Bulk Beer
Bulk beer is a fermented malt beverage produced in large volumes for wholesale distribution. It is typically packaged in bulk containers such as kegs or tanker trucks for transport to retailers and food service operators.
Prices, specifications and international trade for bulk beer under HS 220300.
Bulk Beer Price
Published reference · Jul 1, 2026
Bulk beer is quoted in USD/t at MEX. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.
Explore bulk beer pricesBulk Beer Exports and Imports
Mexico led reported bulk beer exports in 2025, at $6.3B.
Compare bulk beer exporting countriesBulk Beer Specifications and Quality
Bulk beer grading factors include Clarity, Foam Stability, and Carbonation Level.
Grading Factors
Quality assessment for bulk beer considers Clarity, Foam Stability, and Carbonation Level.
- Clarity
Visual transparency of the beer, assessed for haze or particulate matter
- Foam Stability
Duration and consistency of the head after pouring, measured in seconds
- Carbonation Level
Amount of dissolved CO₂, expressed in volumes of CO₂
- Color
Beer color measured by the European Brewery Convention (EBC) scale
- Alcohol By Volume (ABV)
Percentage of alcohol content determined by distillation or densitometry
Typical Specification Ranges
Bulk beer specifications record original gravity, final gravity, alcohol by volume. These are typical ranges, not guarantees for an individual lot.
| Original Gravity | 10–20 °Plato |
|---|---|
| Final Gravity | 2.00–6.00 °Plato |
| Alcohol By Volume | 3.50–8.00 % |
| Carbonation | 2.00–2.80 volumes CO₂ |
| Color (EBC) | 5.00–30 EBC |
Common Defects
Recorded defects for bulk beer include Off‑flavors, Microbial Contamination, and Oxidation.
- Off‑flavors
Unwanted taste notes such as sour, metallic, or solvent-like flavors
- Microbial Contamination
Presence of unwanted bacteria or wild yeast causing spoilage
- Oxidation
Stale or cardboard-like flavors resulting from exposure to oxygen
- Diacetyl
Butter‑like flavor caused by excess diacetyl production
Certifications
Certifications documented for bulk beer include ISO 22000, HACCP, and Kosher. Their applicability depends on the individual product and shipment.
- ISO 22000
Food safety management system certification
- HACCP
Hazard analysis and critical control points certification
- Kosher
Certification that the product meets kosher dietary laws
- Organic
Certification for beer produced from organically grown ingredients
Bulk Beer Facts and HS Code
Bulk beer belongs to beverage alcohol and other within produce, nuts, spices and food ingredients. Its customs classification covers HS 220300.
Bulk Beer HS Code
| Product type | Finished |
|---|---|
| Position in the chain | Processed |
| Category | Beverage alcohol and other — Produce, nuts, spices and food ingredients |
| HS codes | 220300 |
| Quoted in | USD/t |
| Reference location | MEX |
Production & Handling
Processing steps for bulk beer include Mashing of malted barley, Boiling with hops, Fermentation of wort into beer.
Production and Storage
| Perishability | Medium |
|---|---|
| Temperature regime | Chilled |
| Processing steps |
|
Packaging
Typical bulk beer packaging includes Stainless Steel Tanker, Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC), and Food‑grade Drum.
- Stainless Steel Tanker
Large insulated tankers (up to 30 t) used for bulk transport
- Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC)
Reusable 1 t IBCs with food‑grade liners
- Food‑grade Drum
Standard 200 kg drums with sealed caps
Uses & Risks
Bulk beer is used in Beverage consumption and Food ingredient.
End Uses
- Beverage consumption
Bulk beer is distributed to breweries, bars, restaurants and retailers for on‑premise and off‑premise drinking.
- Food ingredient
Beer is used as a flavoring, leavening agent or cooking liquid in sauces, batters and stews.
Uses and Related Commodities
| Downstream industries | Beverage manufacturing, Hospitality and food service, Food processing |
|---|
Sourcing risks
| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
Microbial contamination Food safetyHigh Improper sanitation during brewing or storage can allow growth of spoilage microorganisms such as Lactobacillus, Pediococcus, or wild yeasts, leading to off‑flavors, reduced shelf life, or health hazards. | Implement strict hygiene protocols, maintain cold chain storage, and conduct regular microbiological testing of bulk beer batches. |
Water dilution fraud FraudHigh Bulk beer may be adulterated by adding water to increase volume, compromising product strength and consumer trust. | Use density and alcohol content testing, secure sealed transport containers, and audit supplier records to verify authenticity. |
Rodent and insect infestation PestMedium Pests can enter malt storage areas and contaminate the malt used for bulk beer, leading to off‑flavors and safety concerns in the finished product. | Seal all seams and corners, use steel wool or similar barriers, maintain storage temperatures below 20 °C, and conduct regular inspections and vacuuming of malt areas. |
Bulk Beer Questions
- What are the typical packaging formats for bulk beer when traded internationally?
- Bulk beer is usually transported in stainless‑steel tank containers or ISO tanks that can hold up to 30 t of product. The containers are sealed and kept at controlled temperatures to preserve quality during shipment.
- How is the quality of bulk beer assessed before shipment?
- Quality is evaluated by measuring parameters such as alcohol by volume, bitterness units, colour, and microbial stability. Samples are taken for laboratory analysis to ensure the beer meets the agreed specifications and regulatory limits.
- What handling requirements are needed to maintain the integrity of bulk beer during storage?
- Bulk beer must be stored at temperatures between 2 °C and 8 °C to prevent spoilage and flavour degradation. The tanks should be kept upright, protected from light, and regularly cleaned to avoid contamination.