Top-Selling Beer In Australia: Who Reigns Supreme?

what is the number one selling beer in australia

Australia has a highly competitive beer market, with a wide range of options available to consumers. Market research company IRI Australia has revealed the top 10 best-selling beers for the year 2022 at liquor retailers. Great Northern Brewing Co. was the top-selling beer in Australia for the second year in a row, with Carlton Dry and XXXX Gold in second and third place, respectively. Other popular beers in Australia include Coopers, VB, Corona, and Balter XPA. The popularity of different beers varies across the country, with Carlton Draught being the most popular in Victoria and Great Northern being the top choice in Queensland.

Characteristics Values
Top-selling beer in Australia Great Northern Super Crisp Lager
Second best-selling beer in Australia Carlton Dry
Third best-selling beer in Australia XXXX Gold
Fourth best-selling beer in Australia Coopers
Fifth best-selling beer in Australia Victoria Bitter (VB)
Sixth best-selling beer in Australia Corona
Seventh best-selling beer in Australia Tooheys
Eighth best-selling beer in Australia Hahn
Ninth best-selling beer in Australia Pure Blonde
Tenth best-selling beer in Australia Asahi

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Great Northern Brewing Co. is the top-selling beer in Australia

Great Northern has become one of the most popular beers across the country, with a strong presence in Queensland and the Northern Territory, where it secured the top spot. It also ranked second in Queensland, third in South Australia, and achieved the overall best-selling beer title. The brand's ability to tap into key consumer trends, such as health and wellness, refreshment, and value for money, has been pivotal to its success.

Great Northern's popularity is evident in its sales figures. In 2020, it became Australia's first billion-dollar alcohol brand, a significant milestone for the Australian liquor industry. The brand's Super Crisp Lager 30-can pack, in particular, has contributed significantly to its growth.

While Great Northern Brewing Co. leads the market, other popular beers in Australia include Carlton Dry, XXXX Gold, and Coopers. Coopers, an independent Australian brewery, has a strong presence in South Australia and is known for its commitment to brewing quality beer.

The Australian beer market is highly competitive, with a mix of local and international brands vying for the top spots. Great Northern Brewing Co.'s consistent ranking as the top-selling beer in Australia is a testament to its popularity and successful brand positioning.

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Coopers is the only independent Australian brewery in the top 10

The top-selling beer in Australia is Great Northern, which has been described as the "Toyota Camry of beers". However, the market is highly competitive, and Coopers is the only independent Australian brewery in the top 10.

Coopers climbed from seventh spot in 2021 to fourth spot in 2022. The company's managing director, Dr Tim Cooper, said that the Australian beer market is "highly competitive and dominated by large international players". He added that the result was "160 years in the making" for the sixth-generation, family-owned brewery.

Coopers produced 100 million bottles and 60 million cans of beer in 2022. The company is looking to expand with a new $50 million visitor centre, microbrewery and whisky distillery development in Adelaide.

Coopers Pale Ale is the most popular pint in South Australia, and Coopers Green is described as "ubiquitous" in the region. The brand is also popular in Melbourne, where it can be found in most pubs.

Despite the popularity of Coopers, the top 10 selling beers in Australia are dominated by international players, with six out of the top 10 brewed by CUB/Asahi and three by Lion/Kirin.

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Carlton Dry is the second-best selling beer in Australia

Carlton Dry is a popular Australian beer, brewed by Carlton & United Beverages, a subsidiary of Asahi Breweries. In 2022, it was the second best-selling beer in Australia, according to market research company IRI Australia. It was also recognised as the Fan Favourite Contemporary Beer at the 2024 Australian Drinks Awards.

Carlton Dry has experienced success in the Australian market, particularly with its new Carlton Dry 3.5% beer, which was launched in March 2024. This mid-strength variant quickly gained popularity among Australian beer drinkers, offering a refreshingly crisp taste with less alcohol. With 40% fewer carbs than Carlton Mid and fewer than 100 calories per serve, Carlton Dry 3.5% caters to the growing consumer demand for lower-alcohol and better-for-you beer options.

The success of Carlton Dry 3.5% has solidified Carlton Dry's position in the Australian beer market. It has become a favourite among those seeking to moderate their alcohol consumption without compromising on taste. The launch of Carlton Dry 3.5% demonstrates Carlton & United Beverages' ability to adapt to evolving consumer preferences and offer a diverse range of beer options to suit various occasions and tastes.

