This briefing provides a summary description of the beverage alcohol industry, its nature and scope. It offers a basic overview of economic, trade, and development aspects, as well as how some of these relate to public heath issues. It presents an analysis of current trends, such as industry consolidation, and possible future developments. It concludes by identifying a range of industry bodies and industry-supported bodies, such as trade associations and social aspect organisations (SAOs), which contribute to addressing social and public health aspects of alcohol.