New Delhi: Beer has made a major comeback among the customers, especially Gen Z customers, as they are looking at the way on not only why they drink it but also how they do it. 2025 is proving to be the year for beer, with the industry evolving each day with latest trends, crafting and innovations taking place. The brewers are becoming more agile and imaginative as to look at the demand and acting according to the needs or the trends of the market, with modern consumers entering.
One major reason for beer’s rising popularity is its versatility and wide range of flavours. From craft lagers and wheat beers to fruity IPAs and non-alcoholic options, there’s something for everyone. Modern customers value personalisation and variety, and the ever-evolving beer market gives them just that. Beer is no longer just a “man’s drink” or a bar staple — it’s a social experience, a talking point, and often, an expression of one’s personality or mood.
Beer trends in 2025
Prerna Sangal, Marketing Head at Simba, shares some real insights from the industry on how manufacturers are seeing a rise in the beer trends and making functional changes to adapt and deal with the demands of the customers. Functional beverages are gaining traction; there’s a growing curiosity around beer alternatives that offer new experiences, and wellness-forward options are capturing consumer interest.
Packaging innovation is another big trend. We’re seeing formats diversify; larger, more premium-style cans for special occasions, and smaller serves for those seeking moderation or convenience. It’s about tailoring formats to lifestyles and consumption moments. And finally, nostalgia is having a huge moment. From vintage-inspired branding to throwback pop culture cues, younger consumers are gravitating toward brands and experiences that blend familiarity with fun.
Role of craft beers and evolution
It’s been about diversification and experience creation. While overall beer declined significantly, craft held stronger ground by expanding beyond just beer. Taprooms transformed into full hospitality experiences. Craft cocktails, elevated bar snacks, and Instagram-worthy presentations became standard. Consumers want memorable experiences, not just product trials.
The pattern of how consumers are drinking has completely shifted, with pairings an alternate option for non-alcoholic or higher-alcoholic content options arising, and choosing the beer has become more fun and creative. Draft beer now dominates out-of-home consumption, showing consumers prioritise the on-premise experience and freshness. Craft beer has gone through a fascinating evolution. What began as a movement centred around flavour and independence has now become deeply rooted in lifestyle and experience.
“First Time with Simba” isn’t about changing perceptions—it’s about showing who beer drinkers really are. For too long, the narrative around beer culture has been stuck in tired stereotypes or overly polished influencer content that doesn’t reflect real experiences.
Our series puts real people, not personalities, in the spotlight as they tackle their first times—whether that’s performing on stage, conquering personal fears, or trying something completely outside their comfort zone. What you see is raw, unscripted, and human. These aren’t your typical beer commercials with perfect people in perfect settings. These are genuine moments of vulnerability, triumph, and connection.
Beer is not in trends just for taste but also for how it brings together a community, fascinates the drinkers, and provides an experience more than just drinking a cold bottle of alcohol, it creates a vibe.