Press Release from Plato Logic Limited

• World Beer Market falls -0.7% in 2015 (provisional): first decline for over 30 years
• Modest recovery forecast for 2016
• New Top 10 World Brewers Table announced (provisional/pro forma)
• Leading international brands: Budweiser closes in on Heineken

According to latest figures released by beer market specialists Plato Logic, the World Beer Market declined by 0.7% in 2015 (provisional). Ian Pressnell, Director of Plato Logic, commented: “The world’s 5 biggest beer markets, accounting for over 50% of global beer consumption, fell by a combined -2.4% in 2015. However, Africa grew by an estimated 2.8%.”

Plato Logic’s latest projections see a return to modest growth of around 1.5% in 2016, assuming some recovery in China.

Plato Logic have also announced an updated Top 10 World Brewers league table, based pro forma 2015 volumes (latest estimates).

World’s Leading Brewers, pro forma 2015, latest estimates, million hl

Source: Plato Logic Limited, February 2016.

Notes to chart: 2015 volumes NOT adjusted for A-B InBev planned SABMiller acquisition and related planned disposals (to MCBC and Asahi). SABMiller figures include 100% CR Snow. ‘MillerCoors’ volume allocated 50/50 to SABMiller and MCBC. Some deals may be pending regulatory approval.

The Budweiser brand approached a major landmark in 2015, closing in on the Heineken brand’s position as ‘leading international beer brand’, based Plato Logic’s metric of ‘non-domestic’ volumes. Heineken has held this position for at least the last 30 years, so this would be a major milestone in the global beer industry if Budweiser achieves the leading position, as appears probable, in 2016.

Source: Plato Logic Limited, March 2016.