Morocco’s beer production drops amid regional growth, ranks 108th globally in 2024

MOROCCO – Morocco’s beer production declined in 2024 to 818,000 hectoliters, positioning the country 108th in global beer output rankings, according to a new report by BarthHaas, a leading global hop supplier.  

This marks a reduction of approximately 17,000 hectoliters from 2023, when output stood at 835,000 hectoliters. 

The report, which tracks global trends in beer and hop markets, indicates that Morocco’s output trails other North African and Middle Eastern countries.  

Tunisia led regional production with 1.933 million hectoliters, followed by Algeria with 1.503 million hectoliters and Egypt with 900,000 hectoliters.  

Morocco ranked fourth in the region, ahead of Lebanon (384,000 hectoliters) and Jordan (247,000 hectoliters), while Palestine recorded the lowest output at 4,000 hectoliters. 

Globally, total beer production in 2024 reached 1.875 billion hectoliters, representing a slight decrease of 0.3% from 2023.  

China maintained its dominance with 341 million hectoliters—18.2% of total world production—followed by the United States (184.5 million hectoliters), Brazil (147.4 million hectoliters), and Mexico (145 million hectoliters). 

In contrast to Morocco’s decline, African beer production grew by 6.7% in 2024, reaching over 160 million hectoliters. Key contributors to this increase included South Africa, Angola, and Ethiopia, where production rose between 8% and 35%. 

In Morocco, Société des Brasseries du Maroc (SBM), part of the French-owned Castel Group, remains the main producer and distributor of beer. The beverage, introduced during the French colonial era, is primarily consumed in hotels and bars, especially by tourists. 

However, the legal framework surrounding alcohol in Morocco remains restrictive. A royal decree issued in 1967 prohibits the sale or free provision of alcoholic beverages to Moroccan Muslims. Article 28 of the law stipulates fines or imprisonment of up to six months for violations. 

Despite these laws, alcohol continues to be available in supermarkets, licensed shops, bars, and hotels, particularly in tourist zones. Regulations also ban alcohol sales near religious institutions, schools, hospitals, and other sensitive sites. 

According to the World Health Organization, beer accounts for 44% of alcohol consumed in Morocco, followed by wine at 36% and other beverages at 20%.  

The country’s 2025 Finance Bill forecasts MAD 1.55 billion (US$149.76 million) in beer tax revenue, contributing to a broader alcohol and cigarette tax target of MAD 16.4 billion (US$1.58 billion). 

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