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Report
en_GB
As beer & cider continue to face headwinds, brands should showcase their benefits story to prove value, storytell on key alcohol need states, and invest in 0% ABV and 0%+.
Global
Beer and Cider
simple
The Future of Beer and Cider 2026
"As beer and cider continue to face headwinds, brands should showcase their benefits story to prove value, storytell on key alcohol need states, and invest in 0% ABV and 0%+"
Martin Pasco, Principal Analyst – Mintel Food & Drink
Discover the future trends in the global beer and cider market with Mintel’s Future Of report. The report identifies the key consumer and industry trends that will impact the global beer and cider industry over the next five years.
The most important upcoming trends in the beer and cider market are analysed and succinctly presented alongside relevant insights from Mintel’s consumer data. So you can understand how consumer demands will change and identify future innovation and growth opportunities.
This report also presents Mintel’s analysts’ pick of the most innovative and inspirational launches in beer and cider. Understanding the future of the drinks industry has never been so easy.
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Where we are now
In the next two years
In the next five years
IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS
Mintel's perspective
Beer and cider will prove their value as loyalty remains under threat
Beer and cider will continue to prove their value as drinkers shop around for deals
Dial up premium attributes to prove beer and cider's value
Graph 1: attributes drinkers see as worth paying more for in beer, 2024
Frame beer & cider as premium to avoid the mid-tier trap
Graph 2: retail value sales of lager, by top five brands and own-label, 2022/23-24/25
Make natural claims to tap into high-quality ingredients
Graph 3: beer and cider launches making natural claims by region, 2021-25
Showcase quality ingredients and natural process to add value
Drive subtle fruit flavours in beer and cider to prove value
Graph 4: top flavours in flavoured beer launches as a proportion of total beer launches, 2021-25
Graph 5: top flavours in flavoured cider launches as a proportion of total cider launches, 2021-25
Flavoured beer and cider will help engage a new generation of younger adults
Beer and cider will refresh storytelling on alcohol's key need states
Beer and cider will sharpen their storytelling on how they are a conduit for relaxation
Graph 6: need states consumers associate with alcoholic drinks, 2024
Beer and cider should find ways to bolster their links to a relaxed, slower pace of life
Some brands can use icons from their national culture and lifestyle to tap into relaxation
Beer and cider will retell the story of in-person socialising
Connections over beer and cider will act as a foil to social isolation
Beer and cider brands should dial up their sociability halo on pack
0% ABV beer and cider will finally have its moment
Alcohol moderation will continue to gain traction
Graph 7: proportion of consumers who limit alcohol consumption all or most of the time, 2025
0% ABV beer and cider will continue their progress across markets
Low/no-alcohol beer and cider still have untapped potential
Graph 8: beer and cider launches with on-pack mentions of alcohol-free, low/reduced alcohol, or light, as a proportion of total launches, by region, 2015-25
0% ABV blond beer still has a perceived taste gap to close
Graph 9: [no title]
0% ABV beer and cider should prove its value with added relaxation benefits
Graph 10: total 0-0.5% ABV beer launches making any plus or functional claim, by region, 2020-25
Tasty 0% ABV beer and cider that also relaxes will have an edge over standard 0%
IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS
Mintel's perspective
Pragmatism on provenance will reframe attitudes to premium
Provenance will require a pragmatic approach
Consumers will brace for reduced access to imported premium beer and cider
'Imported-style' beer and cider will find ways to tap into premium perceptions
More brewers will diversify into alcoholic RTDs and soft drinks
More brewers will diversify beyond beer
Graph 11: key attributes associated with beer and alcoholic RTDs, by drinkers aged 22-34, 2024
Acquisitions will help stretch brewer portfolios into a new set of need states
Brace for volume declines in a mature category
Beer and cider growth will continue its gradual decline
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Key takeaways
What is a 'Future of' Report?
Have you ever wondered how to get a clear view of what’s next for your industry? Forget the crystal ball, what you need is a Mintel ‘Future of’ reports. The reports offer a forward-looking perspective, helping you identify upcoming opportunities and navigate the trends that will shape your business for the next five years and beyond.
How Mintel Builds a Picture of the Future
Creating a ‘Future of’ report is a comprehensive process that combines deep data analysis with expert human insight. Here’s a look at the core components that make these reports so valuable.
Expert Insights from Category Analysts
Our dedicated category analysts are at the heart of these reports. They bring years of industry experience and a deep understanding of global markets. They interpret complex data, connect the dots, and provide you with expert recommendations on what to expect in the next two years, five years, and even further into the future. They provide the strategic thinking you need to stay ahead.
Powered by Robust Data
Our analysis is grounded in solid data. A key source is Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD), a powerful resource that tracks product innovation and launches around the world. By analysing this wealth of information, we can spot emerging patterns and shifts in the market. This data, combined with our knowledge of consumer behavior, allows us to anticipate what consumers will want next.
Designed for Forward-Thinking Strategy
Our ‘Future of’ reports are designed to help you look ahead with confidence. By focusing on trend forecasting and identifying future opportunities, these reports provide the insights you need to innovate and plan effectively. They are crafted specifically to help you anticipate market shifts and make proactive decisions, ensuring you and your business are prepared for what’s to come.
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