Beer

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Beer stands as one of humanity's oldest beverages, predating written language and reigning as the most widely consumed alcoholic drink worldwide. According to the esteemed Oxford Companion to Beer, it ranks as the third most popular beverage globally, surpassing both wine and coffee, trailing only behind water and tea in consumption. Typically brewed from malted barley, although alternative grains like wheat, maize, or rice can also be employed, beer undergoes a multi-stage brewing process. Initially, starches in grains are converted into sugars, followed by fermentation with yeast to produce the desired brew. The two primary classifications of beer are lagers and ales, distinguished by the type of yeast utilized during fermentation. Lagers employ yeast fermenting at lower temperatures, settling at the beer's base, while ales employ yeast fermenting at warmer temperatures, yielding foam at the fermentation chamber's surface. Beer styles vary extensively, encompassing aspects such as color, flavor, aroma, strength, mouthfeel, ingredients, origin, and production method. The Brewer's Association delineates over 150 beer styles, though sources often offer broader categorizations. Notable styles include pale ales, dark ales, pilsners, India pale ales (IPAs), porters, stouts, wheat beers, goses/sours, lambics, dubbels, saisons, maibocks, marzens, bitters, among others.

This week, Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world’s largest brewing company known for iconic brands like Budweiser, Stella Artois, and Corona, disclosed better-than-anticipated revenue for the first quarter, despite experiencing reduced sales in the U.S. and China. The company's revenue surged by 2.6% to $14.5 billion, surpassing the expectations of analysts on Wall Street. However, overall volumes saw a slight decline of 0.6% during the quarter, as reported by the Leuven, Belgium-headquartered corporation. While beer volumes decreased by 1.3%, there was a notable 3.5% increase in volumes of non-beer products, including Cutwater and Nutrl spirits. Particularly in the U.S., Anheuser-Busch InBev faced challenges, with revenue plummeting by 9% in the January-March period. North American beer volumes also experienced a significant decline of 10% for the quarter. Notably, sales of Bud Light, a longstanding bestseller in the U.S., faced a downturn last spring following a controversial marketing incident involving a transgender influencer, taking it to a political level. Additionally, Anheuser-Busch InBev made headlines in January by striking a groundbreaking deal with the International Olympic Committee, becoming the first beer brand to sponsor the Olympics in the program's 40-year history. The global sponsorship will prominently feature Corona Cero, the zero-alcohol version of the Corona brand. The evolving trends in alcoholic beverage consumption, affecting segments including wine, beer, and spirits, reflect broader shifts in consumer preferences towards healthier and softer drink options. Major brands are strategically diversifying their portfolios to mitigate the impact of these trends, often supported by extensive marketing efforts spanning various sports and events, from football to Formula One. Notably, large-scale events like the World Cup and the Olympics serve as significant consumption peaks, contingent on favorable weather conditions. Here's to the dynamic landscape of beverage consumption and the strategic adaptations within the industry. Cheers tot that!

Of the 10 biggest listed beer companies in the world, 4 are based in Europe, 4 in Asia and 2 in the US.

Europe boasts the highest beer consumption per capita globally, with the Czech Republic leading the pack. Beer holds significant cultural and economic significance in the Czech Republic, with prices often undercutting those of bottled water. This nation also serves as the birthplace of the pilsner. Several other European countries, including Germany, renowned for pioneering modern brewing processes and diverse beer styles, feature prominently in the consumption rankings. Notably, Namibia, the sole non-European nation in the top ten, has historical ties to Germany, influencing its beer culture. In 2020, the United States ranked 17th globally in beer consumption, averaging 72.8 liters per capita.