthfeel as regular lagers. For instance, IMPOSSIBREW Enhanced Lager (0.5% ABV) won UK’s Best Non-Alcoholic Beer at the World Beer Awards 2024 and is a gluten-free lager crafted with traditional brewing ingredients. Due to the growing awareness of pesticide-free ingredients, there is a need for Lager crafted from organic ingredients. These trends reflect a shift toward premium, sustainable beverages to attract health-conscious and adventurous drinkers. Such factors positively influence the Lager industry outlook during the forecast period.

Lager Market - Report Coverage:

The “Lager Market Report - Forecast (2025-2031)” by IndustryARC, covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments in the Lager Market.

Key Takeaways:

Europe is the Largest

Europe dominated the Lager market in 2024 driven by the presence of a large number of breweries, high beer consumption as well as the popularity of beer festivals. For more than three decades, Czech Republic dominates the beer consumption market. According to data from Kirin Holdings, Czech Republic’s per capita beer consumption is around 152 liters or the equivalent of 240 large bottles of beer. Europeans show strong preferences for both mainstream pale lagers and specialty craft beers. The presence of global brewing giants such as Heineken, Carlsberg and AB InBev further strengthen’s Europe's position. The region also hosts iconic beer festivals like Oktoberfest which significantly drives the demand for lager. 

Pale Lager is the Largest Segment

Pale lager represents the largest segment share due to its widespread popularity and mass production. Pale lager is characterized by its light golden color, crisp taste and smooth finish. Major brands such as Budweiser, Carlsberg and Heineken have solidified pale lager’s presence in nearly every market worldwide. The refreshing taste and easy-to-drink nature makes pale lager a staple for social drinking occasions including casual get-togethers, sporting event, and festivals. Additionally, pale lagers are widely available in both bottles and cans making them convenient for retail and on-premise consumption. In February 2024, Blackberry Smoke and New Realm Brewing Company launched Blackberry Smoke Southern Light Lager.

4.0-5.5% ABV are the Largest Segment 

4.0% to 5.5% ABV includes widely recognized brands such as Heineken, Carlsberg, Budweiser and Stella Artois, which cater to consumers seeking a balanced taste and moderate alcohol strength. As per Molson Coors, in Q2 2024, Madri Excepcional (4.6% ABV) generated the third highest sales revenue among all lagers sold in the UK. The popularity of this segment is attributed to its versatility, offering a refreshing experience without being overwhelmingly strong. The widespread availability of 4.0% to 5.5% ABV lagers in bars, pubs, supermarkets and liquor stores further drives sales. 

Beer Festivals Drive the Market

Beer festivals play a crucial role in promoting lager consumption bringing together enthusiasts, breweries and industry professionals to celebrate craft and mainstream beers. Events such as Germany’s Oktoberfest, the Great American Beer Festival and the UK’s Great British Beer Festival showcase a wide range of lagers and allow consumers to explore new brands and styles. These festivals provide a unique marketing platform for breweries to introduce limited-edition and experimental lagers. Data from the Bristol, Manchester and London Craft Beer Festivals showed that the number of lagers available at the events increased by over 40% since 2022. In total, there were 150 to taste at the festivals in 2024. Of these, three styles of lager are popular- the lower-ABV Helles, the Pilsner and the classic-style lager.

For more details on this report - Request for Sample

Key Market Players: 

Product/Service launches, approvals, patents and events, acquisitions, partnerships, and collaborations are key strategies adopted by players in the Lager Market. The top 10 companies in this industry are listed below:

1. Heineken N.V.
2. Carlsberg A/S
3. Anheuser-Busch InBev
4. Diageo
5. Asahi Breweries
6. Molson Coors Beverage Company
7. China Resources Breweries Limited
8. Constellation Brands Inc.
9. B9 Beverages Pvt. Ltd.
10. Beijing Yanjing Brewery

Scope of the Report: 

For more Food and Beverage Market reports, please click here