We have updated our popular blog post on the top hard seltzers and beer cans for 2022!
We also have updated the numbers for 2022 top beer bottle sales here!
The beer industry is huge. It generates billions of dollars every year and has a large impact on the economy. Most patrons drink alcohol with their orders. With all that money flowing in, it's important as a restaurant and bar owner to know what beers are reaching the masses! This blog post will provide you with 50+ top selling beers for 2020 based on sales data so that you can see which ones may be worth investing in or trying out yourself!
What are the top selling beer formats?
Before we talk about what are the top selling beers, we need to talk about the purchasing format. The three formats of beer are cans, bottles and draft.
Beer bottles are your most best selling format to sell in a restaurant; The percentage of sales accounted for 31.7% of the total alcohol sales. It is followed by beer cans (12.9%) then finally draft.
However, for off-premise consumption the order changes slightly: Beer Cans, Bottles and then draft kegs (10.8% of alcohol sales)
Now that you know what is the best way to purchase beer for your restaurant sales, let's talk about which ones are actually being purchased and the top selling beer of 2020!
The top selling beer of 2020 is Bud Light:
Bud Light from the Anheuser-Busch InBev Brewery is america's best selling beer brand with it's natural light flavour by restaurants in 2020. According to Bud Light annual sales, Bud Light accounted for 17.8% of the total unit sales, but only 9.4% of the volume sales.
Bud Light is available in cans and bottles, and even draft kegs making it easy to stock for any restaurant.
In fact, the top 3 most popular beer brands are light offerings that are licensed and sold by the parent company ABinBev, this is in the latest bud light sales chart 2020.
What are the top 10 beers in the world in 2020
The number 2 best selling beer: Corona Extra
This mexican beer has a huge beer volume market share for in-premise consumption.
Corona Extra was a popular beer in 2020. It accounted for 14.1% of all restaurant unit sales, but only 6.8% in terms of volume!
This light beer has been gaining popularity over recent years as it offers a unique take on an old favorite in the beer market. Corona Extra's parent company in Canada is actually Labatt but Constellation Brands in the USA. It is owned by Anheuser Busch Inbev.
Having oven roasted chicken partnered with fiery cajun cream sauce while holding Corona, it's a perfect way to spend your weekend.
#3 best beer on the list is: Michelob Ultra
Michelob Ultra was created to appeal to those looking for a healthier beer option. Patrons reported that Michelob Ultra tastes great and it has fewer calories and fewer carbs than most other beers on the market! It's perfect for your patrons that are on a low carb diet!
This beer accounted for 8.6% of bottle sales in restaurants and bars in 2020. Michelob Ultra accounted for 5.5 percent of the overall sales volume.
#4 is Coors Light from the Molson Coors Brewing Company
Coors Light is a classic American light lager that has been around for years. Who makes Coors Light, the Coors Brewing Company was originally established by Adolph Coors in 1873 and is now a subsidiary of Molson Coors Beverage Company. It was created to be the perfect balance between clean flavor and refreshment, it's so perfect you can even partner Coors Light with roasted garlic mashed potatoes!
In 2020, it accounted for 7.3% of all sales volume in restaurants. It also accounted for the same percentage of unit sales! That's a lot of Coors Light by the Molson Coors Beverage Company is enjoyed by people across the nation!
Coming in at #5 is Miller Lite
Miller Lite is a great alternative to Michelob Ultra and Coors light. It was created in reaction from the growing popularity of imports on the market that were typically more expensive, but it still offers a natural light taste! It's the original light beer on the market.
Miller Lite accounted for only 7.1% of all restaurant alcohol unit sales in 2020 though, and 3.7% of total market volume sales according to our internal data. Miller Lite is also is one of the beer brands part of the Molson Coors Brewing Company portfolio.
The number 6 top beer is Budweiser
This Canadian light lager has been around for a long time, originally founded in 1876, and is a popular choice. Not only the best domestic beer but the "King of Beers", hence the slogan. It is also the official beer is the PWHPA! Interesting fact about Budweiser that I learned while working at Labatt, it's their most expensive beer to brew with the smallest profit margin.
In 2020, this light beer accounted for only 6.5% of all restaurant alcohol unit sales in restaurants according to our internal data. It also accounted for 3.2% of total ml sales! For reference though, Budweiser accounted for about 717.8 million USD in terms of off-premise sales.
