Alcoholic beer market in New Caledonia

Earlier Report Observations

The alcoholic beer market in New Caledonia experienced a contraction in volume from 16.3 million liters in 2018 to 15.1 million liters by 2023. This decline was primarily initiated by the enactment of the 2018 law against alcoholism, which declared the fight against excessive alcohol consumption a territorial priority and introduced strict measures including advertising bans, mandatory seller training, and limits on remote sales. Concurrently, the market saw diversification with the entry of new craft producers such as the Neocallitropsis microbrewery and the launch of the premium local brand HAVANNAH by Grande Brasserie de Nouvelle-Calédonie.

Regulatory pressures continued through 2020 with modifications to bar licensing rules and signage requirements, reinforcing the restrictive environment. Market volume gradually stabilized around 15 million liters during 2022-2023, while the market value showed fluctuations, peaking in 2021, likely influenced by shifts in product mix toward higher-value offerings.

In 2024, a notable shift occurred as authorities eased certain restrictions, including the reauthorization of takeaway alcohol sales with increased daily volume limits per person—up to 4 liters for beer under 9% ABV—and revised bar operation rules in South Province, marking a relaxation in the previously stringent regulatory framework.

Production alcoholic beer in New Caledonia

In kind, 2017-2020, K l

Top producers of alcoholic beer, 2017-2020

World map of production of alcoholic beer, 2017-2020

In 2020, New Caledonia produced 15 500 K l of alcoholic beer, marking a modest 3.1% decline compared to 2019. Production increased by 3.3% overall between 2017 and 2020, translating to an annualized growth rate of 1.1%. The peak production occurred in 2018 at 16 000 K l, which also saw the largest annual increase of 6.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Alcoholic beer production in New Caledonia declined for the third consecutive year in 2020. The output was valued at 17 572 K $ US, representing a gradual reduction of 4.5% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 11.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -3.9%.

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

Exports alcoholic beer from New Caledonia

Exports in kind, K l

In 2020, New Caledonia exported 107.2 K l of alcoholic beer, showing a slight increase of 1.8% compared to 2019. However, exports decreased by 8.4% overall between 2017 and 2020, equating to an annualized decline of 2.9%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 105.4 K l, while the peak occurred in 2018 at 122.5 K l. The largest decline of 14.0% was in 2019, whereas 2018 saw the biggest increase of 4.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Vanuatu was by far the primary destination for New Caledonia's alcoholic beer exports in volume terms, accounting for 92.7% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, alcoholic beer exports from New Caledonia showed a slight recovery in 2020. Exports amounted to 121.6 K $ US, remaining virtually unchanged year-over-year compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 21.4%, with an annualized rate of -7.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 121.2 K $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 15.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the export structure in value terms was dominated by Vanuatu, which absorbed 88.4% of total flows, with numerous smaller partners making up the remainder.

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

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

Imports alcoholic beer to New Caledonia

Imports in kind, K l

New Caledonia imported approximately 184.9 K l of alcoholic beer in 2020, representing a significant uptick of 23.3% compared to 2019. Despite this recent increase, imports decreased by 31.5% overall from 2017 to 2020, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -11.8%. The lowest import volume was in 2019 at 149.9 K l, while the peak was in 2018 at 408.0 K l. The largest decline of 63.3% occurred in 2019, whereas 2018 saw the biggest increase of 51.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France was the dominant source for alcoholic beer imports to New Caledonia in volume terms, accounting for 83.6% of total flows, with the rest distributed among several smaller markets.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 345.5 K $ US and peaked in 2020 at 603.3 K $ US, representing a 1.7-fold difference. In 2020, imports amounted to 603.3 K $ US, which is 74.6% higher year-over-year. The largest decline of 30.2% was recorded in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France remained the dominant partner for alcoholic beer imports to New Caledonia in value terms, holding an 80.4% share of total flows, while other markets formed a long tail.

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

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