Top 10 Best-Selling Beers in China

China, with its booming economy and large population, has become one of the largest beer markets in the world.

In recent years, the demand for beer in China has been increasing rapidly, and there has been a surge in the number of beer brands available in the market.

As a beer enthusiast and a resident of China, I have had the pleasure of trying out some of the best-selling beers in the country.

In this article, I will be discussing the top 10 best-selling beers in China, based on their popularity and market share. I will provide insights on their taste, brewing process, and nutritional facts.

I will also discuss some interesting facts about the Chinese beer market and how it has evolved over the years.

Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or someone who just enjoys a cold one, this article will provide you with valuable information on the best-selling beers in China. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of Chinese beer.

Top 10 Most Popular Beer Brands in China

China’s beer market offers a wide range of brands and flavors, catering to the diverse tastes of its consumers. Here are the top 10 best-selling beer brands in China, based on their popularity and market share:

Snow Beer

• Snow Beer is not only the best-selling beer in China but also the best-selling beer globally, according to the 2020 Global Top 10 Beer ranking.
• It is brewed using high-quality barley malt, rice, and hops, and the water used in the brewing process comes from the purest sources in China.
• Snow Beer has won several international awards, including the Monde Selection Gold Medal and the World Beer Cup.

Tsingtao

• Tsingtao Beer was first brewed in 1903 by German settlers in Qingdao, a coastal city in eastern China.
• The beer is brewed using German brewing techniques and high-quality ingredients, including barley malt, rice, and hops.
• Tsingtao Beer is the second-largest beer brand in China, with a market share of over 18%.

Harbin Beer

• Harbin Beer was first brewed in 1900 and is one of the oldest beer brands in China.
• The beer is brewed using pure water from the nearby Songhua River and high-quality ingredients, including malted barley, hops, and rice.
• Harbin Beer is considered a premium beer brand in China and is known for its rich, malty flavor.

Yanjing Beer

• Yanjing Beer is one of the oldest beer brands in China, with a history dating back over 400 years.
• The beer is brewed using high-quality ingredients, including malted barley, hops, and rice.
• Yanjing Beer is known for its light, crisp taste and smooth finish and is one of the most popular beer brands in China.

Budweiser

• Budweiser was first introduced to the Chinese market in 1995 and has since become one of the most popular beer brands in the country.
• The beer is brewed using high-quality ingredients, including barley malt, rice, and hops.
• Budweiser is known for its distinct flavor and has won several international awards, including the World Beer Cup.

Heineken

• Heineken is a premium beer brand that was first introduced to the Chinese market in the 1980s.
• The beer is brewed using high-quality ingredients, including malted barley and hops.
• Heineken has gained popularity among Chinese consumers in recent years, thanks to its smooth, refreshing taste and premium branding.

Carlsberg

• Carlsberg is a well-known Danish beer brand that was first introduced to the Chinese market in the 1970s.
• The beer is brewed using high-quality ingredients, including malted barley, hops, and yeast.
• Carlsberg is known for its light, refreshing taste and is popular among Chinese consumers.

Corona

• Corona is a Mexican beer brand that has gained popularity in China in recent years.
• The beer is brewed using high-quality ingredients, including malted barley, hops, and rice.
• Corona is known for its light, refreshing taste and is often served with a wedge of lime.

Pearl River Beer

• Pearl River Beer is produced by the Guangzhou Brewery and is one of the most popular beer brands in southern China.
• The beer is brewed using high-quality ingredients, including malted barley, hops, and rice.
• Pearl River Beer is known for its smooth, crisp taste and is often paired with Cantonese cuisine and dim sum.

Blue Ribbon

• Blue Ribbon is a premium beer brand produced by Anheuser-Busch InBev.
• The beer is brewed using high-quality ingredients, including barley malt, rice, and hops.
• Blue Ribbon is known for its smooth, refreshing taste and is popular among Chinese consumers.

China’s beer market offers a diverse range of brands and flavors, with Snow Beer being the best-selling beer brand in the country. From premium beer brands like Heineken to local Chinese beer brands like Yanjing, there is something for everyone in China’s beer market.

Comparing the 10 Most Popular Beers in China

Here’s a table comparing the top 10 beers in China :

As we can see from the table, the top 10 beer brands in China are predominantly lagers and pilsners, with alcohol content ranging from 3.6% to 6.0%. Snow Beer, the best-selling beer brand in China, is a light lager with an alcohol content of 4.8%.

When it comes to food pairings, Chinese cuisine and spicy food are popular choices, with some brands like Yanjing Beer and Harbin Beer being specifically recommended for Sichuan cuisine and spicy food. Other brands like Tsingtao and Pearl River Beer pair well with seafood and Cantonese cuisine.

Overall, the top 10 beers in China offer a range of options for consumers with different tastes and preferences. From light lagers like Snow Beer to premium beer brands like Heineken, there is something for everyone in China’s beer market.

Beer Culture in China

Beer has been a popular beverage in China for thousands of years, with archaeological evidence showing that beer was brewed in China as early as 5,000 years ago. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century when Western-style brewing techniques were introduced to China, that beer started to gain popularity among the masses.

Today, beer is a staple in Chinese culture, and it is consumed at various social events, such as weddings, festivals, and business meetings. In fact, the Chinese beer market has been growing at an average annual rate of 6% over the past few years, making it one of the largest beer markets in the world.

Chinese beer culture also has a unique drinking etiquette. It is customary to pour beer for others before oneself, and it is considered rude to pour for oneself before others. It is also common for people to toast to each other using the phrase “gan bei,” which translates to “dry cup” in English.

Moreover, many Chinese beer brands have incorporated traditional Chinese elements into their marketing and packaging. For example, Snow Beer, the best-selling beer in China, features a stylized depiction of the Great Wall of China on its label. This blending of traditional and modern elements is a testament to the rich and evolving culture of China.

China’s Beer Industry

China’s beer industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, driven by the country’s economic growth and changing consumer preferences. The industry is dominated by large multinational companies, such as Anheuser-Busch InBev and SABMiller, which have a significant market share.

However, there has been a surge in the number of local Chinese beer brands in recent years, which has led to increased competition and innovation in the industry. This has also led to a shift in consumer preferences towards premium, high-quality beers.

Moreover, the Chinese government has implemented policies to promote the development of the beer industry. For example, in 2016, the government announced a plan to transform China into a “beer powerhouse,” with a goal of producing over 50 million tonnes of beer per year by 2020.

However, the beer industry in China has faced some challenges, such as rising production costs and changing consumer tastes. As a result, many companies have focused on innovation and new product development to stay competitive in the market.

Conclusion

In conclusion, China’s beer market is a vibrant and diverse industry, with a range of brands and flavors catering to the evolving tastes of Chinese consumers. Snow Beer, Tsingtao, and Harbin Beer are among the top-selling beer brands in China, known for their refreshing taste and high-quality ingredients.

The beer culture in China is deeply ingrained in society and plays an important role in social events and gatherings. Chinese beer brands have successfully incorporated traditional elements into their marketing, making them both unique and appealing to consumers.

The beer industry in China has undergone significant changes in recent years, driven by changing consumer preferences and government policies. While multinational companies dominate the market, local Chinese beer brands and innovation have led to increased competition and growth in the industry.

Whether you prefer a light lager like Snow Beer or a premium beer brand like Heineken, China’s beer market has something for everyone. So, next time you visit China, be sure to try out some of the top-selling beer brands and experience the unique taste and culture of Chinese beer.