Alcoholic beer market in Caribbean

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for alcoholic beer in the Caribbean grew from 954.6 million liters in 2018 to 997.5 million liters in 2019, driven by the entry of new craft breweries like La Cacata in the Dominican Republic and the reopening of modernized facilities such as Old Harbor Brewery in Puerto Rico. However, in 2020, the market contracted to 918.8 million liters, while the industry saw continued fragmentation with a rise in microbreweries and craft beer production across the region.

The market recovered to 942.5 million liters in 2021, albeit under the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic which slowed global beer demand. A stronger expansion followed, reaching 1 036.0 million liters in 2022, fueled by rising consumer interest in non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beers as well as premium and craft segments. This trend accelerated in 2023, with market volume jumping to 1 401.3 million liters, supported by the ongoing growth of local microbreweries and a widening offer of craft and alcohol-free options, even as inflationary pressures increased production costs.

In 2024, the market is influenced by several developments: the stabilization of the on-trade channel, the steady growth of non-alcoholic beers backed by improved brewing technologies, and the further expansion of local craft breweries adopting canning and broader distribution. Regulatory changes, such as higher excise duties on beer in France and stricter labeling rules, may affect import prices and market access, while global inflationary pressures and U.S. tariffs pose additional challenges. At the same time, new flavored and organic beers cater to consumers seeking authentic and sustainable products.

Production alcoholic beer in Caribbean

In kind, 2017-2020, M l

Top producers of alcoholic beer, 2017-2020

World map of production of alcoholic beer, 2017-2020

Caribbean's alcoholic beer production volume declined after two years of growth. In 2019, production reached its peak at 914.2 million liters, but then fell to 857.2 million liters in 2020, marking a 6.2% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 12.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.0%. The largest year-over-year increase occurred in 2018, when production rose by 15.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Caribbean's alcoholic beer production value declined following two years of gains. In 2019, output peaked at 1 102 million US dollars, but dropped to 1 028 million US dollars in 2020, representing a modest 6.7% decline compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value increased by 19.8%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 6.2%. The most significant increase was recorded in 2018, with a 24.9% rise.

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

Exports alcoholic beer from Caribbean

Exports in kind, M l

Caribbean's alcoholic beer exports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 49.9 million liters, showing a substantial 19.0% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 34.4%, with an average annual decline rate of 13.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, M l

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Guyana, and Canada remained the primary buyers of alcoholic beer from the Caribbean. The United States accounted for 49.4% of exports in volume, Guyana for 6.3%, and Canada for 4.2%. Together, these three countries represented 59.9% of total exports in volume.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Alcoholic beer exports from the Caribbean declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, export value amounted to 59.9 million US dollars, down by 19.3% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 30.1%, with an average annual decline rate of 11.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States, Guyana, and Canada continued to lead as the top buyers of alcoholic beer from the Caribbean in value terms. The United States held 41.2% of export value, Guyana 7.1%, and Canada 6.1%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 54.3% of total export value.

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

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

Imports alcoholic beer to Caribbean

Imports in kind, M l

In 2020, Caribbean's imports of alcoholic beer were recorded at 111.5 million liters, indicating a sharp 23.0% reduction compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 31.9%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 12.0%. The largest increase in imports occurred in 2019, with a 4.4% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, M l

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Mexico, and the United States were the main sources of alcoholic beer imports to the Caribbean. The Netherlands contributed 33.3% of imports in volume, Mexico 17.6%, and the United States 13.9%. Together, these three countries accounted for 64.9% of total imports in volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Caribbean's imports of alcoholic beer amounted to 122.8 million US dollars, reflecting a significant 22.8% loss compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 27.1%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 10.0%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, with an 8.3% rise.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the Netherlands, the United States, and Mexico remained the key markets for alcoholic beer imports to the Caribbean in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 37.0% of import value, the United States for 16.8%, and Mexico for 11.4%. Collectively, these three countries represented 65.2% of total import flows.

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

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