Alcoholic beer market in French Polynesia

Earlier Report Observations

The alcoholic beer market in French Polynesia opened the period at 21,139 thousand liters in 2018, operating under a structure where exclusive importers frequently also acted as retailers, consolidating their influence over distribution and competition. Market volume then contracted to 18,721 thousand liters in 2019 before edging up slightly to 19,078 thousand liters in 2020.

A sharp expansion followed in 2021, driving the market to a peak of 23,630 thousand liters. The subsequent year brought a reversal, with volume falling to 19,236 thousand liters in 2022. This downturn aligned with the introduction of a new beverages code that required existing outlets to convert their licenses, a prohibition on alcohol sales during political polling days, and a framework allowing sales only four days per week for beverages with 2–14% alcohol content, a category encompassing most beer.

Market volume continued to soften in 2023, reaching 18,461 thousand liters. A regulatory change from September 2023 streamlined the publication of industrial property rights like brands and patents, potentially aiding innovation in the sector. For 2024, a scheduled one-day sales ban on alcohol during the second round of parliamentary elections illustrates the persistent focus on consumption controls.

Production alcoholic beer in French Polynesia

In kind, 2017-2020, K l

Top producers of alcoholic beer, 2017-2020

World map of production of alcoholic beer, 2017-2020

After two consecutive years of decline, French Polynesia's alcoholic beer production volume increased in 2020. That year, 18 552 thousand liters were produced, marking a modest 2.0% rise compared to 2019. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production actually decreased by 14.3%, which translates to an average annual decline of 5.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 18 179 thousand liters, which also saw the largest year-on-year drop of 11.2%.

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

Exports alcoholic beer from French Polynesia

Exports in kind, K l

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports peaked in 2017 and hit their lowest point in 2020, with a dramatic 45-fold difference between these years. In 2020, French Polynesia exported 24 thousand liters of alcoholic beer, representing a sharp 71.6% decline compared to the previous year. The most significant drop occurred in 2018 at 92.4%, while 2019 saw a modest increase of 3.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Japan was the dominant market for exports in volume terms, accounting for 86.5% of total flows, with all other countries making up the remaining share.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market behavior during these years was characterized by volatility. Export values reached their highest point in 2017 and their lowest in 2020, with a 4.2-fold difference between these extremes. In 2020, French Polynesia's alcoholic beer export value totaled 53 thousand US dollars, reflecting a steep 74.3% decline relative to the prior year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 3.8%.

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

Throughout the 2017–2020 period, the United States and Japan were the primary destinations for exports in value terms, together accounting for 87.4% of total flows, while other markets contributed smaller shares.

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

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

Imports alcoholic beer to French Polynesia

Imports in kind, K l

French Polynesia's volume of alcoholic beer imports declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports were recorded at 550 thousand liters, reflecting a solid 12.1% decrease compared to 2019. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 11.9%, with an average annual decline rate of 4.1%. The highest import volume was in 2018 at 737 thousand liters, which also saw the largest increase of 18.0%. The most significant drop occurred in 2019 at 15.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, the United States, and Belgium remained the main suppliers of alcoholic beer to French Polynesia in volume terms. France accounted for 58.8% of imports, the United States for 14.3%, and Belgium for 10.9%, together forming 84.0% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Alcoholic beer deliveries to French Polynesia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 1 036 thousand US dollars, showing a 4.4% reduction compared to 2019. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 1 278 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 22.3%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 at 15.3%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, France, Belgium, and the United States continued to be the key partners for imports in value terms. France accounted for 63.0% of imports, Belgium for 12.6%, and the United States for 10.5%, together making up 86.2% of total flows.

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

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