Hard ciders have been challenged the past few years, but the beer segment is looking to make a comeback as imperial ciders offer new opportunity.

Experts note that the proliferation of non-alcohol beer has allowed the category to retain consumers as beer contends with more competition in recent years.

Import beer posted another strong year in 2023 with experts calling attention to the performance of Mexican beers as the driving force behind that growth.

Flavored malt beverages and hard teas shine in the ready-to-drink alcohol space, while hard seltzers and hard kombuchas show declines.

U.S. beer consumers also are showing their openness to change as they explore the beyond beer segments, including hard teas.

Premiumization trends have allowed imported beers to resonate with consumers, but with inflation concerns and a potential recession, analysts express caution for the beer segment.

Non-alcohol beer’s presence as substitute for its beer counterparts is helping the category retain consumers as some look to moderate their alcohol consumption.