Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia is known for its love of beer, and while the country's beer market has shown resilience, it is important to understand the drinking culture and habits of its states. Queensland has been identified as the state with the highest beer consumption, with 36% of all beer sales in Australia coming from the Sunshine State. This is followed by New South Wales, which contributes 24% of the nation's beer sales. Interestingly, Tasmanians hold the title of the country's biggest lager lovers, with lager being the most ordered beer in the previous 12 months.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| State with the highest volume of beer sales | Queensland |
| Percentage of beer sales from the above state | 36% |
| State with the second-highest volume of beer sales | New South Wales |
| Percentage of beer sales from the above state | 24% |
| State with the lowest volume of beer sales | Tasmania |
| Percentage of beer sales from the above state | 1% |
| State with the highest volume of lager sales | Tasmania |
| Percentage of lager sales from the above state | 80% |
| State with the second-highest volume of lager sales | Northern Territory |
| Percentage of lager sales from the above state | 62% |
| State with the third-highest volume of lager sales | Queensland |
| Percentage of lager sales from the above state | 56% |
| Most popular time for beer drinking | Lunchtime and post-work drinks |
| Percentage of beer and cider sales during the above time | 49% |
| Most popular days for beer drinking | Weekdays |
| Average number of alcoholic drinks consumed per week in the state with the highest volume of beer sales | 11.14 |
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What You'll Learn
Queensland is the biggest consumer of beer
The preference for beer in Queensland is evident in the state's drinking culture, with lager being a popular choice. In the last year, lager accounted for 56% of total beer sales in Queensland, followed by pacific ale and pale ale, which have also experienced steady growth. The state's love for lager places it among the top three states with the highest preference for this beer style, alongside Tasmania and the Northern Territory.
While Queensland leads in overall beer consumption, it is worth noting that New South Wales (NSW) has a higher volume share of beer sales, contributing 32% of the national total in 2024. However, Queensland has demonstrated resilience in recent months, with only a 6% decline in beer volumes from April to June 2024.
When it comes to the frequency of drinking, Queensland and NSW are neck and neck. Data shows that 49% of all beer sales occur during lunchtime and post-work drinks, with peak hours between 11 am and 3 pm, and 5 pm to 8 pm on weekdays. Both states exhibit similar drinking patterns, with NSW having a slightly older drinking population and a higher percentage of female schooner drinkers (29% vs QLD's 26%).
In summary, Queensland's substantial contribution to beer sales and the high average number of alcoholic drinks consumed per week solidifies its position as the biggest consumer of beer in Australia. The state's preference for lager and consistent drinking habits further reinforce its prominent role in the country's beer culture.
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Tasmanians love their lager
While Queensland is the biggest consumer of beer in Australia, contributing to 36% of the nation's beer sales, Tasmanians have proven to be the country's biggest lovers of lager. In fact, Tasmania has the highest proportion of lager lovers in the country, with lager accounting for a significant 80% of beer sales in the state. This is in contrast to the rest of the country, where other types of beer, such as ales, are gaining popularity.
Tasmania's love for lager is evident in the drinking patterns of its residents. While midday drinking is a common practice across Australia, with 49% of beer and cider sales occurring between 11 am and 3 pm on weekdays, Tasmanians' preference for lager may influence their drinking habits. The crisp, refreshing nature of lager pairs well with the state's temperate climate, making it a popular choice for leisurely lunches and afternoon gatherings.
Lager's dominance in Tasmania can be attributed to various factors. Firstly, the state has a rich history of European settlement, particularly from lager-brewing nations such as England and Ireland. This cultural influence may have played a role in shaping the drinking culture and preferences of the state. Additionally, Tasmania's thriving craft beer scene has likely contributed to the popularity of lager. Local breweries often experiment with unique ingredients and techniques, creating innovative lagers that appeal to a wide range of drinkers.
The preference for lager in Tasmania also aligns with the state's culinary reputation for exceptional produce and fine dining. The clean, crisp taste of lager complements a variety of cuisines and can be especially well-suited to the fresh seafood and produce that Tasmania is known for. The state's natural attractions, from picturesque coastal towns to rugged wilderness, also provide the perfect backdrop for enjoying a refreshing lager.
While Tasmanians have shown their appreciation for lager, it's important to note that their drinking habits are not limited solely to this style. Tasmania also has a strong wine culture, with residents favoring both red and white wines more than any other state. This diverse appreciation for different alcoholic beverages showcases the sophistication and breadth of Tasmania's drinking culture.
