Beer is one of the most popular beverages in the US. Although there’s a well-developed brewing industry in the country, there are also many imported beers. Although the craft beer revolution has significantly helped small and independent breweries in the US, European, Mexican, and Asian beers are still among the most popular brands in the country. Beer importers specialize in the import and distribution of beer brands from different parts of the world. These companies offer a variety of services related to product sourcing, importing from different countries, and consultations for businesses who wish to build an international craft beer menu. In the following paragraphs, we’ll share more about the services offered by beer importers and what are some of the well-known companies that specialize in this field. Make sure to check our posts about different beer business ideas and the different types of craft beer.
Key takeaway: Although domestic brands like Budweiser and Bud Light are the most consumed beers in the US, Mexican and European beers like Corona and Heineken are also very popular in America. Beer importers primarily focus on large brands, but there are also smaller beer import companies that partner with small and independent breweries.
What Are Beer Importers
These are companies that purchase beer from various regions of the world and import it into the US. Usually, large manufacturers operate their own import and wholesale distribution networks. This allows them to skip the middleman and partner directly with businesses or large suppliers. That’s why importers usually partner with smaller beer brands or craft beer breweries.
Although the US brewing niche market is very competitive, European or Asian beers might have unique characteristics that are hard to replicate. Furthermore, ethnic cuisines and drinks are among the main trends in the food and beverage industry. That’s why beer importers have become an important part of the beer supply chain.
Services by Beer Importers
Although many associate beer importers simply with the import of beer, these businesses offer various services. This makes them crucial for beer brands who wish to establish a presence and grow their market share in international markets.
- Product sourcing. Finding new partners and foreign breweries to work with is one of the key roles of beer importers. This allows them to add new products to their eCommerce catalogs.
- Brand building and marketing. Brands often don’t have the capabilities to handle marketing and distribution in foreign markets. That’s why beer importers might offer services related to the marketing of imported beers on the local market.
- Distribution and logistics. Naturally, beer importers handle a variety of tasks related to international shipping, regulatory compliance, and customs clearance. They sell imported beers to other distributors or directly to businesses like retailers and restaurants.
- Inventory management. Beer importers might offer services related to beer storage and inventory management. As overseas shipping usually takes at least a couple of weeks, proper management of inventory is crucial.
Prominent Beer Importers
The beer importers sector is dominated by a few large companies that import some of the most popular imported beer brands in the US. There are also various smaller businesses that specialize in the import of craft beers from smaller and independent breweries. Let’s examine some of the large players in the industry.
- Constellation Brands. The company is one of the biggest marketers and producers of spirits, wine, and beer in the US. Among other brands, it imports and distributes Corona, Modelo, and Pacifico.
- Heineken. The world-famous beer brand is the second most consumed imported beer brand in the US. The company also imports beer from other European and Latin American countries.
- AB InBev (Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV). The company is one of the biggest brands in the food and beverage sector. It holds a large market share across multiple countries. AB InBev sells high-demand products like Budweiser and Bud Light. The company also imports various well-known beer brands from Europe, Asia, and South America.
- Diageo. The company imports one of the most popular stouts – Guinness. It also imports and distributes spirit brands such as Crown Royal and Don Julio.
Domestic VS Imported Beer
Currently, domestic beers hold a bigger market share compared to imported ones. That’s due to the popularity of large brands like Budweiser and Bud Light. In the past, foreign beer brands were used by businesses from the restaurant industry to add diversity to their beer lists. In recent years, the number of independent years has doubled. Thus, restaurant managers who wish to expand their beer menu can do so by partnering with domestic craft breweries. Furthermore, the increased popularity and beer marketing efforts of craft breweries have made them a popular choice for beer enthusiasts who wish to try new flavors, beer styles, and brands. Thus, they can also be used as part of a restaurant’s marketing strategy.
Nevertheless, international beer brands like Heineken, Corona, and Guinness are still among the most consumed in the US. Their strong brand identity makes them a must-have for many businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions about Beer Importers
Whether you want to know more about how to start a brewery or how to choose a beer distributor for your business, you’ll find the right resources on BlueCart’s website. Check out the answers to some common questions regarding beer importers and their operations.
What Are the Trends in the Beer Market?
In the past decade, the beer industry has been dominated by the craft beer revolution. A growing number of beer enthusiasts look for different beer styles and new brands to try. Craft beers have a much higher ROI and are in high demand.
Another trend in the beer sector is the efforts to automate and make the manufacturing process more efficient. Beer producers invest in modern equipment that allows them to increase capacity while reducing certain costs.
Sustainability and convenience for consumers are other major trends that are shaping the beer market.
Where Does the US Import Beer From?
The majority of imported beer in the US comes from Mexico. Corona is one of the most popular brands in the country and in many other regions across the world. Other Mexican beers like Pacifico and Modelo are also common. According to estimates, between 70 and 80 percent of the imported beer in the US comes from Mexico.
A lot of beer is also imported from Europe. Countries like the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium have a rich history in beer brewing, and a lot of beer is imported from there. Beers from Canada, Ireland, the UK, China, and Japan are also common in the US.
What Are the Most Popular Imported Beers?
Corona is undoubtedly the most popular imported beer in the US. Other Mexican-style beers are also widely available and consumed, especially in southern states. Heineken is another example of a very popular brand that comes from the Netherlands. The Belgian beers Stella Artois and Leffe can be found in the beer lists of many food service businesses across the US. Guinness is a famous Irish stout and one of the most recognizable beer brands in the world. Asian beer brands like the Japanese Kirin and the Chinese Tsingtao have become popular across the US as well.
BlueCart: Where Beer Importers and Distributors Can Sell
Thousands of business owners benefit from BlueCart’s features for wholesalers. Our SaaS solution can help suppliers automate various processes and increase wholesale sales. Businesses that wish to find suppliers and purchase in bulk can also take advantage of BlueCart’s marketplace and inventory management features. Whether you’re a broadline distributor or a wholesaler who specializes in spirits and beer distribution, schedule a demo and see what makes BlueCart the right solution for your business!