#7 is Heineken
This Dutch pilsner is a popular choice for those looking for something other than the typical American light beers. It has a slightly higher ABV, but it's still relatively light and refreshing! They actually began exporting their beers in 1876 to France!
Heineken accounted for about $591.0 million in dollar sales off-premise in 2020. This beer only accounted for about of 5.8% total restaurant unit sales (about) and roughly 4.2% restaurant volume sales.
#8 best selling beer in the world is Stella Artois
This Belgian lager is a popular choice for beer connoisseurs and those looking for something a bit more luxurious. It's also the official beer of Wimbledon!
Stella Artois accounted in 2020 for about $578.0 million USD in dollar sales off-premise. This beer had only about a 4.5% share of restaurant unit sales but it did have a higher volume share at about 3.5%.
Sitting in the 9th position - Sol Cerveza
This mexican beer is a popular choice for those looking to enjoy something light and refreshing!
Sol Cerveza accounted for about $393.0 million in dollar sales off-premise in 2020. Sol only had 2.4% share of restaurant unit sales, but it did have a slightly lower volume share at roughly 1.2%.
Fun fact, the parent company of Sol Cerveza is Molson Coors.
#10th Most popular beer in America is Dos Equis XX
This alcoholic beverage is a popular choice for those looking to enjoy something with a bit of flavor!
Dos Equis XX accounted in 2020 for about $381.0 million USD in sales off-premise. Dos had only about a little over a percent share of restaurant unit sales but it did have significantly higher volume sales at just over six percent.
What are the top 70 selling beer brands in the America?
In the top 70 most popular beers list, you will find different types of beer like craft beer, actively fermenting beer, different other alcoholic beverages like a hard seltzer, and maybe more traditional beers.
#11 - Tecate
Tecate is a Mexican beer that is brewed in Tecate, Mexico. It is one of the best-selling beers in Mexico and it's also the most popular imported beer in the United States. The company has been around since 1994 and produces more than 130 million liters worldwide per year. They have a presence in the US, Colombia, and Brazil and their products are sold in over 40 countries.
#12 - Lucky Buddha
Lucky Buddha is a beer that was originally from China. It is a light and refreshing beer that is perfect for those hot summer days. It is also one of the best-selling beers in China.
#13 - Modelo Especial
Modelo Especial is a pilsner-style beer lager that was originally from Mexico. It's light and refreshing, perfect for those hot summer days! The taste begins with an orange blossom honey aroma followed by hints of herb within your typical Modelo flavor profile - well balanced between hops/ malts flavors to make this cool drink enjoyable any time you want something crisp but not too strong or heavy handed in either direction
#14 - Molson Canadian
Molson Canadian beer was created in 1959 and it is a popular choice for those looking to enjoy something light and refreshing. It has a slightly golden color with an alcoholic taste that stays crisp on the palate. This is likely due to the higher bitters hop levels, while some might enjoy the more subtle malt flavor some may find them more difficult to drink.
#15 - Busch Light
Busch Bavarian Beer is a light, refreshing beer that's perfect for those hot summer days. It is one of the most popular beers in America and it can be found everywhere from grocery stores to restaurants.
Busch Bavarian tastes crisp with an alcoholic taste that stays on the palate due to its high hop levels. Some may enjoy the more subtle malt flavor while others might find them difficult to drink. This beer is best enjoyed cold or with food like burgers & fries! The parent company of Busch Light is Anheuser Busch (ABinBev).
#16 - Creature Comforts Tropicalia
Creature Comforts Tropicalia is a light, refreshing craft beer that is perfect for those hot summer days. It is a very popular craft beer in America and it can be found everywhere from grocery stores to restaurants.
Creature Comforts Tropicalia is a crisp IPA with a taste that stays on the palate due to its high hop levels.
#17 - Pabst Blue Ribbon
Pabst Blue Ribbon or PBR, is a type of beer that is popular for its cheap price. In the 1980s, Pabst Blue Ribbon was one of the best-selling beers in America. In addition to being cheap, it was also popular because it had a taste different than other beers on the market at the time. For these reasons, Pabst Blue Ribbon is now one of the most popular beers in America today.
