Stout Beer Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Irish Stout, American Stout, Milk Stout, Coffee Stout, Others), By Category (Alcoholic, Non-Alcoholic), By Sales Channel (Off Trade, On Trade), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 19.92 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	8.03%
Fastest Growing Segment	On Trade
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 31.66 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Stout Beer Market will grow from USD 19.92 Billion in 2025 to USD 31.66 Billion by 2031 at a 8.03% CAGR. Stout is a dark, top-fermented beer produced using roasted malt or barley, distinguished by its deep color, creamy texture, and rich flavor profile often exhibiting notes of coffee and chocolate. The market’s expansion is fundamentally supported by the global driver of premiumization, where consumers are increasingly willing to pay higher prices for high-quality, artisanal beverages. Furthermore, the proliferation of the craft brewing sector has introduced diverse product innovations, such as barrel-aged and dessert-inspired variations, which sustain consumer interest and drive category growth. According to Drinks Ireland, in 2024, the stout category solidified its significant market presence by securing a 35.9% share of the beer market in Ireland.

Despite these positive drivers, the global stout market faces a substantial challenge regarding the intense competition from the ready-to-drink (RTD) and spirits sectors. These alternative categories often attract younger demographics through aggressive marketing and flavor variety, potentially diverting disposable income away from traditional beer segments and impeding broader market expansion.

Key Market Drivers

The surge in global popularity of craft and artisanal stout varieties is a primary force propelling market expansion, as consumers increasingly gravitate toward premium, flavor-rich brews over mass-produced lagers. This trend is anchored by the "drink less, but better" philosophy, where heritage brands and modern craft brewers capitalize on the demand for high-quality ingredients and unique roasted profiles. Major producers have successfully leveraged this shift by premiumizing their portfolios, ensuring that stout remains a dynamic category within the broader beverage industry. According to Diageo, July 2024, in the 'Preliminary Results for the year ended 30 June 2024', organic net sales for the company's beer category were underpinned by the strong performance of Guinness, which grew by 15% globally. This robust growth underscores the enduring appeal of established stout brands that effectively align with contemporary premiumization trends.

Concurrently, the rising demand for low-alcohol and non-alcoholic stout alternatives is significantly widening the consumer base, allowing the category to penetrate occasions previously dominated by soft drinks. As health consciousness rises, brewers are investing in dealcoholization technologies that preserve the signature creamy texture and complex flavor notes of a traditional stout. This segment is witnessing explosive uptake, particularly in mature markets where moderation is becoming a cultural standard. According to Drinks Ireland, April 2024, in a 'News, Insights & Events' release, volume sales of Guinness 0.0 on draught increased by 48.7% between February 2023 and February 2024. Furthermore, this shift reflects a wider retail transformation; according to Waitrose, December 2024, in the 'Food and Drink Report 2024-25', sales of low and no-alcohol drinks increased by nearly a fifth, indicating a sustained change in purchasing behavior that directly benefits the non-alcoholic stout segment.

Download Free Sample Report

Key Market Challenges

The global stout beer market encounters significant headwinds from the surging popularity of ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages and spirits. These alternative categories have effectively captured the attention of younger legal-drinking-age consumers through aggressive marketing campaigns and an extensive array of flavor profiles that prioritize convenience and novelty. This shift in consumer preference diverts disposable income away from traditional beer categories, including stout, thereby stifling broader market expansion. The allure of RTDs, often perceived as more modern and versatile, challenges stout's positioning, particularly in off-premise channels where shelf space is increasingly contested.

This competitive pressure is tangibly impacting market performance by eroding the volume of the segment most responsible for stout innovation. According to the Brewers Association, in 2025, craft beer volume declined by 5% amid these intensifying market challenges. This contraction in the craft sector—which serves as a primary engine for premium stout development—underscores the difficulty producers face in maintaining growth momentum as consumers migrate toward dynamic spirit and RTD options. Consequently, this cross-category competition directly impedes the stout market's ability to capitalize on premiumization strategies and sustain overall volume growth.

Key Market Trends

The Resurgence of Milk and Oatmeal Stout Varieties is revitalizing the craft sector, as consumers seek distinct, texture-rich alternatives to lighter beer styles. This trend is characterized by a return to full-bodied, sweet, and silky mouthfeels achieved through the addition of lactose or oats, which counterbalance the traditional roasted bitterness of the category. This specific segment's vibrancy is offering a crucial lifeline to craft brewers amidst broader industry headwinds, positioning stout as a standout performer in a challenging landscape. According to the Morning Advertiser, March 2025, in the 'Stout driving sales in craft beer market' article, stout was the only segment in the craft beer category to achieve positive momentum, registering a remarkable 98.7% upswing in volume sales while other craft styles faced declines.

