Global beer consumption last year rose 3.8 percent from 2011 to 188.78 million kiloliters, marking the 26th consecutive annual increase, according to a Kirin Holdings Co. research arm.
The Kirin Institute of Food and Lifestyle said Wednesday sales were backed by brisk demand in emerging economies, including China and Brazil, and added the total amount is enough to fill Tokyo Dome some 152 times.
By country, China remained No. 1 in terms of beer consumption for the ninth straight year, at 48.98 million kiloliters, up 10.7 percent and accounting for 26.8 percent of the total. The United States ranked second even though consumption declined 1.2 percent, followed by Brazil and Russia.
The combined consumption of Asia and Central and South America surpassed the 50 percent mark for the first time, at 51.4 percent.
Japan retained seventh position, although domestic beer consumption slipped 3.7 percent.