Alcoholic beer market in Ecuador

Earlier Report Observations

The Ecuadorian alcoholic beer market expanded in 2019, reaching 665.9 million liters, partly due to competition-enhancing measures implemented the previous year. These included the divestment of Ambev's production assets and brands, which aimed to reduce market concentration and allow broader participation. However, in 2020, market volume contracted to 604.9 million liters as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted distribution channels and limited on-premise consumption, particularly affecting the craft segment.

Recovery began in 2021, with market volume growing to 633.5 million liters, supported by rising consumer interest in craft beers and flavored variants. The following year saw a strong surge to 708.4 million liters, driven by increased demand in bars and restaurants, expanded distribution networks, and growing consumption among young adults. By 2023, growth moderated to 722.3 million liters amidst intense competition, although regulatory reforms introduced in 2022 continued to shape the landscape by defining alcohol content rules for craft beers.

Production alcoholic beer in Ecuador

In kind, 2017-2020, M l

Top producers of alcoholic beer, 2017-2020

World map of production of alcoholic beer, 2017-2020

Ecuador's alcoholic beer production saw a two-year rise before declining. In 2019, production reached its peak at 650.5 million liters. However, in 2020, it fell to 584.5 million liters, marking a significant decline of 10.1% compared to the previous year. The largest annual increase occurred in 2018, with a growth of 6.2%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Ecuador's alcoholic beer production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 485.4 million US dollars, reflecting a sharp fall of 27.7% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 47.4%, which equates to an annualized rate of 19.3%.

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

Exports alcoholic beer from Ecuador

Exports in kind, K l

The market exhibited volatility during these years. Ecuador's alcoholic beer exports reached 1 367 thousand liters in 2020, showing a steep increase of 494.3% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, at 20.2%. Import levels fluctuated significantly, with a 7.2-fold difference between the low in 2017 and the high in 2020.

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

From 2017 to 2020, two markets—Peru and the United States—played leading roles in Ecuador's alcoholic beer exports in kind, together accounting for 81.2% of total flows. The remaining exports were distributed among other destinations.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. In 2019, the lowest value was recorded at 238 thousand US dollars, while in 2020, exports surged to 1 136 thousand US dollars, an intense increase of 378.0% compared to the previous year. The peak-to-trough ratio between these years was 4.8 times. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 33.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Peru were the dominant buyers of Ecuador's alcoholic beer in value terms, together taking 84.7% of total exports. Other partners accounted for a smaller share of the market.

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

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

Imports alcoholic beer to Ecuador

Imports in kind, K l

Ecuador's alcoholic beer imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled approximately 21 757 thousand liters, representing a 39.1% year-over-year uptick. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 218.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 47.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Belgium were the main sources of Ecuador's alcoholic beer imports in kind. Mexico accounted for 47.8% of imports, the Netherlands for 13.2%, and Belgium for 11.0%, together making up 72.0% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Ecuador's alcoholic beer imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 19 666 thousand US dollars, which is 28.2% more compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 209%, with a compound annual growth rate of 45.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Belgium consistently remained the main sources of Ecuador's alcoholic beer imports in value terms. Mexico accounted for 43.2% of imports, the Netherlands for 17.2%, and Belgium for 12.5%, together representing 72.9% of total flows.

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

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