Simultaneously, the Adoption of Sustainable and Regenerative Grain Sourcing is reshaping the market's supply chain as major producers prioritize environmental resilience to mitigate climate-related crop volatility. Breweries are increasingly partnering directly with agronomy teams to implement soil-health-focused practices that reduce carbon emissions and ensure long-term barley availability. This shift not only addresses scope 3 emissions but also appeals to eco-conscious consumers demanding transparency in ingredient provenance. According to The Heineken Company, January 2025, in the 'A collaboration for the future of agriculture' update, the brewer successfully harvested its first large-scale regenerative barley from 200 farmers across Europe, covering approximately 25,000 hectares of farmland.

Segmental Insights

Based on recent industry analysis, the On Trade segment is currently the fastest-growing division within the Global Stout Beer Market. This accelerated expansion is primarily driven by the distinct experiential nature of stout consumption, which heavily favors on-premise venues like pubs and bars. Unlike other beer styles, stouts often require specific draught dispensing methods, such as nitrogenation, to achieve their signature creamy texture and pouring ritual, attributes that are difficult to replicate in a home setting. Consequently, the recovery of the hospitality sector has spurred consumer demand for these authentic, high-quality draught experiences, establishing the On Trade channel as the primary driver of market volume and brand engagement.

Regional Insights

North America dominates the Global Stout Beer Market largely due to a mature craft beer sector that prioritizes product diversification and quality. The United States anchors this leadership as independent microbreweries introduce innovative stout variations, including barrel-aged and flavored options, which appeal to evolving consumer palates. This growth is sustained by strong industry advocacy from entities like the Brewers Association that support small business operations and market expansion. Consequently, the region benefits from high consumer engagement and a shift toward premium artisanal beverages, solidifying its position as the primary driver of global market momentum.

Recent Developments

• In November 2024, Guinness and Brooklyn Brewery collaborated to launch a limited-edition beer known as Guinness Fonio Stout. This release was part of the "Brewing for Impact" campaign and featured fonio, an ancient West African grain recognized for its climate resilience. The stout was described as having a fusion of flavors including roasted coffee, chocolate, and tropical fruits, combining Irish brewing heritage with West African ingredients. It was made available in select locations in the New York area and at specific brewery taprooms. The initiative also supported a foundation focused on technical education for underrepresented groups in the brewing industry.
• In October 2024, Northern Monk and Timothy Taylor’s joined forces to release a collaborative beer named Northern Rising. This 4.4% ABV stout marked the first-ever partnership between the two breweries, combining their respective expertise in modern craft brewing and traditional cask ales. The stout was brewed with roast barley and crystal malt, delivering a chocolate-forward flavor profile with a full body derived from Golden Promise malt. The product was made available in cask and keg formats at the companies' venues and in nitro cans at supermarkets across the United Kingdom.
• In July 2024, Goose Island Beer Co. announced the full lineup for its annual Bourbon County Stout release, which was scheduled for later that year. The revealed collection featured five variants, including the return of the Vanilla Rye Stout and a new Macaroon Stout, which incorporated cocoa nibs, candied ginger, and toasted coconut to evoke the flavor of the cookie. Additionally, the brewery introduced a collaboration with Bardstown Bourbon Company, aging their imperial stout in hybrid oak and cherry wood barrels. The announcement highlighted the company's continued innovation in the barrel-aged stout category.
• In March 2024, Pittsburgh Brewing Company introduced a new product titled "Extra Pittsburgh Stout" as part of its Iron City Pilot Program. Released to coincide with St. Patrick's Day celebrations, this stout was characterized by a jet-black hue, a creamy tan head, and a rich mouthfeel. The flavor profile offered notes of caramel and chocolate sweetness balanced by roasted malt and hop bitterness, with an alcohol by volume of 5.5%. The limited-edition beer was sold exclusively at the brewery's store and served at their seasonal celebration event.

Key Market Players

• Diageo plc
• Carlsberg Breweries A/S
• Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV
• Molson Coors Beverage Company
• Heineken N.V.
• Deschutes Brewery Inc.
• Stone Brewing Co., LLC
• Port Brewing Co
• Left Hand Brewing Company
• Samuel Smith Old Brewery.

By Type	By Category	By Sales Channel	By Region
Irish Stout American Stout Milk Stout Coffee Stout Others	Alcoholic Non-Alcoholic	Off Trade On Trade	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Stout Beer Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Stout Beer Market, By Type:

• Irish Stout
• American Stout
• Milk Stout
• Coffee Stout
• Others

• Stout Beer Market, By Category:

• Alcoholic
• Non-Alcoholic

• Stout Beer Market, By Sales Channel:

• Off Trade
• On Trade

• Stout Beer Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE