minebit

10 Best Selling Beer Worldwide | Top 10 Most Popular Beers by Sales

10 Best Selling Beer Worldwide | Top 10 Most Popular Beers by Sales

In this article, I will highlight the Best Selling Beer Worldwide and discuss the leading beer brands that are prominent in international markets. Leading the pack is China’s Snow Beer, followed by America’s Budweiser and Mexico’s Corona.

These beers are dominant in popularity, volume and their international presence. Be it tradition, taste or marketing, these beers have certainly earned their top position.

Key Points & Best Selling Beer Worldwide List

Beer NameKey Point
Snow Beer (China)World’s top-selling beer by volume, popular in China, owned by China Resources Snow Breweries.
Budweiser (USA)Iconic American lager, widely exported, known for major marketing campaigns.
Tsingtao (China)Internationally known Chinese beer, light and crisp taste.
Bud Light (USA)Top-selling light beer in the U.S., low-calorie lager.
Skol (Brazil)Popular in Brazil and parts of Africa, known for affordability and light taste.
Heineken (Netherlands)Premium Dutch beer, sold in over 190 countries, known for its green bottle.
Harbin (China)One of China’s oldest breweries, strong domestic sales in northeastern China.
Yanjing (China)Official state beer of China, widely consumed at official events.
Corona (Mexico)Best-selling Mexican beer globally, often served with lime.
Coors Light (USA)Light lager, known for its “cold-activated” packaging and smooth flavor.

10 Best Selling Beer Worldwide

1.Snow Beer (China)

Snow Beer tops the global charts for beer sales by volume, primarily consumed within China. Produced by China Resources Snow Breweries, Snow Beer reigns supreme in the Chinese market because of its low cost, light flavor, and easy access.

Snow Beer (China)

Younger and rural demographics favor it the most. The brand gains from China’s growing middle class and per capita beer demand. Its international profile may not be high, but domestically, it outstrips its competitors.

Snow Beer is light lager which appeals to casual drinkers and aggressive distribution in urban and suburban markets means it is a market leader.

FeatureDetails
CountryChina
BreweryChina Resources Snow Breweries
Alcohol Content~4.0% ABV
Taste ProfileLight, mild, crisp
PopularityHighest by volume globally
Main MarketChina
Selling PointAffordable and widely available
AvailabilityPrimarily in China

2.Budweiser (USA)

Budweiser is often dubbed “The King of Beers” and remains one of the most well-known beers across the globe. Anheuser-Busch brews it, and it is famous for its red label, crisp and sweet flavor.

Its appeal stems from mass marketing, sponsorship deals, and a deep-rooted place in American culture. Budweiser has expanded globally and is now available in more than 80 countries.

Budweiser (USA)

Even though craft beers have taken off in the U.S. market and resulted in a decline in domestic sales, international sales for Budweiser remain strong.

Alongside nostalgic value, consistent taste, and broad distribution, the brand’s nostalgic value plays a significant role in its global sales year after year.

FeatureDetails
CountryUnited States
BreweryAnheuser-Busch
Alcohol Content5.0% ABV
Taste ProfileCrisp, slightly sweet, smooth
PopularityGlobal icon, high U.S. legacy
Main MarketUSA, International
Selling PointStrong branding, consistency
AvailabilityWorldwide

3.Tsingtao (China)

Recognized in over 100 countries, Tsingtao is the most exported beer in China. Founded in 1903 by German settlers in Qingdao, Tsingtao integrates Chinese elements with German brewing techniques. Its light and crisp taste pairs well with food, which fuels its popularity in restaurants worldwide.

Within China, Tsingtao holds a significant share in the market and has to compete with brands like Snow and other local firms.

Tsingtao (China)

The mix of rising demand for beer in China and Tsingtao’s expanding market reach have solidified its position as one of the top selling beers in the world. The brand is synonymous with quality and embodies the legacy of Chinese brewing.

FeatureDetails
CountryChina
BreweryTsingtao Brewery Group
Alcohol Content~4.7% ABV
Taste ProfileLight, crisp, balanced
PopularityMost exported Chinese beer
Main MarketChina & Global Chinese cuisine restaurants
Selling PointGerman-Chinese heritage
AvailabilityOver 100 countries

4.Bud Light (USA)

Bud Light holds the distinction as the leading light beer in America, as well as one of the most popular beers in the world. It is produced by Anheuser-Busch and is famous for its smooth taste, low calorie count, and easy drinkability.

Bud Light (USA)

Bud Light is popular among health conscious drinkers looking for a lighter option. It benefits from significant exposure due to Super Bowl advertising and marketing during sporting events.

Critics of Bud Light often point to its lack of flavor complexity, but it is loved by many. It continues to lead the light lager category in North America and serves as a wonderful representation of modern and easy-drinking beer culture.

FeatureDetails
CountryUnited States
BreweryAnheuser-Busch
Alcohol Content4.2% ABV
Taste ProfileVery light, smooth, slightly grainy
PopularityTop light beer in the U.S.
Main MarketNorth America
Selling PointLow calorie, easy to drink
AvailabilityU.S. and select international markets

5.Skol (Brazil)

Skol ranks among the top beers consumed in Brazil and is also popular in several African nations. The brand has its origins in Europe but gained tremendous popularity in Latin America after Ambev acquired its production.

Skol’s light body, smooth finish, and youth-oriented marketing make it a beer suited for hot weather. Served chilled, it’s the drink of choice for hot weather.

Skol (Brazil)

The younger generation is targeted with fun, music, and social gatherings in the brand’s advertisements. Easy access through supermarkets and vendors makes it inexpensive. It is a cultural staple in Brazilian festivals and at beaches.

