Alcoholic beer market in Armenia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the Armenian beer market volume increased from 26.6 million liters to 33.9 million liters, experiencing significant fluctuations. The 11% growth to 29.6 million liters in 2019 was supported by the expanding craft beer segment, where new small producers entered the market offering diverse flavors. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 reduced market volume to 28.6 million liters due to restrictions on restaurants and bars, despite a concurrent rise in online sales. A strong recovery followed in 2021, with volume jumping to 33.8 million liters, driven by the activation of local producers and rising demand for non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beer. The market continued its ascent in 2022, reaching 34.3 million liters, aided by further penetration of new craft players and heightened consumer interest, particularly among younger demographics. By 2023, the market volume stabilized at 33.9 million liters while investments in production facilities and plant modernization continued.

Structural shifts and evolving regulation shaped the market throughout the period. Eurasian Economic Union standards consistently influenced production and labeling requirements. A pilot traceability and labeling program launched in 2021, followed by new mandatory Armenian-language labeling rules in 2022. Regulatory bodies tightened control over licensing and tax policies. Consumer preferences steadily shifted towards lighter, craft, and non-alcoholic beer, stimulating the emergence of new brands and market segments.

In August 2024, a pilot product identification and marking program for beer commenced within the EAEU framework, aiming to enhance market transparency. The entry of new players, especially in craft brewing, continues, while existing companies expand their production lines to include new flavor and healthier options. The government has announced plans to introduce an excise tax of 150 drams per liter of beer starting in 2025.

Production alcoholic beer in Armenia

In kind, 2017-2020, K l

Top producers of alcoholic beer, 2017-2020

World map of production of alcoholic beer, 2017-2020

Armenia's alcoholic beer production declined after two years of growth. In 2019, production reached its peak at 26 258 K l, but by 2020 it had fallen to 23 509 K l, representing a 10.5% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 14.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.8%. The largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, when production rose by 15.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Armenia in kind, 2017-2020, K l

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

After two years of gains, Armenia's alcoholic beer production value declined. In 2019, output reached its highest value at 22 427 K $ US, but by 2020 it had dropped to 19 428 K $ US, showing a significant 13.4% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value increased by 18.1%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 5.7%. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, when production value surged by 24.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Armenia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports alcoholic beer from Armenia

Exports in kind, K l

Armenia's cross-border shipments of alcoholic beer reached 1 026 K l in 2020, which represents a 30.9% decrease from 2019 levels. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 45.7%, with an average annual decline of 18.4%. The only increase during this period occurred in 2019, when exports grew by 2.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia dominated Armenia's alcoholic beer export structure, accounting for 81.1% of total export volumes. Other markets represented comparatively smaller shares of Armenia's beer exports during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Armenia's alcoholic beer exports stood at 848 K $ US, reflecting a 33.1% reduction compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 44.2%, with an average annual decline of 17.7%. The only increase during this period was recorded in 2019, when export value grew by 0.6%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Russia accounted for 76.7% of Armenia's total alcoholic beer exports in value terms. The remaining export flows were distributed among a broad group of smaller trading partners.

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

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

Imports alcoholic beer to Armenia

Imports in kind, K l

Armenia's imported alcoholic beer volumes increased for the third consecutive year. In 2019, imports stood at a lower level, but by 2020 they had risen to 6 072 K l, reflecting a substantial 25.9% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 38.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia accounted for 72.0% of Armenia's total alcoholic beer imports in volume terms. The remaining import flows were distributed among a diverse group of smaller trading partners.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Armenia's alcoholic beer import value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2019, imports were at a lower level, but by 2020 they had reached 3 961 K $ US, showing a 12.4% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 28.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.7%.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, Russia, Ukraine, and Germany remained Armenia's key partners for alcoholic beer imports in value terms. Russia accounted for 65.3% of imports, Ukraine for 11.0%, and Germany for 9.7%. Together, these three countries represented 86.0% of Armenia's total alcoholic beer import flows during this period.

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

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