Brazilian Beer: What's On Tap In Brazil?

Brazil is the world's third-largest beer market, with a total volume of 139 million hectolitres and a per capita consumption of 61 litres in 2016. Brazilians typically enjoy their beer extra cold, which is understandable given the country's hot and humid climate. The most popular beers in Brazil are German-style pilsners, with the best-selling brands being Skol, Brahma, Antarctica, Schincariol/Novo Schin, Bavaria, and Kaiser. These beers are widely available across the country and are owned by the beverage giant AmBev, which controls 70% of the market.

Brazil's third-largest beer market

Brazil is the world's third-largest beer market, with a total volume of 139 million hectoliters and a per capita consumption of 61 liters in 2016. The country's brewing tradition dates back to the early nineteenth century when German immigrants first introduced the craft. The first breweries emerged in the 1830s, and the oldest Brazilian beer still in production is Bohemia, which began in 1853 in Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro.

The standard lager beers, or German-style pilsners, dominate the market with a 98% share. These light beers pair well with Brazil's spicy and flavorful cuisine. The mass-produced beers typically have an alcohol content of four to five percent, while some specialized beers can reach seven percent or more.

The market is highly competitive, with AmBev, the owner of Brahma, Antarctica, Bohemia, and Skol, claiming the majority of the market share. AmBev formed in 1999 from the merger of Brahma and Antarctica, the two biggest brands at the time. In 2004, AmBev further expanded by merging with Belgium's Interbrew to create the world's largest brewer, now known as InBev.

Other major players in the Brazilian beer market include Grupo Schincariol, which became the largest Brazilian-owned brewery in the country after AmBev's merger. In recent years, Grupo Schincariol has acquired microbreweries such as Baden Baden, Devassa, and Eisenbahn. Additionally, foreign companies like Molson Coors and Heineken have made inroads by acquiring stakes in local breweries.

Brazil's beer market experiences significant seasonal fluctuations. In November, producers ramp up production to meet the increased demand during the summer and the peak consumption period of the Brazilian Carnival, which falls around February to early March. The best-selling brands in Brazil, including Skol, Brahma, Antarctica, and Kaiser, are available nationwide. These beers are typically sold in small cans or bottles, with larger options available as well.

While the mass-produced lagers dominate, there has been a resurgence in microbreweries or craft brewers in recent years. These small and often independent brewers are mostly located in the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul, where the climate and geography support the required crop production and brewing methods. The craft beer movement has stimulated interest in "gourmet beers," and consumers now have access to a growing range of imported beers from countries like Belgium, Germany, and the United States.

German immigration and brewing history

German immigration to Brazil began in 1818, with 165 families settling in Ilhéus, Bahia, and 200 families settling in São Jorge the following year. However, the first German colony in Brazil was established in 1824 in São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul. Between 1824 and 1972, about 260,000 Germans settled in Brazil, with the majority settling in the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Paraná, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro.

The German immigrants to Brazil were primarily farmers, settling in rural areas called "colonies" created by the Brazilian government. They had to construct their own houses and cultivate the land. The first years were challenging, with many Germans dying of tropical diseases or leaving the colonies due to harsh living conditions. Despite these difficulties, the German colony in São Leopoldo eventually flourished, and the immigrants established the town of Novo Hamburgo. From there, they spread to other areas of Rio Grande do Sul, mainly close to river sources.

The German immigration to Brazil played a significant role in the country's urbanization and industrialization, influencing the architecture and social landscape of Brazilian cities. It also contributed to the development of Brazilian culture, including eating habits, theatrical stagings, church choirs, and brass bands. One notable example is the adoption of Oktoberfest, a German folk festival, which has become an annual celebration in Brazil, particularly in the states of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina.

The tradition of brewing beer in Brazil can be traced back to German immigration in the early nineteenth century. The first breweries in Brazil date back to the 1830s, and the Bohemia brand, founded in 1853 in Petrópolis, is the oldest still in production. German-style pilsners, light beers that complement the spicy and flavorful cuisine of the region, are the most popular beers in Brazil.

Popular Brazilian beer brands

Brazil is the world's third-largest beer market, with a total volume of 139 million hectoliters and per capita consumption of 61 liters in 2016. Brazilians typically enjoy their beer extra cold, which is a perfect fit for the country's hot and humid days. The tradition of brewing in Brazil dates back to German and Swiss immigration in the early nineteenth century.