While Carlton Dry has established itself as a top-selling beer in Australia, it faces competition from other popular brands. Great Northern, for example, has consistently been ranked as the top-selling beer in Australia, known for its successful positioning and ability to tap into important consumer trends such as health and wellness, refreshment, and value for money. Coopers, an independent Australian brewery, has also gained recognition for its beers, showcasing the highly competitive nature of the Australian beer market.

Despite the competition, Carlton Dry remains a strong contender in the Australian beer landscape. Its ability to innovate, respond to consumer demands, and deliver great-tasting beers has contributed to its success and popularity among Australian beer enthusiasts. As consumer preferences continue to evolve, Carlton Dry is well-positioned to adapt and maintain its standing as one of the nation's favourite beers.

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Victoria Bitter (VB) is the fifth-best selling beer in Australia

Victoria Bitter, or VB as it is popularly known, is the fifth-best selling beer in Australia. This iconic Australian beer has a rich history dating back to 1854 when it was first brewed in Melbourne by Thomas Aitken. Over the years, VB has become deeply ingrained in Australian culture, especially in the state of Victoria, where it remains a favourite among locals.

VB is known for its full-bodied flavour and crisp, bitter finish, appealing to those who appreciate a more robust beer. Its distinctive green and gold packaging reflects the colours of Australia's national sports teams, further cementing its association with Australian culture and values. The brand has long been a sponsor of various sporting events and organisations, including the Australian Football League (AFL) and the Victoria Racing Club (VRC). This strategic alignment with sports has undoubtedly contributed to its widespread popularity.

Despite VB's enduring popularity, its ranking as the fifth-best selling beer in Australia reflects a recent shift in consumer preferences. The Australian beer market is highly competitive, with a diverse range of options available, from local craft beers to international brands. While VB once dominated the market, it now faces strong competition from other leading brands, such as Great Northern, Carlton Dry, XXXX Gold, and Coopers, which have captured the interest of consumers.

Great Northern, in particular, has experienced tremendous success, claiming the top spot in Australia's beer market for two consecutive years. Its popularity can be attributed to its ability to tap into key consumer trends, including health and wellness, refreshment, and value for money. Additionally, the brand's positioning as the beer "for the outdoors" has resonated with many Australians who embrace an active lifestyle.

While VB may no longer hold the top position, it continues to maintain a loyal customer base. Its new VX 'Xtra' beers have been well-received, indicating that VB remains responsive to evolving consumer preferences. As the market dynamics shift and consumer tastes evolve, VB's ability to adapt and innovate will be crucial in sustaining its relevance in the highly competitive Australian beer landscape.

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Queensland's most popular beer is Great Northern and XXXX Gold

Queenslanders sure love their beer, and the data shows that the state's most popular beers are Great Northern and XXXX Gold. In fact, about one in three beers consumed in Queensland is a XXXX Gold.

Great Northern has become one of the most popular beers across Australia, securing the top spot in the ACT and the Northern Territory, second place in Queensland, and third place in South Australia. It was Australia's first billion-dollar alcohol brand in 2020, and its success is attributed to its ability to tap into important consumer trends, including health and wellness, refreshment, and value for money.

XXXX Gold, on the other hand, was first brewed in Queensland in 1991 and quickly became the state's number-one beer brand, pioneering the mid-strength beer market. It has since expanded nationally and continues to grow in volume and value share outside of its Queensland home.

In addition to Great Northern and XXXX Gold, other popular beers in Queensland include Felons Crisp Lager and Carlton Draught. However, the top spot for the most popular beer in the state is a close competition between these two Queensland favourites.

So, if you're ever in Queensland and want to blend in with the locals, ordering a Great Northern or a XXXX Gold is definitely a good start!

Frequently asked questions

Great Northern Brewing Co. has been ranked as the number one selling beer in Australia for two years in a row, according to market research company IRI Australia.

The Great Northern Brewing Co. is owned by Lion/Kirin.

Coopers is the only independent Australian beer in the top 10 selling beers in Australia.

Some other popular beers in Australia include Carlton Dry, XXXX Gold, Victoria Bitter (VB), and Balter XPA.

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