Guinness is experiencing a huge surge in popularity across Australia, with more people across all demographics embracing the dark brew.

According to the official local distributor of Guinness, Lion Australia, growth is particularly strong among Gen Z drinkers (ages 19-25), whose consumption has risen by 47% in the past year. There has also been skyrocketing interest among women, where there has been a 70% increase.

Victoria is Australia’s biggest Guinness-loving state, drinking more than 3.6 million litres over the last 12 months; with NSW following close behind at 3.4 million litres (with Sydney pubs alone pouring over 1.3 million litres.

Western Australia also remains a stronghold for fans, with Greater Perth alone consuming 2.5 million litres over the past 12 months, contributing significantly to the state’s total of nearly three million litres.

Queensland and South Australia are also seeing impressive growth, with Queenslanders drinking over 2.2 million and South Australians enjoying nearly 1.9 million litres, with Brisbane and Adelaide leading the charge.

Lion distributed close to one million litres (equivalent to 18,750 kegs or 1.6 million pints) to more than 2000 pubs around the country for the Irish stout’s biggest event of the year, St Patrick’s Day on 17 March.

Brand Director at Lion – Guinness Amy Hiscock said: “St Patrick’s Day is all about great company, great craic, and of course, a great pint of Guinness. We’re excited to see a new generation discovering Guinness, reshaping how Aussies celebrate this beloved tradition!”

Princess of Wales drinks a pint

The Princess of Wales is among the growing number of female Guinness fans and was spotted sipping a pint while celebrating St Patrick’s Day with the Irish Guards.

She presented traditional sprigs of shamrock to officers and guardsmen at the regiment’s annual parade at Wellington Barracks.

The Princess, who has been colonel of the regiment since 2023, then joined soldiers for a drink and was thanked for putting money behind the bar, replying “that’s the least I can do”.

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