Alcoholic beer market in Chile

Earlier Report Observations

The Chilean alcoholic beer market volume grew from 1 103 million liters in 2018 to 1 161 million liters in 2020. This expansion was fueled by the entry of new players like Santa Rita with Peroni and Grolsch brands, and product diversification including CCU's launch of Heineken 0.0. Simultaneously, the craft segment expanded with over 300 producers by 2019, while consumers shifted preference toward beers with lower alcohol content and greater flavor variety, boosting demand for premium and craft options.

Growth continued through 2021 and 2022, peaking at 1 354 million liters in 2022, supported by premiumization and the recovery of on-trade sales post-pandemic. However, in 2023 market volume fell to 1 258 million liters and value dropped to $960 million, driven by adverse economic conditions that slowed premiumization, and government regulations promoting responsible consumption which reduced overall alcohol intake, particularly among Generation Z.

In 2024, an improving economy and higher disposable incomes stimulated trial of diverse beer options, including non-alcoholic varieties, while tighter alcohol consumption norms continued to favor low-alcohol and alcohol-free beers.

Production alcoholic beer in Chile

In kind, 2018-2021, M l

Top producers of alcoholic beer, 2018-2021

World map of production of alcoholic beer, 2018-2021

Chile's alcoholic beer production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 1 035 million liters of alcoholic beer, marking a 5.6% year-over-year increase. Over the 2018-2021 period, production rose by 19.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Chile in kind, 2018-2021, M l

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Chile's alcoholic beer production value rebounded after two years of decline. In 2021, output was valued at 1 095 million US dollars, showing a modest 7.6% increase compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production value fell by 14.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 1 018 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 20.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Chile in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports alcoholic beer from Chile

Exports in kind, M l

Chile's alcoholic beer export volume recovered after a two-year drop. In 2021, exports totaled 1.0 million liters, reflecting an 18.4% year-over-year rise. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 19%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 0.8 million liters, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 29.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Chile in kind, 2018-2021, M l

From 2018 to 2021, Argentina, Uruguay, and Colombia remained the primary buyers of Chilean alcoholic beer by volume. Argentina accounted for 36.2% of exports, Uruguay for 29.2%, and Colombia for 7.6%, together making up 73.1% of total export volume.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Chile in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Chile's alcoholic beer export value increased after two years of decline. In 2021, exports tallied 1.0 million US dollars, showing a strong 20.6% improvement compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value fell by 41.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 16.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 0.8 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 31.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Chile in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Argentina, Uruguay, and Peru consistently led as the top destinations for Chilean alcoholic beer by value. Argentina represented 40.6% of export value, Uruguay 15.8%, and Peru 8.0%, together accounting for 64.5% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Chile in value, 2018-2021

Imports alcoholic beer to Chile

Imports in kind, M l

In 2021, Chile's alcoholic beer imports reached 264.4 million liters, a significant 45.2% increase from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 11.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.6%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 182.0 million liters, which also saw the largest decline of 27.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Chile in kind, 2018-2021, M l

From 2018 to 2021, the United States, Mexico, and Germany were the main suppliers of alcoholic beer to Chile by volume. The United States accounted for 37.7% of imports, Mexico for 30.9%, and Germany for 6.4%, together comprising 75.1% of total import volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Chile in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2021, Chile's alcoholic beer import value totaled 287.9 million US dollars, representing a substantial 64.8% increase from a year earlier. Over the 2018-2021 period, import value rose by 40.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 174.6 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 25.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Chile in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Mexico, the United States, and Peru led the structure of Chile's alcoholic beer imports by value. Mexico accounted for 36.4% of import value, the United States for 35.1%, and Peru for 5.3%, together representing 76.8% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Chile in value, 2018-2021