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2025 Developments
In 2025, alcoholic drinks in China navigated a landscape marked by moderate economic growth and increasing consumer prudence, with off-trade volume sales contracting slightly to 26.3 billion litres amid heightened health awareness and a preference for moderation. Despite volume declines, the category sustained strong off-trade value at CNY1,245.9 billion, reflecting consumers’ willingness to invest in premium products that offer quality and authenticity. Beer maintained its dominant volume position, buoyed by innovation in non alcoholic and low alcohol variants and larger pack formats. Meanwhile, spirits and RTDs experienced volume erosion due to shifting consumption habits. The category’s maturity was evident in stable market shares being held by leading brewers alongside emerging players capturing niche segments. Concurrently, the rapid expansion of retail e-commerce and instant delivery platforms was transforming purchasing behaviours, providing convenience and variety especially for premium and health-oriented offerings. Success in this environment requires brands to prioritise premiumisation, innovate with low-alcohol and non alcoholic products, and adopt agile distribution strategies that leverage digital channels to meet evolving consumer demand in a cautious yet value-driven market.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Alcoholic Drinks industry in China with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to the following key categories, where applicable:
- Beer
- Wine
- Spirits
- Cider and Perry
- RTDs
If you're in the Alcoholic Drinks industry in China, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty
The Alcoholic Drinks in China report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Alcoholic Drinks in China?
- Where is consumer demand for Alcoholic Drinks focussed?
- Which is being consumed more; beer, wine or spirits?
- Where is demand growing? Stagnating?
- How is the operating environment for alcoholic drinks changing?
- Which are the leading brands in China?
- How are products distributed in China?
- What are the key trends in new product development?
- Do consumers want value for money or added value?
- How will macroeconomic context and shifting cultural values shape future growth?
- How will COVID-19 and recession impact the alcoholic drinks industry?
- Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
Alcoholic Drinks in China
2025 Developments
Key Data Insights
Chart 1 Key Industry Trends for Alcoholic Drinks
Consumer Prudence Drives Value and Premiumisation Amid Moderate Economic Growth
Chart 2 Expanding Range of Private Label Craft Beer
Beer Leads Volume with Premiumisation Supporting Value Sales
Absolut Vodka and Genki Forest Partnership Exemplifies No/Low Alcohol Innovation
Chart 3 Volume Sales 2020-2030
Chart 4 Volume Sales by Category 2025
Consumers to Moderate Drinking Amid Stable Economic Growth and Market Maturity
Beer to Retain Volume Leadership as It Sees Continued Premiumisation
Innovation in Premium and Low Alcohol Products Reshapes Consumer Choices and Channels
Chart 5 Forecast Volume Sales 2020-2030
Chart 6 Forecast Volume Sales by Category 2025-2030
Chart 7 Analyst Insight for Alcoholic Drinks
Leading Brewers Strengthen Position Amid Steady Share Dynamics
Growth among Emerging Brewers Presents Strategic Expansion Opportunities
Chart 8 Company Shares 2025
Chart 9 Brand Shares 2025
Grocery Retailers Still Dominant, but E-Commerce Gains Momentum
Premiumisation and Health Awareness Drive Retail Channel Innovation
Retail E-Commerce Reshapes Purchasing Habits with Convenience and Variety
Legislation
Legal Purchasing Age and Legal Drinking Age
Drink Driving
Advertising
Smoking Ban
Opening Hours
On-Trade Establishments
Taxation and Duty Levies
Contraband/Parallel Trade
Duty Free
Cross-Border/Private Imports
Budweiser and Tsingtao Expand No and Low Alcohol Portfolios to Capture Health-Conscious Consumers
Chart 10 Major Beverage Companies Compete to Launch Low Alcohol and Non Alcoholic Products
Absolut Vodka and Genki Forest Partnership Pioneers Low-Alcohol Rtd Innovation
Retailers Boost Large-Pack Private Label Craft Beers to Meet Value-Seeking Consumer Demand
Chart 11 Real Gdp Growth 2020-2030
