Beer industry comprises companies that operate by producing, manufacturing, selling and distribution of beer. The world’s beer industry recorded almost 1% expansion in 2010 to reach nearly $495 billion, according to MarketLine. Market growth is expected to jump by 6% in the five-year period ending 2015, when it is expected to exceed $523.5 billion. At that point the market will exceed 183 billion liters in volume, a near 9% increase in five years. Standard lager represents the leading market segment, accounting for more than 55% of the overall market. The market is characterized by fragmentation. The three leading companies hold a combined market share in excess of 40% in terms of volume.

Global Industry Analysts predicts the world beer market will see growth lead by emerging nations like Latin America, Middle East and Asia-Pacific. Market expansion will be fuelled by rising disposable income, the spread of Western influence on lifestyles worldwide and economic growth. Beer is the world’s number-one alcoholic beverage, with consumption suitable for various occasions at home, in restaurants, bars and clubs.

Beer remains a versatile product, with the launch of a wide range of new flavors boosting the drink’s popularity. Consumption is also being fuelled by a trend toward drinking beer with meals. Widespread health concerns among consumers is also encouraging a trend toward beer, which usually has less than 5% alcohol content, rather than other higher alcohol content beverages. Major companies in the beer industry include Heineken, Budweiser, United Breweries, Carlsberg, Colors Light, Skol, Corona, Bud Light, Tsingtao, Guinness, and Snow Beer.