The most popular beer brands among Brazilians are Skol, Brahma, and Antarctica, which are available almost everywhere. Skol is the only non-Brazilian brand among the three most popular beers. The brand appeared on the Brazilian market in 1967 and managed to stand out from its competitors through innovative ideas. Brahma, on the other hand, is known for testing new tastes and has appeared on the market with various variations over the years. Antarctica, the third most consumed beer in Brazil, was originally produced in a factory that was a pig slaughterhouse.

Other popular Brazilian beer brands include Bohemia, which is claimed to be the first Brazilian beer, with production starting in 1853 in Petrópolis, and is the oldest still in production. Bohemia is a light beer that comes in several variations, including the Weiss, the Bohemia Pilsen, and the stronger Aura Lager. Another well-known brand is Kaiser, which has been described as the most divisive among Brazilian beers.

In recent years, there has also been a growing trend of microbreweries and craft brewers in Brazil, offering a range of craft beers that utilize high-quality ingredients and traditional methods. Some popular craft beers include Jeffrey, 2cabeças, Hocus Pocus, and Mula IPA from the Cervejaria Nacional microbrewery in Sao Paulo.

Beer drinking culture in Brazil

Brazil has a thriving beer culture, being the world's third-largest market for the beverage. Brazilians are considered a party-loving people, and beer is an integral part of many events and festive moments in the country. The tradition of brewing in Brazil dates back to the early nineteenth century when German immigrants arrived in the country, bringing with them their brewing expertise.

The most popular beers in Brazil are typically German-style pilsners—light, blond lagers that complement the region's spicy, flavourful cuisine well. Standard lager beers dominate the market, accounting for 98% of market share, with a limited variety of other beer styles available. The best-selling brands in Brazil include Skol, Brahma, Antarctica, and Bohemia, which are widely available throughout the country. These big-name brands are heavily advertised and enjoy significant market power.

Beer is typically served ice-cold in Brazil, often in small glasses called "copos", with the bottle kept in a cooler jacket to prevent it from warming up. This preference for chilled beer may be due to the warm climate in many parts of the country. During the summer months and the famous Brazilian Carnival, beer consumption surges, with approximately 400 million litres consumed during the four-day festival alone.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in craft beer and microbreweries in Brazil. These small, independent brewers are usually located in states like São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul, where the climate and geography are favourable for crop production and brewing. While they constitute a small portion of the market, they have stimulated a demand for "gourmet beers", and theirsection has been gaining recognition in international beer festivals.

Overall, beer is an essential component of Brazil's vibrant alcohol culture, and its consumption is deeply intertwined with the country's social and festive gatherings.

Brazilian craft beers

Brazil has a thriving craft beer scene, with microbreweries and brewpubs popping up all over the country. The industry is relatively new, having emerged in the last 20 years, but it has made remarkable progress. Brazilian craft beers are becoming internationally recognised and are winning awards at beer festivals around the world.

The tradition of brewing in Brazil dates back to German immigration in the early nineteenth century. The first breweries appeared in the 1830s, and the oldest Brazilian beer still in production is Bohemia, which started in 1853 in Petrópolis, in the state of Rio de Janeiro. However, the Brazilian beer market was previously dominated by a few brands that produced industrial lager. Now, craft beer has introduced new products, but many consumers don’t really understand them.

Some of the best-known microbreweries in Brazil include DaDo Bier, the first craft brewery in the country, established in 1995 in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. Curitiba and Blumenau are also cities with several breweries, including WayBeer, BodeBrown, and Eisenbahn. Belo Horizonte is another hub for craft beer, with several recognised brands such as Backer and Wals.

Brazilian craft brewers are experimenting with a range of styles and techniques. The most popular styles brewed by almost every brewery seem to be Pilsner, IPA, and weissbier. Some regions also have many traditional German styles, stouts, and strong beers. Black IPA is also popular. Fruit beers are common, taking advantage of Brazil's diverse and tropical fruit offerings, such as cashew fruit, jaboticaba, and cupuaçu.

Brazilian craft brewers are also incorporating local ingredients, such as amburana wood, which has a complex spicy flavour like cinnamon and cloves, and cumaru seeds, which have a vanilla-like flavour. Coffee and chocolate are also commonly used in Brazilian craft beers, as these industries are well-established in the country.

The craft beer movement in Brazil is stimulating an interest in "gourmet beers", and there are now about a hundred microbreweries and nanobreweries in the country, with more opening all the time.

Frequently asked questions