Dark Spirits Market Size, Share & Trend Analysis Report By Type (Whiskey, Rum, Brandy), By Distribution Channel (Offline Trading, Online Trading), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2028

Report Overview 

The global dark spirits market size was valued at USD 55.11 billion in 2021 and expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% from 2022 to 2028. This can be attributed to the growing consumption of the dark spirits from the emerging economies such as China and India. Moreover, the rising popularity for the scotch whisky product, coupled with growing demand for rum based spirit across the globe are the factors, expected to boost the market growth during the forecast period. Substantial growth in the food and beverage industry all over the world is one of the vital factors generating a positive outlook for the dark spirit market. Furthermore, the growing inclination for the premium craft spirits, particularly amongst the millennial is offering a thrust to the dark spirit market growth. 

Several countries, across the globe, had imposed a nationwide lockdown during the COVID-9 pandemic, to counter the effect of the novel coronavirus. The supply chain of the spirits market had affected during the financial year 2019-2020. The demand for alcoholic beverages had slightly decreased, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The distribution channel of alcoholic beverages got hampered due to the globally imposed lockdown. In the financial year 2021 - 2022, the prime suppliers of Europe were taking an initiative to improve the supply chain of alcoholic beverages through online platforms. This kind of initiative was encouraging the sales of alcoholic beverages, which will boost the market growth.

The growing acceptance of new exotic flavors of artisanal spirits is one of the major factors driving the market growth. The increasing demand for premium spirit products in the countries such as the U.S. and the U.K. is expected to boost the market growth. Rising demand to procure high-quality spirits at an affordable cost is the upcoming opportunity for the market. However, the increasing trend to consume low alcoholic beverages is hindering market growth. At present, key players are focusing to launch e-commerce platforms to gain traction with the spirits consumers. Hence, the spirits market is expected to showcase significant growth during the forecast period.

Mass-manufactured dark spirits are extremely prevalent in emerging countries such as India. Though, the premium segment has observed an increase in demand in the past few years. Furthermore, aspiring customers are developing the taste for premium products that provide a unique and genuine experience. In addition, growing disposable income, urbanization, and increasing middle-class population positively impact the market for premium products. With the rising number of pubs, bars, as well as breweries offering alcoholic beverages, superior spirits are pouring into the dark spirits market development in both advanced and emerging economies. High taxation applies negative pressure on the customers and has a deep impact on their buying decisions. With large taxation on whiskey, the dark spirits market continues to struggle across different regions.

Growing investment from the U.S.-based key players to procure high-quality rum products is estimated to boost the market growth. The major key players in the market are procuring value-added spirits with bizarre tastes. Rapidly growing demand for innovative spirit-based beverages from the consumers of Europe is driving the industry growth. Adequate intake of dark spirits can relieve pain, swelling bone mineral density, stop common cold, and keeps the body warm.

Type Insights

Whiskey segment contributed to the highest revenue share of more than  45.0% in the global market, in 2021. The high disposable income of the developing economies such as China and India plus the growing consumption of whiskey in Japan is projected to continue its significant growth in the market during the forthcoming years. The delicious taste with lower fat will enhance the sales of whiskey throughout the forecast period.

Rum segment will register the highest growth during the forecast period. The enlargement in the segment is due to the medical property of rum. Rum is used to provide several benefits such as lowering the risk of diabetes and soothing muscle pain. Owing to these reasons the rum segment is projected to show development during the forecast period.

Distribution Channel Insights

Offline trading contributed revenue share of around 80.0% in the global market, during  2021. The offline trading includes several suppliers such as liquor shops, restaurants, bars, pubs, supermarkets, and specialty stores. Dark spirits are largely served in most restaurants, bars, and pubs in addition these are mixed with interesting flavored juices and sparkling water to offer pleasing experiences to the customers. The domestic suppliers are providing a variety of spirits at a lower cost, which in turn will boost the segment growth. The increased inclination toward western culture and rising adoption of drinking practices will propel the market growth. 

The online trading segment is likely to register the fastest growth during the forecast period. This growth can be credited to the better focus of the distributers to implement the modern trade technology for door-step delivery. Moreover, brands and retailers are conducting online promotional campaigns via various social media platforms to increase brand awareness among the customers. Increasing demand for the super-premium spirit product over an e-commerce portal coupled with the supportive government measures to fulfill the demand for alcoholic beverages by means of an online platform are the factors fueling the market growth.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific made the largest contribution to the global dark spirits market with above 30.0% share in 2021 due to the increasing demand for fruity, clean, and polished malt scotch whiskey in China and Japan. The growing adoption of bourbon and sherry casks spirits from Indian consumers will help to boost the market growth. The market share of China is driven by the rising consumption rate of rum and brandy products. Moreover, the infrastructural facilities are provided by the private firms of Japan to build the manufacturing units of alcoholic beverages. These manufacturing units are improving the consumption rate of the global market. Larger import of whiskey and rum in the region is expected to boost the market growth.

North America is projected to witness a CAGR of 8.0% from 2022 to 2028. This can be credited to the inclination of consumers for agave-based spirits. The dark spirit market’s solid performance in the U.S. is credited to the popularity of high-end as well as super-premium US whiskey brands along with the development of major cognac brands. The developing trend in the U.S. to consume the distilled alcoholic beverage is propelling the market growth. The growing adoption of Scotch, Irish, and Canadian whiskeys in the region is further estimated to showcase the fastest growth rate during the forecast period.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The major focus of the companies is to launch rum-based products to meet the increasing demand for alcoholic beverages. The main key players are adopting digital online platforms to fulfill the demand for alcoholic spirits. However, implementing sustainability has its unique challenges and limitations. Multiple companies are targeting the expansion and launches of premium brand products in the market.  Bacardi launched a new line of premium rum in the U.S. market, in 2018, including Reserva, Ocho, Anejo Cuatro, plus others. Some of the prominent players in the global dark spirits market include:

• Diageo

• Anheuser-Busch InBev

• Suntory Holdings

• Pernod Ricard

• Asahi Group Holdings

• Kirin Holdings

• Bacardi Limited

• LT Group, INC

• The Brown-Forman Corporation

• Rémy Cointreau

Dark Spirits Market Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis of the latest trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2017 to 2028. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global Dark Spirits Market report based on the type, distribution channel, and region.

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2017 - 2028)

  • Whiskey

  • Rum

  • Brandy

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2017 - 2028)

  • Offline Trading

  • Online Trading

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2017 - 2028)

  • North America

    • The U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • U.K.

    • Germany

    • France

    • Russia

    • Italy

    • Rest of Europe

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • Rest of Asia Pacific

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

    • Rest of Central & South America

  • Middle East & Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • South Africa

    • Rest of Middle East & Africa