China Food Imports: Imported Beer Market Growth

The imported beer market in China has grown significantly in recent years. From 2011-2014 the import volume has increased by 426.81%.

There are several factors that together created the surge in beer importation.

• As the consumption level of Chinese consumers rises, their demand for middle and high-end beer products has also increased. Besides, in an age when price is no longer the only element a consumer will consider when choosing a product, the stylish packaging design of many imported beer brands also caters to many consumers’ aesthetic needs.

• The multiple sales channels used by imported beer distributors are another factor fueling the growth in China’s imported beer market. The comparatively higher price tags attached to imported beers makes both the internet and the emerging O2O distribution modes popular sales channels for distributors. Data is showing that the majority of beers sold through online channels are high-end products. Online sales channels offer an inherently more efficient and economical distribution channel meaning greater margins for distributors.