Non-alcoholic beer volumes grew by 8% in 2025, compared to a 1% decline in the overall beer category. 

Within this, premium-plus beers performed especially well, accounting for 29% of the category, compared to 20% in 2019. 

According to new data from the IWSR, other areas of growth included stout, which continued to record solid gains in core markets. 

Countries including South Africa and India also experienced volume increases, while major markets such as the US and Brazil faltered. 

Premiumisation 

Another bright spot for beer came through premiumisation, as consumers continued to show a willingness to trade up. 

Roisin Vulcheva, senior beer insights manager at the IWSR, said: “Beer continues to benefit from consumer willingness to upgrade to more premium offerings – particularly no-alcohol beer.” 

Additionally, companies willing to diversify their beer portfolios performed well, whether through geographical expansion or product innovation. 

The IWSR said these innovations most included flavoured beer variants, developments in the no-alcohol space and healthy and functional offerings, recently seen through launches such as Outd00r Brewing. 

Beers leaning into fruit flavours fared strongly, ranging from orchard fruits to peach, apple and pear. Cherry and berry variants likewise did well across all drinks categories. 

On this, Vulcheva commented: “The fragile state of the market has prompted more restructuring and further diversification beyond beer during the last year, as brewers have looked to spread their bets.”