Although Chile is not well known for beer, it is the most consumed alcoholic beverage in the country, representing about 60% of the market. Premium beers represent 18% of that figure and craft beers have become very popular as of late; there are now more than 300 microbreweries in Chile.

Most of the beers produced in Chile are lagers. There is a large German influence, especially in the southern Los Lagos region, which was populated by many German immigrants in the 18th and 19th centuries. That fact accounts for the style of beers from this territory.