#18 - Yuengling
Yuengling is a popular beer company in America and the best healthy beer out there. Their products are well-known around the United States and they make a great craft beer that's perfect for those hot summer days. They were founded in 1829 and have been able to maintain a level of success due to their affordable prices and interesting taste.
#19 - Mascot Pilsner
This local pilsner from Ontario delivers bright aromas and flavours of citrus and tropical fruit, with hints of refreshing pine. Smooth on the palate with pleasant hoppy bitterness, making the finish crisp and clean.
#20 - Singha
Singha is a beer that originates from Thailand. It is a light and refreshing beer that is perfect for those hot summer days. The taste begins with an orange blossom honey aroma followed by hints of herb within your typical Singha flavor profile - well balanced between hops/ malts flavors to make this cool drink enjoyable any time you want something crisp but not too strong or heavy handed in either direction.
#21 - Miller High Life
Miller High Life was created in 1903 and is brewed by Miller Brewing Company. It's a light American-style lager beer that has an alcohol percentage of 4.6%.
Miller High Life is a perfect representation of how lagers are meant to be. It has just enough flavour and refreshment for people who enjoy drinking beer but don't want anything too fancy or expensive. The simplicity, purity, integrity make it an excellent option whether you're looking for your typical American brews.
#22 - Red Stripe
Red Stripe, which is a prize-winning beer from Jamaica, captures the vibrant spirit of the country. A pale amber lager with Caribbean island vibes. The brew's original formulation was created in the United States, but it has become synonymous with Jamaican culture.
Red Stripe is a 4.7% ABV pale lager brewed by Desnoes & Geddes in Jamaica. It is also brewed in the Netherlands by Heineken.
#23 - Grolsch
Grolsch is a Dutch beer brewed by the Grolsch Brewery, located in Groenlo.
This beer was originally brewed in 1876 and they are one of the few breweries left that still brews with natural ingredients.
Grolsch has also won many awards for their beer including three World Beer Championships gold medals (2003, 2004, 2006), two European Beer Star awards (2006 Gold; 2007 Silver) and they were voted “The most delicious beer in the world” at the 2006 Brewing Industry International Awards.
#24 - Corona Light
Corona Extra is a Mexican quebranta based lager. It has a 4.6% alcohol volume and a malt level of around six. Corona Extra is the original, flagship product of the company.
Corona Light is also a Mexican-style lager with the distinction of containing less calories. Corona Light has a 3.5% alcohol volume and 91 calories per 12 oz serving which is about 40-50% fewer calories than the original Corona.
#25 - Kirin Bottle
Kirin is a Japanese beer company that has two main products. One of their most popular beers is the Kirin Bottle, which has 161 calories per 12 oz serving and an alcohol percentage of 5%. This beer is extremely light for those who want something refreshing but still heavy enough to keep you satisfied. It's perfect for those looking for something lighter that can satisfy your thirst without feeling too heavy or filling.
#26 - Mascot Italian
Mascot Italian is another local beer that can be found in Ontario. They are a craft brewery with modern day tastes. This is the perfect beer for those who enjoy looking for something new and interesting. It is brewed with an authentic Italian yeast strain, giving it a slight fruity flavor that can't be found in other beers.
#27 - Mascot Sun
Mascot Sun is another beer that should be mentioned. The taste of this brew is smooth. This beer has an alcohol percentage of 4%. It's lighter than other beers on the market, but it still has a refreshing finish. If you want to enjoy a beer without feeling weighed down or too full, Mascot Sun is perfect for those who enjoy drinking light beers. With only 100 calories per 12 oz serving, this is the perfect beverage for those looking for something light and lighter in alcohol content.
#28 - Michelob Golden Light
Michelob Golden Light is a 4.2% ABV American light lager brewed by Anheuser-Busch InBev. It has been in production since 1978 and was introduced as Michelob Light. The beer is brewed with a blend of three types of malt (pale, caramel, and Munich) and two varieties of hops.
#29 - Miller Genuine Draft
Miller Genuine Draft is a great tasting beer that is perfect for all occasions. It’s a light refreshing lager that can be enjoyed with food or just by itself on a hot summer day.
It has a 4.2% alcohol content, but it tastes lighter than most beers that have the same kind of alcohol percentage, making this one of the best options for those who are looking for a lighter beer with a higher alcohol content.