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Beer sales in New South Wales
Despite these recent declines, NSW is one of the biggest states for beer sales in Australia, with a volume share of 32% in 2024, second only to Victoria with 28%. NSW contributes to a significant proportion of the nation's beer sales, accounting for 24% of total sales in the country.
The history of beer in NSW is long and storied. Tooth and Co. was the major brewer in the state, operating the Kent Brewery in Sydney from 1835 to 1985. The company faced financial challenges in the late 20th century, and its popular KB Lager was discontinued, except in select locations. Today, KB Lager is available only at Henson Park, the home ground of the Newtown Jets Rugby League Football Club.
NSW has a diverse range of beer retailers, including bottle shops, pubs, bars, and restaurants. Beer sales are driven by consumer preferences, with lager being the most popular style in the state. Midday drinking is a common practice in NSW, with a surge in beer sales during lunchtime and post-work hours.
Tooth and Co.'s legacy continues with beers like Kent Old Brown, a brown ale available on tap, and Reschs Pilsner, which has gained popularity among younger drinkers embracing the "retro" trend. These beers are widely available across major centres in NSW, such as Sydney, Newcastle, and Wollongong.
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Beer drinking sessions in Australia
Australia has a strong drinking culture, with beer being a popular alcoholic beverage of choice. Queensland has been revealed as the biggest consumer of beer in the country, contributing to 36% of beer sales in the nation. This amounts to an average of 11.14 alcoholic drinks per week for Queenslanders, making them the biggest drinkers in Australia. New South Wales (NSW) closely follows Queensland, contributing to 24% of the nation's beer sales. Within these two states, there are some interesting differences in the drinking patterns and preferences of their residents. NSW On-Premise visitors tend to experiment more with their choices, with a larger repertoire of beer styles, averaging 3.2 beer styles compared to Queensland's 2.8. Queenslanders, on the other hand, show a preference for pale lager, with 30% of craft beer drinkers choosing this style compared to NSW's 23%.
Tasmania has the highest proportion of lager lovers in the country, with lager accounting for 80% of beer sales in the state. The Northern Territory is similar, with lager making up 62% of their beer sales, and Queensland also shows a fondness for lager, with 56% of their total beer sales. Despite the popularity of lager, ales are gaining traction, with Pacific ales and pale ales experiencing the highest quantity of beer sales in the past year.
When it comes to the time of day, lunchtime and post-work drinks are the biggest beer-drinking sessions in Australia. Almost half (49%) of all beer and cider sales occur on weekdays between 11 am and 3 pm, and then again from 5 pm to 8 pm. This indicates that Aussies enjoy a drink during their lunch break and after finishing work, with a slight preference for weekday drinking over the weekends.
While Queensland and NSW are the biggest beer-drinking states overall, there are some notable differences in the drinking habits and preferences of their residents. For example, NSW skews slightly older, and more women enjoy a schooner in NSW (29%) compared to Queensland (26%). Additionally, NSW residents eat out and visit pubs, bars, and restaurants more frequently, with 52% eating out weekly compared to Queensland's 42%. These insights provide an interesting glimpse into the drinking culture and preferences of Australians, with Queenslanders and New South Wales residents leading the way in their love for a cold beer.
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Queensland vs. New South Wales beer drinkers
Queensland and New South Wales are two of the biggest states for beer sales in Australia, with Queensland contributing 36% of the nation's beer sales, and New South Wales following closely behind at 24%.
While Queenslanders are the biggest drinkers in terms of volume, New South Wales has a higher proportion of beer drinkers per capita, with 49% of consumers, compared to Queensland's 50%. New South Wales also wins when it comes to drink-led occasions, with 34% of consumers going out for a drink on a weekly basis, compared to 29% in Queensland.
When it comes to the type of beer, both states have similar preferences, with around three-quarters of beer drinkers in each state opting for domestic beer (74% in NSW and 73% in Queensland). However, there are some interesting differences within the craft beer category, with Queenslanders preferring pale lager (30% of craft beer drinkers vs 23% in NSW) and NSW stout drinkers making up 20% of craft beer drinkers, compared to only 11% in Queensland.
The decline in beer sales across Australia in recent years has been attributed to economic factors, with the household savings ratio at a 17-year low and the 35-54-year-old demographic, who are most likely to drink beer, being affected by these challenges. Despite this, Queensland has proven more resilient than New South Wales, with only a 6% drop in sales in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, while New South Wales experienced a 13% drop.
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Frequently asked questions
Queensland is the state that drinks the most beer in Australia, with 36% of all beer sales in the country.
New South Wales is the second-largest consumer of beer in Australia, contributing 24% of the nation's beer sales.
Tasmania has the lowest beer consumption in Australia, contributing only 1% to the country's total beer sales.