Chart 12 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 13 Economic Context for Alcoholic Drinks
Chart 14 Population 2020-2030
Chart 15 Population by Generation 2025
Chart 16 Consumer Context for Alcoholic Drinks
Beer in China
Key Data Insights
Beer Summary
Chart 17 Key Industry Trends for Beer
Value Growth Contrasts with Volume Decline Amid Cautious Consumer Spending
Lager Dominates Volume with Sustained Consumer Preference for Familiarity
Retailers Leverage Private Label and Flavour Innovation to Capture Value Growth
Chart 18 Private Label Beer Emerges as a Key Beneficiary of Market Polarisation
Chart 19 Volume Sales 2020-2030
Chart 20 Volume Sales by Category 2025
Brewers Leverage Premiumisation to Sustain Value Growth Amid Volume Decline
Lager to Retain Volume Dominance Despite Slow Decline While Niche Beers Gain Momentum
Brewers Innovate with Fresh and Tea-Infused Beers to Meet Evolving Consumer Demand
Chart 21 Continuous Flavour Innovation Attracts Consumers
Chart 22 Forecast Volume Sales 2020-2030
Chart 23 Forecast Volume Sales by Category 2025-2030
Chart 24 Analyst Insight for Beer
China Resources Beer and Tsingtao Brewery Support Leadership through Off-Trade Dominance
Shifting Consumption Patterns and Stable Leadership Present Strategic Growth Opportunities
Chart 25 Company Shares 2025
Chart 26 Brand Shares 2025
Small Local Grocers Maintains Lead
Consumer Convenience and Entrenched Access Shape Retail Trends
Chart 27 Real Gdp Growth 2020-2030
Chart 28 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 29 Economic Context for Beer
Chart 30 Population 2020-2030
Chart 31 Population by Generation 2025
Chart 32 Consumer Context for Beer
Cider/Perry in China
Key Data Insights
Cider/Perry Summary
Chart 33 Key Industry Trends for Cider/Perry
Shan Cheng Niang Zao Leverages E-Commerce to Reach Young Adults
Chart 34 The Nolo Revolution Pivots Cider/Perry From Craft Indulgence to Mainstream
Chart 35 Volume Sales 2020-2030
Chart 36 Volume Sales by Category 2025
E-Commerce Platforms and Convenience Stores Drive At-Home Drinking Habits
Fruit-Flavoured Innovation and Visual Design to Win over Young Adult Drinkers
Chart 37 Forecast Volume Sales 2020-2030
Chart 38 Forecast Volume Sales by Category 2025-2030
Chart 39 Analyst Insight for Cider/Perry
Small Breweries Leverage E-Commerce to Erode Incumbent Shares
Chart 40 Company Shares 2025
Chart 41 Brand Shares 2025
Convenience Stores and E-Commerce Sustain Off-Trade Dominance through Instant Delivery
Shan Cheng Niang Zao Uses E-Commerce to Engage Young Consumers
Shan Cheng Niang Zao and Somersby Expand Reach with Digital-First Strategies
Chart 42 Local Flavour Experiments Attract More Young Consumers of Legal Drinking Age
Chart 43 Real Gdp Growth 2020-2030
Chart 44 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 45 Economic Context for Cider/Perry
Chart 46 Population 2020-2030
Chart 47 Population by Generation 2025
Chart 48 Consumer Context for Cider/Perry
Rtds in China
Key Data Insights
Rtds Summary
Chart 49 Key Industry Trends for Rtds
Moderate Economic Growth Fails to Prevent Decline in Overall Sales
Spirit-Based Rtds Dominates Volume as Other Variants Remain Niche
Low Abv Cocktails Reshape Competition with Social and Health Appeal
Chart 50 Low Abv Pre-Mixed Cocktails Pivot to 3–5% Alcohol, Capturing Mindful Drinkers
Chart 51 Volume Sales 2020-2030
Chart 52 Volume Sales by Category 2025
Young Consumers of Legal Drinking Age Reshape Drinking Habits Driving Rtds Decline
Spirit-Based Rtds to Maintain Volume Dominance Amid Overall Decline
Fragmented Channels and Local Flavours Drive Strategic Innovation
Chart 53 Forecast Volume Sales 2020-2030
Chart 54 Forecast Volume Sales by Category 2025-2030
Chart 55 Analyst Insight for Rtds
Shanghai Bacchus Dominates
Stability in Leadership Encourages Innovation and Targeted Growth Strategies
Chart 56 Company Shares 2025
Chart 57 Brand Shares 2025
Convenience Stores and Retail E-Commerce Gain Share Amid Decline of Traditional Channels
Channel Fragmentation and Scenario-Based Retailing Reshape Consumer Access and Brand Strategies
Top Online Retailers Create a Compelling Proposition
Flavour and Low Abv Trends Drive Product Innovation and Consumer Appeal
Leading Brands Leverage Flavour Innovation and Targeted Positioning to Capture Niches
Chart 58 Horoyoi Gains Share
Chart 59 Real Gdp Growth 2020-2030
Chart 60 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 61 Economic Context for Rtds
Chart 62 Population 2020-2030
Chart 63 Population by Generation 2025
Chart 64 Consumer Context for Rtds
Spirits in China
Key Data Insights
Spirits Summary
Chart 65 Key Industry Trends for Spirits
Premium Gifting Drives Resilience Amid Economic Headwinds
Other Spirits Dominates Volume While Liqueurs Shows Dynamic Off-Trade Growth
Premium and Value Spirits Polarise Consumer Choices with Heritage Focus
Chart 66 Heritage as a Key Differentiator in Premium Spirits
Chart 67 Volume Sales 2020-2030
Chart 68 Volume Sales by Category 2025
Luxury Other Spirits to Maintain Dominance Despite Overall Volume Decline
Liqueurs and Whiskies Gain Traction through Dynamic Growth and Evolving Tastes
Chinese Distillers Innovate and Navigate Tariffs to Sustain Premium Growth
Chart 69 Chinese Distillers Introduce Lower Alcohol Variants of Traditional Spirits
Chart 70 Forecast Volume Sales 2020-2030
Chart 71 Forecast Volume Sales by Category 2025-2030
Chart 72 Analyst Insight for Spirits
Leading Chinese Distillers Strengthen Position Amid Multinational Challenges
Innovation and Evolving Consumer Preferences Create Growth Avenues for Distillers
Chart 73 Company Shares 2025
Chart 74 Brand Shares 2025
Supermarkets Leads While E-Commerce Expands
Retail E-Commerce Reshapes Purchasing with Convenience and Curated Offerings
Chart 75 Real Gdp Growth 2020-2030
Chart 76 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 77 Economic Context for Spirits
Chart 78 Population 2020-2030
Chart 79 Population by Generation 2025
Chart 80 Consumer Context for Spirits
Wine in China
Key Data Insights
Wine Summary
Chart 81 Key Industry Trends for Wine
Value Stability Amid Volume Decline Reflects Shifting Consumer Preferences
Rice Wine Leads Volume but Sparkling and White Wine Drive Value Growth
Retail E-Commerce and Small Packaging Reshape Consumption and Access
Chart 82 Albero in Fiore Making Debut in Online Channel
Chart 83 Volume Sales 2020-2030
Chart 84 Volume Sales by Category 2025
Gen Z and Female Consumers Drive White Wine Growth through Refreshing Profiles
Non-Grape Wine Remains Largest While Sparkling Wine Sees Fast Growth
E-Commerce Transformation and Consumer Lifestyle Shifts Reshape Wine Business Models
Chart 85 Forecast Volume Sales 2020-2030
Chart 86 Forecast Volume Sales by Category 2025-2030
Chart 87 Analyst Insight for Wine
Leading Manufacturers Shift Towards Boutique Production Reshaping Concentration
Domestic Innovation and Shifting Consumer Tastes Offer Growth Pathways
Chart 88 Company Shares 2025
Chart 89 Brand Shares 2025
Grocery Retailers Maintain Dominance While E-Commerce Expands Access
Convenience and Small Packaging Shape Modern Retail Landscapes
Retail E-Commerce Transforms Wine Shopping with Speed and Social Engagement
Chart 90 Piccolo Glass Bottle
Chart 91 Real Gdp Growth 2020-2030
Chart 92 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 93 Economic Context for Wine
Chart 94 Population 2020-2030
Chart 95 Population by Generation 2025
Chart 96 Consumer Context for Wine
Country Reports Disclaimer
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Alcoholic Drinks
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- Ale
- Sorghum
- Weissbier/Weizen/Wheat Beer
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- Flavoured/Mixed Lager
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- Domestic Premium Lager
- Imported Premium Lager
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- Domestic Mid-Priced Lager
- Imported Mid-Priced Lager
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- Domestic Economy Lager
- Imported Economy Lager
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-
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- Domestic Premium Lager
- Domestic Mid-Priced Lager
- Domestic Economy Lager
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- Imported Premium Lager
- Imported Mid-Priced Lager
- Imported Economy Lager
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- Low Alcohol Beer
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- Standard Non Alcoholic Beer
- Malta Style Non Alcoholic Beer
- Stout
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- Regular Cider/Perry