#30 - Wynwood Brewing La Rubia Blonde Ale (Can)
The Rubia is a refreshing blonde ale from Puerto Rico that can be enjoyed on its own. It isn't a lager or a pilsner. A blonde ale, to be exact. Light-colored, bright, and easy to consume.
It's light and crisp and has a 4.5% alcohol content with 121 calories per 12 oz serving.
The beer tastes best when paired with seafood, salad and light chicken dishes.
#31 - Mascot Haze
Mascot Haze is a new brew from Mascot Brewery. It has an alcohol percentage of 4% and it's perfect for those who are looking for something different. It's brewed with an American yeast strain, giving it a more fruity flavor than most beers available on the market today.
#32 - Shiner
Shiner is a brewery located in Shiner, Texas, that produces a variety of beers. One of their most popular beers is the Shiner Bock, a dark amber German-style bock beer. It has an alcohol content of 5.4% and is available in both bottles and cans.
#33 - Tropic Storm
Tropic Storm is a great tasting beer that has an alcohol percentage of 5%, but it tastes lighter than most beers with the same alcohol content. It's light and refreshing without being too filling or heavy. The beer is crafted through a complex blend of three different types of malts, giving it a unique flavor that can't be found in other beers.
#34 - Peroni Nastro Azzurro
Peroni Nastro Azzurro is a light and crisp Italian beer with a 5% alcohol content. It's brewed in the traditional Italian way, allowing it to have a perfect finish that leaves you wanting more. This Italian Beer is the perfect alternative to champagne and sparkling wine for both the festive season and on special occasions, with an equally sparkling, light, crisp and refreshing flavour.
#35 - Blue Moon
Blue Moon is a Belgian-style beer that is brewed by MillerCoors. Blue Moon was launched in 1995 as part of its "Edge" brand, but the brand was changed to Coors Light in 2001 following an agreement with Coors Brewing Company. Blue Moon has an alcohol content of 5.4% and only 108 calories per 12 oz serving. It's available in bottles, cans, and on draft in restaurants across the country.
#36 - Still Classy Saison
Still Classy Saison is a Belgian-style ale that has a 5.6% alcohol content. It tastes perfect for any occasion, whether that be an outdoor picnic or indoor dinner party. The beer is brewed by Epic Brewing in Utah and is available across the country.
The Still Classy Saison's fruity, spicy flavors are wonderful when paired with fresh seafood and vegetables.
#37 - Schmidt
Schmidt is a light and refreshing pale lager that can be enjoyed with food or just by itself on a hot summer day. This pale lager is one of the oldest lagers in Colorado. Schmidt (1844) brewed beer that became known as the "Official Beer of the American Sportsman," capitalizing on the exciting, adventurous appeal of the Pacific Northwest. Jacob Schmidt's craft and skill have been maintained through time.
#38 - Kirin Light
Kirin Light is perfect for those who are looking for something light and refreshing. It's one of the most popular beers in Japan, with over 10 million cases distributed each year. A 12-ounce bottle of Kirin Light has only 95 calories.
Kirin Brewery was founded in Japan in 1885.
In Japanese, “kirin” can refer to giraffes, or to Qilin, mythical hooved Chinese chimerical creatures. Kirin Brewery is named after the latter.
#39 - Ace Pineapple
Ace Pineapple is the world's original Pineapple cider. Ace Pineapple is a delicious, crisp cider that's great for any occasion. It has an appealing sweet taste with just enough tart finish to make it interesting! The 5% ABV rating means this beverage will keep your head nice and steady while you enjoy its tangy goodness.
#40 - Sour Passion Peach
This is an easy-to knocking, fruity ale that tastes like it's straight from the orchard. The subtle honeyiness compliments these juicy peaches and passion fruits for a refreshing summertime sipper you'll be looking forward to enjoying all day long! At a modest five percent ABV, this brew is perfect for those long hot days.
#41 - Strongbow
This clear gold cider has an aromatic, thin head that quickly disappears. On the nose you can smell apples along with brown sugar and cinnamon followed by a light sweetness in your mouth from carbonation as well as some brief bitterness on finish which is crisp but short-lived
It's hard not to enjoy drinking this mild alcoholic beverage when out for dinner or before going bed at night!