FeatureDetails
CountryBrazil (originated in Europe)
BreweryAmbev
Alcohol Content~4.7% ABV
Taste ProfileLight, smooth, neutral
PopularityWidely consumed in Brazil & Africa
Main MarketBrazil, Africa
Selling PointAffordable and youth-oriented branding
AvailabilityLatin America, Africa

6.Heineken (Netherlands)

Heineken is a well-known lager from Netherlands, distinguished by its green bottle with a red star logo. It is sold in more than 190 countries and ranks amongst the most recognized beer brands globally.

Heineken beer is crafted using only pure ingredients and unique A-yeast which guarantees consistent quality. Heineken has a slightly bitter but refreshing taste.

Heineken (Netherlands)

Heineken is often positioned as a high-end cosmopolitan beer and is frequently served at international events and concerts.

Marketing focuses on the Heineken brand’s tradition, quality, and innovation. Heineken cooperates intense global rivalrywith stragetic global advertising and premium branding, which appeales to urban and international audiences.

FeatureDetails
CountryNetherlands
BreweryHeineken N.V.
Alcohol Content5.0% ABV
Taste ProfileSlightly bitter, crisp, clean
PopularityGlobal premium brand
Main MarketWorldwide
Selling PointPremium image, global recognition
AvailabilityOver 190 countries

7.Harbin (China)

Founded in 1900, Harbin Beer is one of the oldest and best-known names in Chinese brewing. Based in the northeastern city of Harbin, it has a strong following throughout Northern China.

Now part of Anheuser-Busch InBev, Harbin has modern production facilities and wide-reaching distribution.

Harbin (China)

The beer is mildly flavored and easy to drink. It is popular among the Chinese and is served widely in restaurants and during social gatherings.

Although less famous than Tsingtao internationally, Harbin is one of the top-selling beers in the world thanks to its domestic performance. Harbin also helps to maintain local beer traditions, although it has to adapt to modern tastes.

FeatureDetails
CountryChina
BreweryHarbin Brewery (AB InBev)
Alcohol Content~4.8% ABV
Taste ProfileMild, slightly malty
PopularityPopular in Northern China
Main MarketChina
Selling PointHistorical roots, affordable
AvailabilityLimited outside China

8.Yanjing (China)

As one of the largest producers in China’s beer industry, Yanjing Beer is often dubbed as China’s official state beer and is served at state functions.

They’ve been brewing Yanjing since 1980 in Beijing. It is a light lager designed for a wide variety of beer drinkers known for its smooth and mild taste.

Yanjing (China)

The company’s marketing focuses on nationalism and traditionalism which has made it popular during patriotic holidays.

Yanjing leads in sales in Northern China, especially around Beijing which has contributed to their massive sales. It’s also inexpensive which allows people to easily buy it and helps maintain its place as one of the top selling beers in the world.

FeatureDetails
CountryChina
BreweryBeijing Yanjing Brewery
Alcohol Content~4.0% ABV
Taste ProfileLight, smooth, dry finish
PopularityGovernment-endorsed, widely consumed
Main MarketNorthern China, Beijing
Selling PointNational prestige, value-priced
AvailabilityMostly in China

9.Corona (Mexico)

Grupo Modelo brews Corona, the most popular beer in Mexico, and a global icon in the beverage world. plague By Mesoamerica’s tourism boards as Mexico’s beverage of choice, its appeal lies on the beach and on vacations.

It is consumed during summer and is always preferred on vacations. Enjoying a Corona is one of the best ways to unwind after a long day. The beer has a smooth, refreshing flavor with a sweet, pleasant finish. In the US, it is now one of the most purchased imported beers.

Corona (Mexico)

Corona has managed to capture the vast majority of Europe and a good portion of Asia. The company’s marketing strategies focus on the sun, relaxation, maritime socialism, and leisure activities, which explain the consistent-year round sales in every country.

FeatureDetails
CountryMexico
BreweryGrupo Modelo (AB InBev)
Alcohol Content4.5% ABV
Taste ProfileLight, citrusy, refreshing
Popularity#1 Mexican export beer
Main MarketGlobal
Selling PointIconic lime-and-bottle image
AvailabilityOver 150 countries

10.Coors Light (USA)

Known for its silver bullet can and cold-refreshment marketing, Coors Light is one of the top selling light beers in America. It is produced by Molson Coors and offers a cold, crisp drink with lower calories and alcohol suitable for casual drinking.

Coors Light gained fame for its cold activated labels and “THE WORLD’S MOST REFRESHING BEER” marketing slogan. It is positioned as a light and social beer ideal for consuming during barbecues, sports, and casual hangout gatherings.

Coors Light (USA)

It does not have as many international competitors and presence as some other brands, however, with the massive sales volume in the United States, Coors Light secures his spot as one of the top selling beers in the world.

FeatureDetails
CountryUnited States
BreweryMolson Coors
Alcohol Content4.2% ABV
Taste ProfileClean, cold, mildly bitter
PopularityVery popular in North America
Main MarketUnited States
Selling PointCold refreshment branding
AvailabilityU.S., Canada, limited international presence

Conclusion

Lastly, one can infer from the best-selling beers that they epitomize strong marketing and varying regional preferences. From China, Snow Beer; Mexico’s Corona, and America’s Budweiser.

Each of these sells massively due to their cultural significance and appeal, delicious taste, and great brand image.

These popular beers demonstrate how beer has remained a globally loved drink, consumed by people around the world while taking on different forms and faces.

FAQ

What is the best-selling beer in the world?

Snow Beer (China) is the best-selling beer by volume globally.

Which American beer sells the most?

Bud Light is the top-selling beer in the United States.

What is the most popular Mexican beer?

Corona is the most popular and widely exported Mexican beer.