Stout Market

Market Overview:

The global stout market size reached USD 9.80 Billion in ​2024​. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 15.03 Billion by ​2033​, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.85% during 2025-2033. The increasing preferences for premium alcoholic beverages, rising use of social media platforms for beer reviews and recommendations, and the growing number of commercial spaces like PBCLs are some of the major factors propelling the market.

Stout is known for its rich, full-bodied flavor profile, which can include notes of coffee, chocolate, and caramel or dark fruits. It is primarily made from water, malted barley, hops, and yeast. It contains calories, carbohydrates, protein, fat, fiber, magnesium, potassium, vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. It also consists of antioxidants, which are beneficial for fighting free radicals in the body. It offers a creamy texture and can feature a higher alcohol content as compared to other beer types.

Increasing preferences for premium alcoholic beverages like stout on account of rapid urbanization, busy lifestyles, and expanding purchasing power of individuals are strengthening the growth of the market around the world. Moreover, the rising use of social media platforms for beer reviews and recommendations and the growing trend of socializing at parties among millennials, working professionals, and young adults are influencing the market positively. In addition, the rising number of commercial spaces, such as distilleries, microbreweries, restaurants, hotels, pubs, bars, cafés, and lounges (PBCLs), that offer a variety of experimental cocktails is contributing to the growth of the market. They are also focusing on themes, décor, ambiance, and aesthetics to enhance the experience of individuals and offering exciting deals on special occasions to expand their consumer base. Apart from this, the increasing inclination towards home delivery services and to-go packs through online shopping websites that provide convenience, wider collection, fast shipping facilities, discounted deals, and innumerable payment options is fueling the market growth.

Stout Market Trends/Drivers:

Increase in craft beer popularity

The increasing popularity of craft beers has made consumers more adventurous in their choices, willing to explore beyond mainstream lagers and ales. The craft beer movement focuses on quality, flavor, and unique brewing techniques, qualities often inherent in stout beers. As a result, many new craft breweries are incorporating stouts into their offerings, leading to a higher demand for this rich, dark beer. Consumer preference for artisanal and locally produced goods also adds to this trend, making stouts a sought-after option for those looking to expand their beer palate.

Rise in seasonal appeal

Stout beers are particularly popular during the colder months, as they are available in robust flavors, along with higher alcohol content, which provides a warming sensation. In winter, the demand for stouts often spikes, driven by holiday celebrations and the desire for comfort beverages. Seasonal varieties like pumpkin stouts, spiced stouts, and holiday-themed options further fuel consumer interest, which makes it a staple in many households and pubs during this period. The seasonal appeal plays a crucial role in driving up sales and creating a consistent annual demand for stouts.

Growing food pairing versatility

Stouts offer a rich variety of flavors ranging from chocolatey and coffee notes to smoky and nutty undertones, making them highly versatile for food pairings. They work exceptionally well with hearty meals like stews and grilled meats, as well as desserts like chocolate cake and ice cream. This versatility is increasingly being recognized by culinary experts and consumers alike, making stouts a popular choice for dining experiences. Restaurants and breweries are now even offering stout pairing menus, capitalizing on the growing awareness of how well these beers complement a wide array of dishes.

Stout Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global stout market report, along with forecasts at the global, regional and country levels from 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on distribution channel.

Breakup by Distribution Channel:

• On-trade
• Off-trade
   

On-trade dominates the market

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the distribution channel. This includes on-trade and off-trade. According to the report, on-trade represented the largest segment. On-trade refers to establishments where consumers buy and consume stout on the premises. This includes bars, restaurants, pubs, and clubs. Here, the stout is usually sold in individual servings like pints or smaller tasting glasses. On-trade venues often work directly with breweries or through specialized distributors to offer a wide range of stouts, including local, craft, and international options. These establishments may also offer exclusive releases or limited-edition stouts to attract customers.

On the other hand, off-trade channels are retail outlets where consumers buy stout to consume elsewhere. This includes supermarkets, liquor stores, and online retailers. In these venues, stouts are generally sold in larger quantities, such as six-packs, cases, or even kegs for personal use. Off-trade retailers also usually have a broader selection that spans various brands and types, offering more choices for the consumer.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa
   

Europe exhibits a clear dominance, accounting for the largest stout market share

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Europe accounted for the largest market share.

The increasing number of craft beer festivals represents one of the primary factors driving the demand for stout in Europe. Moreover, the rising popularity of beer tourism is contributing to the market growth in the region. Besides this, the growing popularity of subscription services is influencing the market positively.

Asia Pacific is estimated to witness stable growth, owing to easy availability, product innovations, marketing strategies, etc.

Competitive Landscape:

The key players of modern breweries are incorporating automated brewing systems and data analytics tools, which allow for more precise control over the brewing process and can analyze factors like temperature, pH, and fermentation rates in real-time, which leads to a more consistent product. They are also installing sensors and the internet of things (IoT0 devices to monitor various stages of brewing, including raw material sourcing and packaging, or enhance traceability, and ensure quality control. Moreover, leading companies are adopting the use of sustainable brewing technologies, such as water recycling systems and renewable energy sources, to make stout production more environment friendly. Product manufacturers are also introducing stout beer in innovative flavors, including strawberry, blueberry, honey, hot pepper, smoke, and ginger. They are focusing on launching genetically modified organisms (GMO) and additive-free and organic and botanical flavored variants to expand their product portfolio. Market players are incorporating kegerators for storing and dispensing stout beer and retaining the flavor, aroma, color, and texture of the stored beer. They are also adopting innovative and environment friendly packaging.

The report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:

• Anheuser-Busch InBev
• Asahi Group Holdings Ltd.
• Carlsberg Breweries A/S
• Diageo plc
• Heineken N.V.
• Kirin Brewery Co. Ltd.
• Molson Coors Beverage Company
• Port Brewing Company
• Stone Brewing Co.
• The Boston Beer Company Inc

Recent Developments:

• In 2023, Carlsberg Breweries A/S recently acquired Waterloo Brewing in Canada to expand their market overall reach.
• In 2021, Stone Brewing Co. launched stone hazy IPA, which is a hazy fresh juice bomb to expand their product portfolio.
• In 2023, Kirin Brewery Co. Ltd. recently bought a constellation brand production facility to increase their overall sales.

Stout Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the stout market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global stout market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the stout industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.