PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1672391
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1672391
Hard seltzer is an alcoholic beverage crafted from fermented grapes, serving as a considered alternative to soda due to its gluten-free nature, low-calorie content, low alcohol volume, and reduced sugar levels. It falls under the category of highball drinks, typically featuring a blend of seltzer, alcohol, and often fruit flavorings.
The primary classifications of hard seltzer are based on the alcohol by volume (ABV), with distinctions made for those exceeding 5% ABV and those with less than 5% ABV. Brands such as Barefoot, for instance, produce hard seltzers with an ABV content below 5%, offering a variety of flavors such as peach and nectarine, cherry and cranberry, pineapple and passion fruit, strawberry and guava, as well as watermelon and lime. Flavor options extend to cherry, grapefruit, mango, lime, and others, and these beverages are packaged in various formats such as cans, glass bottles, among others. They are made available through different distribution channels including off-trade (retail) and on-trade (bars and restaurants).
The hard seltzer market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides hard seltzer market statistics, including hard seltzer industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a hard seltzer market share, detailed hard seltzer market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the hard seltzer industry. This hard seltzer market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.
The hard seltzer market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $16.83 billion in 2024 to $19.71 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to the rise in disposable income, the increased online sales of beverages, the growth in the tourism industry, and the advancements in brewing technology.
The hard seltzer market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $38.63 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rapid urbanization, the rising consumption of alcoholic drinks, the rising demand for gluten-free beverages, and the growing demand for keto and vegan diets. Major trends in the forecast period include offering natural ingredient-based hard seltzers, providing multiple flavor hard seltzers, a focus on the expansion of stores or increasing product availability, a focus on product innovations, launching innovative marketing campaigns, and a focus on strategic partnerships.
The increasing consumer preference for carbonated beverages with lower alcoholic content is expected to drive the growth of the hard seltzer market in the future. Carbonated beverages are drinks that contain carbon dioxide dissolved in water, creating fizzing and bubbling. Hard seltzer is made by mixing carbonated water with alcohol and fruit flavors. For example, in February 2023, the Penn State Extension, a US-based educational network, reported that the volume of non-alcoholic wine grew by 23.2% compared to the previous year, capturing a 13.4% market share. Between 2022 and 2026, the no-alcohol category is projected to increase by 25%, while the low-alcohol category is expected to grow by 6%. Thus, the rising consumer preference for carbonated beverages is driving the growth of the hard seltzer market.
The thriving online retail business and e-commerce activities are expected to drive the growth of the hard seltzer market in the future. Online retail and e-commerce involve the buying and selling of goods and services over the internet, with businesses operating through websites or mobile apps to facilitate transactions, manage inventory, and deliver products directly to consumers. This growth is fueled by increasing internet penetration and smartphone usage, which provide consumers with convenient access to a wide range of products and services. E-commerce enhances the hard seltzer industry by improving product accessibility and convenience. This shift enables brands to reach more consumers, engage through social media, and leverage data for targeted marketing, ultimately boosting sales and brand loyalty. For example, in February 2023, the United States Census Bureau reported that total e-commerce sales for 2022 were estimated at $1,034.1 billion, reflecting a growth of 7.7% (+-0.4%) compared to 2021. Therefore, the flourishing online retail business and e-commerce activities will propel the hard seltzer market moving forward.
A noteworthy trend in the hard seltzer market is the emphasis on product innovations, as companies strive to stay competitive and cater to evolving consumer needs. Product innovation not only generates excitement and buzz but also enhances brand awareness, ultimately driving sales. Leading companies in the hard seltzer market are actively pursuing product innovations, introducing new solutions to solidify their market standing. In October 2022, Truly Hard Seltzer, a US-based innovator, introduced Truly Vodka Seltzer, an innovative spirits-based hard seltzer featuring six-times-distilled premium vodka and real fruit juice, available in four distinct flavors. Truly Vodka Seltzer aims to elevate the consumer drinking experience with its 5% ABV, 110 calories, 2 grams of sugar, and gluten-free composition.
Major companies in the hard seltzer market are focusing on developing innovative products that cater to evolving consumer preferences while promoting unique flavors and health-conscious options. Refreshing beverages are drinks that deliver a cool, invigorating taste, often featuring light and crisp flavors like citrus, berry, or tropical fruits, appealing to consumers seeking thirst-quenching options. For example, in January 2022, Molson Coors, a US-based beverage company, launched Topo Chico Ranch Water Hard Seltzer. This refreshing drink is inspired by the classic Texas cocktail and contains real lime juice with an alcohol by volume of 4.7%. It comes in 12-packs of 12-ounce slim cans, providing a crisp taste with just 100 calories per can.
In November 2022, Next Century Spirits, a US-based manufacturing company, acquired XED Beverages for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition aims to enhance Next Century Spirits' product lineup by incorporating XED Beverages' innovative better-for-you ready-to-drink (RTD) brands. This strategic move enables Next Century Spirits to leverage XED's rapid growth and address the rising consumer demand for health-conscious beverage options. XED Beverages specializes in hard seltzer products.
Major companies operating in the hard seltzer market include Mark Anthony Group, Anheuser-Busch InBev, The Boston Beer Company, Diageo plc, E. & J. Gallo Winery, Heineken N.V., Molson Coors Beverage Company, Constellation Brands Inc., Kona Brewing Company, San Juan Seltzer Inc., Cool Story, Moonshine Meadery, Bind Beverages, Casso Cocktails, Bodega Bay, CD Corp Limited, Clubby, Niyte, Endangered Brewing, Wise Bartender, White Claw, Kopparberg Brewery AB, Fefe drinks, Truly Hard Seltzer, Barefoot Hard Seltzer, Bud Light Seltzer, Bon & Viv Spiked Seltzer, High Noon Sun Sips Hard Seltzer, Smirnoff Spiked Sparkling Seltzer, Henry's Hard Sparkling Water, Corona Hard Seltzer, Cerveceria y Malteria Quilmes, Ambev, Cerveceria Nacional (Ecuador), International Beverage & Filling Industries LLC, Vizzy Hard Seltzer, Dubai Refreshments PJSC, Komari Beverages, Coca-Cola Company, PURA Beverage Company, SpikedSeltzer
North America was the largest region in the hard seltzer market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the hard seltzer market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.
The countries covered in the hard seltzer market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.
The hard seltzer market consists of sales of cherry, grapefruit, mango, and lime. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Hard Seltzer Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on hard seltzer market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for hard seltzer ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The hard seltzer market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the Russia-Ukraine war, rising inflation, higher interest rates, and the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic.
3) By Distribution Channel, Off-Trade, On-Trade