The list of the top-selling beers for 2023 finds Great Northern atop the podium again, as the cost of living and changing demographics see the humble brew bought by the few, rather than the many.
Market research from Circana is behind NewsCorp’s annual list. It saw Great Northern Super Crisp Lager again the top-selling beer in Australia, poignantly marketing itself as the beer “for the outdoors”.
Lion’s crafty James Squire 150 Lashes was the surprise entrant to the list of ‘fastest growing’ retail beers.
But despite paying a total of nearly two per cent more for the suds this year than last, the data showed consumption actually dropped almost four per cent.
The disparity is largely a product of the Federal Government’s excise taxes, slapping over $25 on each slab and up to $4 for every full strength pint.
Adding to this, the costs have skyrocketed for the brewers, who have seen inflation of up to 20 per cent on key ingredients such as barley and hops.
At the end of 2023 the typical beer drinker is demonstrated to be 40-plus. Sources suggest younger people are moving toward pre-mixed drinks, including sugar-free alcoholic mineral waters (seltzers).
And the alcohol-free market continues to grow rapidly, albeit from a small base, topped last year by Heaps Normal’s Quiet XPA.
Australia’s Top 10 beers by volume for 2023
1. Great Northern Brewing Co Super Crisp Lager (30 can pack)
2. XXXX Gold (375ml 30 can pack)
3. Carlton Dry (stubbie)
4. Great Northern Brewing Co Super Crisp Lager (stubbie)
5. Corona Extra (stubbie)
6. Great Northern Brewing Co Original Lager Can – full strength (30 can pack)
7. Great Northern Brewing Co Original Lager – full strength (stubbie carton)
8. Victoria Bitter (30 can pack)
9. Tooheys New (375ml 30 can pack)
10. Coopers Pale Ale (stubbie)
