The worldwide alcoholic drinks market: a driving force in the food industry sectors
The alcoholic beverages market is undergoing a major transformation worldwide. While volumes are stagnating or declining in some regions, premiumization, diversification, and the rise of new consumption habits are powering a market now driven by food innovation and consumer experience.
Valued at over $1.4 trillion, alcoholic beverages remain the most significant segment of the global beverages category. The market—encompassing beer, wine, spirits, and cider—is projected to grow at an annual rate of 5.9% from 2023 to 2027 (Mordor Intelligence).
Beer & cider: declining volumes, rising value
Global beer consumption has dropped from 196.9 billion liters in 2012 to 177 billion in 2022. However, this decline is offset by significant value growth driven by craft beers and premium offerings—adding nearly $100 billion to the segment in just five years.
Cider remains a smaller player globally but shows strong momentum in Europe (UK, Ireland, Spain, France), with a projected 30% increase in volume by 2028.
Wine & spirits : tradition meets innovation
While global wine consumption is slightly down, per-unit value is increasing, driven by demand for organic, biodynamic, and natural wines, especially among younger consumers.
The spirits segment continues its upward trajectory, growing by 17% between 2018 and 2023. Whisky leads the way (19% market share), followed by brandy, vodka, rum, and gin. Here too, the focus is on premium, ethical, and locally crafted products, all hallmarks of beverage innovation.
Europe: a leader in premiumization and usage innovation
Europe is now at the forefront of food innovation 2024, setting standards in eco-packaging, ingredient transparency, and functional beverage development.
The no/low-alcohol category is booming among 18–35-year-olds, with a surge in alcohol-free spirits, dealcoholized wines, and RTD cocktails.
E-commerce is also reshaping the alcoholic drinks landscape, accelerating direct-to-consumer growth and enhancing access to niche and premium products.
France: where heritage meets modernity, a historical stronghold... still highly influential
France is the second-largest consumer of organic wine globally, with sales reaching €1.2 billion in 2022, despite inflation (+2% growth). It's also a European leader in craft beer, home to more than 2,300 active breweries.
In the premium spirits segment, whisky, rum, and gin are gaining ground, fueled by growing interest in artisan, local, and sustainable production methods.
Emerging trends: what will be the most popular drink in the world tomorrow?
The alcoholic beverages market is being reshaped by three major trends:
- Responsible consumption
Food innovation 2025 is increasingly aligned with sustainability—eco-design, short supply chains, and enhanced traceability are becoming decisive buying criteria.
- Hybrid & functional beverages
The soft drink segment is evolving with alcoholic kombuchas, infused spirits, and low-sugar RTDs, at the crossroads of wellness and pleasure.
- No/Low-Alcohol growth
Driven by younger generations and moderation movements, the market is expanding to include mocktails, alcohol-free rum, and dealcoholized wines—ideal for the growing health and wellness audience.
Why exhibit at SIAL Paris 2026 in the alcoholic beverages sector?
SIAL Paris: the global meeting for the alcoholic beverages revolution
SIAL Paris, the leading international food trade show, is where trends, innovations, and decision-makers converge from every continent.
At the 2024 edition, 50 exhibitors from the alcoholic beverages sector showcased their expertise (wine, spirits, beer, cocktails, digestifs), with 89% coming from abroad. The show welcomed 285,000+ professional visitors, 92% of whom were decision-makers or buyers.
A premium platform to showcase your innovations
Be part of SIAL Innovation, the industry’s most respected food innovation showcase, and highlight your newest high-value products: fermented beverages, alcohol-free spirits, clean-label recipes, and more.
Position your brand in a professional food industry trade show built to accelerate visibility, engagement, and commercial impact.
Inspire the market, anticipate trends, lead change
SIAL Paris is more than a marketplace—it’s a global insight hub. Discover market intelligence, detect weak signals early, and place your company at the forefront of the future of alcoholic beverages.
Join the leaders who Are shaping the future of the global beverage industry
Book your stand today at SIAL Paris 2026, the world’s leading food and beverage trade show, and showcase your expertise to the industry’s top buyers and influencers.