#42 - Guinness Draught
Guinness is a dry stout that originated in the brewery of Arthur Guinness at St. James's Gate, Dublin, Ireland, in 1759. It is one of the most recognizable beer brands worldwide.
It is one of the most popular beers in the world, being available in almost 120 countries. The company owns a number of theme pubs around the world.
#43 - Alpine
Born in New Brunswick, the Canadian Alpine Lager was first brewed by Moosehead Brewery with a 5% ABV. Since then it's been enjoyed all over North America as one of Canada’s most popular beers!
This classic lager is light-coloured, medium bodied and brewed with Styrian Golding & Nugget hops.
#44 - White Claw
White Claw Hard Seltzer is a refreshing hard seltzer that's perfect for summertime that was created in 2016. This alcoholic seltzer water has the added bonus of being gluten free and made with fruit flavors like you would find at any posh beach cocktail party!
#45 - Corona Premier
The Corona Premier is a new, light beer from the makers of Corona. It has 30% fewer calories than regular Corona and it's made with malt and rice for a smooth taste. The Premier is available in all 50 states.
#46 - Amstel Light
Amstel Light is a pale lager produced in Amsterdam, which dates back to 1870. With only 95 calories per bottle. It has a unique combination of barley and hops that provides a complete - never diluted - taste that's just as good as ordinary beer.
The only Amstel beverage available in the United States is Amstel Light. Heineken doesn't want to compete with its own brand's success in the American market, so it's probably because Amstel Light is the only one of the Amstel beers that can be purchased across the United States.
#47 - Mascot Easy Does It!
This refreshing pale ale is brewed with a blend of American and New Zealand hops. It has hints that are reminiscent to the juicy peach, soft citrus flavors found in this country’s fruit Juices!
#48 - Parasol by Vilains Brasseurs
Vilains Brasseurs' Parasol is a Double IPA hopped only with Mosaic.
The beer is pale yellow, somewhat orange, and hazy. For the style, its head is of medium size with notes of mango and citrus on the nose
#49 - Westbrook White Thai
This Belgian witbier variant, which is a departure from the traditional recipe, includes lemongrass, ginger root, and a sprinkling of Sorachi Ace hops instead of coriander and orange peel. The end product is an incredibly thirst-quenching beer with flavors of lemon candy, citrus fruit, and a tingle from the ginger.
#50 - Sam Adams Boston Lager
Sam Adams is a great example of a classic American lager. It's a rich, flavorful beer that has a crisp, smooth taste. The Boston Lager is brewed with just the right balance of hops, including Hallertau Mittelfrüh and Tettnang Tettnanger Noble Hops.
#51 - Social Lager
Social Lager is a light, refreshing, easy drinking lager that's perfect for any occasion! With a clean and simple malt flavor, it's the perfect beer to enjoy with friends.
#52 - Alaskan Amber
Alaskan Amber is made from glacier-fed water and a generous blend of the finest quality European and Pacific Northwest hop varieties and premium two-row pale and specialty malts. It is brewed with water thatoriginates in the 1,500 square-mile Juneau Ice Field.
The term "old" was given to this beer style when the German word "alt" was used to describe it. This alludes to the fact that alts mature more slowly and at colder temperatures than most ales, therefore requiring longer periods in barrels. Slow fermentation helps condition the flavors in the Alaskan Amber, contributing to its overall balance and smoothness.
#53 - Amsterdam 3 Speed
The 2016 Canadian Brewing Awards' silver medalist, Amsterdam 3 Speed is a crisp, clear pale straw in color with a delicate lace cap. Hallertau hops give lightly flowery and spicy aromas to the mix on this grainy and bready foundation. Light-bodied, well-balanced, and refreshing on the palate, with light bitterness and moderate carbonation.
#54 - Social IPA
This light-bodied, session IPA is characterized by strong hop aromas of grapefruit and melon. This beer has a moderate bitterness and a bright, clean finish.
#55 - Old Style
For nearly a century, Old Style was the No. 1 brand for La Crosse-based G. Heileman Brewing Co., which advertised the beer made with a carbonation process called kraeusening and made with pure artesian well water from "God's country," meaning western Wisconsin.