- Non Alcoholic Cider/Perry
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- Malt-based RTDs
- Spirit-based RTDs
- Wine-based RTDs
- Other RTDs
- Non Alcoholic RTDs
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- Brandy
- Cognac
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- Bitters
- Cream-based Liqueurs
- Other Liqueurs
- Non Alcoholic Spirits
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- Prestige Dark Rum
- Ultra Premium Dark Rum
- Super Premium Dark Rum
- Premium Dark Rum
- Standard Dark Rum
- Economy Dark Rum
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- Prestige White Rum
- Ultra Premium White Rum
- Super Premium White Rum
- Premium White Rum
- Standard White Rum
- Economy White Rum
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- Tequila (and Mezcal)
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- Bourbon/Other US Whiskey
- Canadian Whisky
- Irish Whiskey
- Japanese Whisky
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- Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
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- Prestige Other Blended Scotch Whisky
- Ultra Premium Other Blended Scotch Whisky
- Super Premium Other Blended Scotch Whisky
- Premium Other Blended Scotch Whisky
- Standard Other Blended Scotch Whisky
- Economy Other Blended Scotch Whisky
- Single Grain Scotch Whisky
- Single Malt Scotch Whisky
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- Other Whiskies
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- Prestige English Gin
- Ultra Premium English Gin
- Super Premium English Gin
- Premium English Gin
- Standard English Gin
- Economy English Gin
- Dutch Gin
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- Prestige Vodka
- Ultra Premium Vodka
- Super Premium Vodka
- Premium Vodka
- Standard Vodka
- Economy Vodka
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- Absinthe
- Ad-Mix Brandy
- Ad-Mix Gin
- Ad-Mix Rum
- Ad-Mix Vodka
- Ad-Mix Whisky
- Aguardente/Aguardiente
- Aguardiente De Caña
- Akvavit/Aquavit
- Aniseed-Flavoured Spirits
- Borovicka
- Boukha
- Brandy Type Distilled Spirits
- Cachaça
- Calvados
- Cane
- Chacha
- Charanda
- Chinese Herbal Spirits
- Chinese Spirits
- Cut Brandy
- Destilados De Agave
- Distilled Fruit Spirits
- Domestic Brandy
- Domestic Rum
- Doppelkorn
- Economy Chinese Spirits
- Flavoured Spirits
- Flavoured Vodka-based Drinks
- Fynbos gin/Local Gin
- Gin-flavoured spirits
- Goldbrand/Goldkrone
- Grappa
- Grappamiel
- Guaro
- Kirsch
- Komovica
- Korn
- Lambanog
- Limoncello
- Local White Spirits
- Lower Mid-Range Chinese Spirits
- Lozovaca
- Maesilju
- Mahia Rabi Amrane
- Mead
- Mixed Spirits
- Nalivka/Nalewka
- Nastoyka
- National Specialities
- Obstbrände
- Ouzo
- Pacharán
- Palinca/Pálinka
- Pear and Apple Distillates
- Pisco
- Premium Chinese Spirits
- Prune
- Punsch
- Rachiu/Rakija
- Rum-Flavoured Spirits
- Samane
- Sambuca
- Samsu
- Schnapps
- Shochu/Soju
- Singani
- Sljivovica/Slivovice
- Steinhäeger
- Strong African Spirits
- Super Premium Chinese Spirits
- Sura Khao
- Tequila Flavoured Spirits
- Travarica
- Tsipouro
- Upper Mid-Range Chinese Spirits
- Vieux
- Viina
- Vodka Type Distilled Spirits
- Other Distilled Beverages
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- Port
- Sherry
- Vermouth
- Other Fortified Wine
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- Apple Wine
- Bokbunjaju
- Cheongju
- Chinese Wine
- Economy Rice Wine
- Fortified Fruit Wine
- Fruit and Berry Wine
- Fruit and Herbal Wine
- Fruit and Honey based Wine
- Fruit Wine
- Lower Mid-Range Rice Wine
- Non-Grape Dessert Wine
- Premium Rice Wine
- Sake
- Takju
- Upper Mid-Range Rice Wine
- Yakju
- Yellow Wine
- Other Non-Grape Wine
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- Champagne
- Other Sparkling Wine
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- Still Red Wine
- Still Rosé Wine
- Still White Wine
- Non Alcoholic Wine
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Alcoholic Drinks
Alcoholic drinks is the aggregation of beer, wine, spirits, cider/perry and RTDs.
See all of our definitions
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This report originates from Passport, our Alcoholic Drinks research and analysis database.
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