Global beer consumption in 2002 rose 2.1 percent over the previous year to 141.56 million kiloliters, for the 17th straight yearly increase, according to Kirin Brewery Co.
The results are based on a questionnaire survey Kirin conducted with brewers' associations around the world.
By country, the United States was the biggest consumer, with 23.82 million kiloliters, up 1.4 percent over the previous year, and took a 16.8 percent share of the overall consumption, Kirin said. The U.S. was followed by China with 23.50 million kiloliters, a surge of 4.7 percent.
Kirin expects China to become the biggest consumer of beer in 2003, as consumption continues to rise, the company said.
Germany came third at 10.04 million kiloliters, down 0.5 percent, followed by Brazil at 8.35 million kiloliters, down 0.5 percent, and Russia at 7.08 million kiloliters, up 5 percent.
Japan fell one place to sixth, with 6.93 million kiloliters, down 2.6 percent, Kirin said.
Russia rose to fifth as people shifted to low-proof beverages such as beer from high-proof drinks such as vodka, Kirin said.