Alcoholic beer market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The Portuguese beer market expanded in 2018 and 2019, with production rising to 739 million liters in 2019, supported by a significant diversification as the number of microbreweries grew from 10 in 2012 to around 100. This craft segment evolution, along with beer remaining the most consumed alcoholic beverage, underpinned market resilience and contributed substantially to the national economy.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused a sharp decline in market volume to 582 million liters due to the closure of bars and restaurants. The sector adapted by converting alcohol for sanitary use and saw accelerated demand for healthier options and online home consumption. A partial recovery followed in 2021, though the industry continued to face pressure from beer taxes in Portugal being significantly higher than in Spain, affecting competitiveness.

A strong market surge occurred in 2022, with volume reaching 730 million liters, driven by new premium and craft beer launches, flavor innovations, and a broadening consumer base as female participation in beer consumption rose from 25% to 40% over a decade. This growth was followed by a market correction in 2023, with volume decreasing to 693 million liters.

Production alcoholic beer in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2019, Portugal's alcoholic beer output reached its peak value at 741.7 million US dollars. This was followed by a significant decline of 12.5% in 2020, bringing the value down to 649.1 million US dollars. In 2021, production rebounded with a 9.6% increase, reaching 711.1 million US dollars.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, M l

Top producers of alcoholic beer, 2018-2021

World map of production of alcoholic beer, 2018-2021

Portugal's alcoholic beer production peaked in 2019 at 739.2 million liters, marking a 2.1% increase from the previous year. In 2020, output fell by 5.8% to 696.7 million liters. By 2021, production recovered slightly, rising 2.0% to reach 710.7 million liters.

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

Exports alcoholic beer from Portugal

Exports in kind, M l

After two consecutive years of growth, Portugal's alcoholic beer exports declined in 2021. The volume reached 184.0 million liters, representing a sharp drop of 10.8% compared to 2020. The previous year had seen exports peak at 206.2 million liters, following a 9.6% increase.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, China, and France were the primary destinations for Portugal's alcoholic beer exports by volume. Spain accounted for 45.2% of exports, China for 11.4%, and France for 9.9%, together making up 66.5% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Portugal's alcoholic beer export value grew for the second year in a row in 2021, reaching 154.7 million US dollars, remaining stable compared to 2020. However, over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 5.2%, averaging an annual decline of 1.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 147.3 million US dollars, following a 9.7% drop that year. In contrast, 2020 saw a 4.5% increase.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, the top destinations for Portugal's alcoholic beer exports by value were Spain, France, and China. Spain led with 33.0% of export value, followed by France at 15.6% and China at 14.6%, collectively accounting for 63.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports alcoholic beer to Portugal

Imports in kind, M l

In 2021, Portugal's alcoholic beer import volume decreased by 7.7% to 84.6 million liters. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 7.7%, with an average annual increase of 2.5%. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 77.3 million liters, while imports peaked in 2020 at 91.7 million liters, after an 18.6% surge that year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain dominated Portugal's alcoholic beer imports by volume, holding an 83.3% share of total flows, with all other markets combined accounting for the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Portugal's alcoholic beer import value increased for the second consecutive year in 2021, rising 12.4% to 60.1 million US dollars. Over the 2018-2021 span, imports grew by 9.0%, averaging a 2.9% annual increase. The lowest value was in 2019 at 48.3 million US dollars, following a 12.4% decline that year.

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

During 2018-2021, Spain was the key source for Portugal's alcoholic beer imports by value, representing 72.4% of total imports, while other destinations played a much smaller role.

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

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