Global beverage alcohol consumption declined for the third consecutive year in 2025, with total beverage alcohol (TBA) volumes falling 2%, equivalent to approximately 500 million litres, according to newly released data from drinks research firm IWSR. Beer, wine and spirits all recorded declines, while ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages remained the only major alcoholic beverage category to register volume growth. India stood out as the strongest-performing major market, with TBA volumes increasing 4%.
IWSR reported that India, currently the world’s eighth-largest beverage alcohol market, is expected to climb to fifth position by 2035. The performance highlights the country’s growing importance for global drinks companies amid weakening consumption across several established markets. Türkiye also emerged as an important growth market in Europe, supported by demand in the standard-price segment.
RTD beverages recorded 3% global volume growth in 2025, despite a decline in the United States, the category’s largest market. Premium-and-above RTD volumes increased by more than 15%, reflecting growing consumer interest in higher-quality packaged cocktails and convenient alcoholic drinks. However, slower growth in Japan suggests that the category may be reaching maturity in some established markets.
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Wine volumes declined 5% in 2025, falling below spirits for the first time in global consumption. Beer volumes dropped 2%, although premium beer grew 1%, supported by markets including India, Vietnam, China and South Africa.
No-alcohol beverages continued to expand, with alcohol-free beer and spirits each growing 8%, while no-alcohol sparkling wine increased 13%. IWSR Managing Director and President Marten Lodewijks said consumers were becoming more intentional about drinking frequency and intensity. The findings point to a global market undergoing a significant shift, with India, premium products, RTDs and alcohol-free alternatives offering important growth opportunities.
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