#56 - Kolsch
Kolsch is a light, refreshing, easy drinking lagered ale that's perfect for any occasion! It's a great beer to enjoy with your buddies because it has a clean and basic malty flavor. Yellow in color with a rich head. Showing fragrant hop, citrus, and roasted malt notes, as well as yeasty tones.
#57 - Labatt
Labatt Bleue, produced by the Labatt Brewing Company in Canada's Quebec province since 1964, is the province's official hue. Since its debut in the province in 1964, Labatt Bleue has been a part of life in Quebec. Labatt Bleue is a well-balanced, fully developed, full-flavoured beer with a fruity flavor and a subtly sweet aftertaste.
#58 - Rhino Lager by Cameron's Brewing Company
Cameron's Rhino Lager is a refreshing and easy-to enjoy lager with 5% ABV.
#59 - Belgian Moon
A refreshingly unique Belgian Moon® Wheat Ale brewed with Valencia orange peel and coriander for a subtle sweetness, bright citrus aroma. The Belgian Moon White Belgian-Style wheat beer is garnished by an elegant slice of fresh cold-pressed or canned pulp from the fruit itself to heighten your senses!
#60 - Omakasa IPA
Abnormal Beer Company's Omakase is a IPA -style beer from San Diego, California. A collaboration with Karl Strauss and Setting Suns that fuses an American IPA with Nigori-style sake. To create a fruity and spicy Belgian taste, a harmonious blend of Sake yeast and American ale yeast was used.
#61 - Creemore Premium Lager
This beer is a brown ale with an amber color, sweet caramel overtones and appealing. Well-balanced floral hop character that reveals rich maltiness in midst of hoppiness; clean nutty aroma complements its mild taste which leaves you wanting more after each sip while finishing delightfully dry on your palate due to just enough presence from the hops.
#62 - Steam Whistle
Steam Whistle Pilsner is a refreshing premium pilsner that's perfect for any occasion. Golden in colour with a distinctive hop aroma, the palate is dry, the beer is refreshing and has a clean, crisp finish.
#63 - Brickwork's Cider Batch: 1904
The refreshing, dry tartness of this cider is a perfect match for any occasion. Each can proudly features at least 7 fresh-pressed Ontario Apples to give you that unique taste experience every time!
#64 - Goose Island IPA
Goose Island's most famous beer is the six-time GABF winner IPA. They took the traditional English Style and created their fuller flavored IPA with bright citrus aromas and a bold hop finish. Goose IPA is a delicious and complex India pale ale (IPA) with a hoppy, strong, and smooth flavor that's ideal for hopheads and newcomers alike.
#65 - Ace Hill Pilsner
Refined and easy-drinking, opening with lightly earthy aromas leading to a palate with medium-body, light bitterness and balancing subtle malty sweetness.
#66 - India Beer
Molson has also produced India Beer, a popular brand of beer in the downtown music scene not too long ago. Newfoundland Brewing Company collaborated with them to create this brew, which is not an India Pale Ale. Both were there, but this was the lighter version, akin to a sweeter lager.
#67- Belle Gueule Originale
Belle Gueule Originale is a lager of exquisite distinction, which has been created since 1988. It is the first lager microbrewed in Quebec. It has a copper robe with a hint of gold. Mellow, with a refreshing bitterness, Belle Gueule Originale is bottom fermented and cold filtered.
#68 - Boreale Blonde
Beer enthusiasts appreciate this Blonde’s candid flavour and subtle maltiness. It's punctuated by notes of honey.
#69- Northbound Lager
This light bodied, well balanced lager is the perfect easy drinking experience. The aroma has a mild peppery taste with sweetness that you can enjoy no matter what your mood may be!
#70 - Triple Bogey Original Blonde Lager
Triple Bogey Blonde Lager is the perfect beer to enjoy with your favourite foods and festivities. With its light, golden colour it goes down great at any occasion or meal time!
Honorable mentions to this top selling beer 2020 list includes Rheingold beer by the Rheingold brewing company, and other alcoholic beverages like like ready to drink cocktails such as Vervet Cocktails.
If you're looking for a top-selling Gin in 2022 that will taste great with your foods offerings, check out the list of gin we've provided.
We hope this article has been helpful to you! Cheers! and drink beer moderately.
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