Alcoholic beer market in Argentina

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the alcoholic beer market in Argentina grew modestly from 1 956 million liters to 1 961 million liters. This increase was driven by the strong market presence of major brewers like Cervecería y Maltería Quilmes, which maintained dominant share through recognized brands and historical investments in large-scale production facilities. Simultaneously, the emerging craft beer segment began diversifying consumer choice and stimulating demand. In 2020, however, market volume fell sharply to 1 796 million liters as the COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread closures of bars and restaurants, severely disrupting the on-premise sales channel.

A recovery began in 2021, with volume rising to 1 928 million liters. Persistent pandemic restrictions accelerated a shift toward off-trade channels such as supermarkets and e-commerce, compensating for lost on-premise consumption. The market's expansion continued into 2022, reaching 2 048 million liters, fueled by growing consumer preference for craft and premium beers, alongside rising health awareness which boosted demand for low-alcohol and non-alcoholic varieties. By 2023, total volume stabilized at 2 046 million liters, while the market's value increased to 1 225 million US dollars, reflecting a broader trend toward premiumization and value growth, supported in part by rising beer exports.

Production alcoholic beer in Argentina

In kind, 2017-2020, M l

From 2017 to 2020, Argentina ranked 22nd globally in alcoholic beer production.

Top producers of alcoholic beer, 2017-2020

World map of production of alcoholic beer, 2017-2020

Argentina's alcoholic beer production volume declined after two years of growth. In 2020, the country produced 1 782 million liters, marking a modest 8.9% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 5.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 1.9%. The peak was reached in 2019 with 1 956 million liters, which also saw the largest increase of 2.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Argentina in kind, 2017-2020, M l

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Alcoholic beer production in Argentina declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 1 044 million US dollars, representing a 7.7% drop compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 6.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 157 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 3.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Argentina in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports alcoholic beer from Argentina

Exports in kind, K l

In 2020, Argentina's alcoholic beer export volume was 25 481 thousand liters, a 14.4% decline from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 60.4%, translating to an annualized rate of 26.6%. The lowest point was in 2018 at 22 990 thousand liters, which saw the largest decline of 64.3%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 29.5% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Argentina in kind, 2017-2020, K l

Between 2017 and 2020, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Chile were the primary destinations for Argentina's alcoholic beer exports in volume terms. Paraguay accounted for 44.1% of exports, Uruguay for 30.3%, and Chile for 19.5%, together making up 93.9% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Argentina in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Argentina's alcoholic beer export value stood at 14 922 thousand US dollars, a 13.3% year-over-year decrease. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports dropped by 60.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 26.9%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 13 894 thousand US dollars, which experienced the largest decline of 63.6%. The largest increase was in 2019 with a 23.8% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Argentina in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Chile were the largest buyers of Argentine alcoholic beer in value terms. Paraguay represented 42.0% of exports, Uruguay 28.6%, and Chile 21.5%, collectively accounting for 92.1% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Argentina in value, 2017-2020

Imports alcoholic beer to Argentina

Imports in kind, K l

After two years of decline, Argentina's imported alcoholic beer volumes increased. In 2020, imports reached 39 370 thousand liters, a solid 12.0% improvement year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 50.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 21.1%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 35 143 thousand liters, which saw the largest decline of 45.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Argentina in kind, 2017-2020, K l

Between 2017 and 2020, Brazil, Mexico, and Germany were the main sources of alcoholic beer imports to Argentina in volume terms. Brazil contributed 40.4% of imports, Mexico 31.2%, and Germany 20.8%, together forming 92.4% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Argentina in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Argentina's alcoholic beer import value declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to approximately 24 829 thousand US dollars, showing a strong reduction of 16.6% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 57.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 24.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Argentina in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Over the 2017-2020 period, Mexico, Brazil, and Germany stood out as the main markets for Argentina's alcoholic beer imports in value terms. Mexico accounted for 42.4% of imports, Brazil for 27.9%, and Germany for 18.5%, together representing 88.8% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Argentina in value, 2017-2020