Introduction
Craft Beer Industry Statistics: Craft beer refers to beer made by small, independent breweries that focus on quality, flavor, and brewing creativity, rather than producing large volumes. These breweries are often owned by enthusiasts who are deeply passionate about the brewing process and experimenting with diverse styles.
The official definition from the American Brewers Association specifies a craft brewer as one producing less than six million barrels per year, with less than 25% ownership by a non-craft alcoholic beverage company, and whose main output uses traditional ingredients.
Historically, the roots of craft beer go back thousands of years, with ancient civilizations like the Sumerians, Mesopotamians, and Egyptians brewing simple barley beers. However, the modern craft beer movement took off in the 1970s in the United States and the United Kingdom, reinvigorating small-scale, artisanal brewing practices that had nearly vanished after Prohibition and corporate consolidation.
Anchor Brewing in San Francisco is often credited as one of the first modern American craft breweries, heralding a wave of new flavors and techniques. This movement grew rapidly, with homebrewing legalized in 1978, leading to an explosion of microbreweries experimenting and innovating.
Today, there are about 10,000 craft breweries worldwide, with the majority located in the US and Europe. Craft beers span hundreds of unique styles, including IPAs, stouts, pilsners, and porters, offering consumers an ever-changing array of tastes and brewing traditions. The appeal of craft beer lies in its character and originality, with each batch often reflecting the personal vision of its brewers.
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- The global Craft Beer Market was valued at USD 114.1 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 282.6 Billion by 2032.
- In the U.S., craft beer sales increased 7.9%, reflecting steady consumer demand.
- U.S. retail dollar sales of craft beer grew 3% to USD 28.8 Billion, representing 24.7% of the USD 117 Billion beer market.
- The U.S. is home to over 9,000 craft breweries as of 2023.
- Craft beer represented about 25% of the U.S. beer market share in 2023.
- On average, craft beer drinkers consume 35 gallons annually in the U.S.
- Craft beer accounted for 13.1% of the total beer market in the country.
- Blue Moon led U.S. craft beer sales with USD 396.64 Million.
- Only 2.9% of U.S. craft breweries are fully female-owned.
- Around 40% of American adults consume craft beer.
- By gender, 51% of men and 33% of women drink craft beer weekly.
- In 2024, the U.S. beer industry revenue expanded to USD 129.3 Billion.
- Globally, the top five beer companies (including Anheuser-Busch InBev) accounted for 46% of total sales.
History of Craft beer
- In 1849, Anchor Brewing was founded in San Francisco, laying early groundwork for what would later become the modern American craft beer revolution.
- The first light amber beers were created in Bavaria and Vienna in 1841, shaping future European styles.
- After Prohibition ended in 1933, only a few American breweries survived, ushering in decades of beer mass production and consolidation.
- The revival truly began in 1965 when Fritz Maytag purchased Anchor Brewing, saving it from closure and igniting broader interest in artisanal brewing.
- 1972 saw the introduction of Cascade hops in the United States, which became foundational for craft brewers and gave rise to the West Coast IPA style.
- In 1978, U.S. President Jimmy Carter legalized homebrewing, leading to creative experimentation and the birth of today’s microbreweries.
- Sierra Nevada Brewing released its flagship Pale Ale in 1980, launching the first true wave of American craft breweries.
- Samuel Adams (Boston Beer Company) held nationwide distribution and made “craft” a household name in 1984.
- By 1994, there were almost 500 craft breweries in the US; the market continued expanding into the thousands by the 2000s.
- The IPA boom started in the 1990s, turning hoppy beers into a symbol of the craft scene worldwide.
- Internationally, craft brewing emerged in Australia around 1980, in Italy in 1988, and in the Netherlands in 1981.
- By 2015, the number of U.S. breweries surpassed 2,500, the largest since the 1880s and more than any other nation.
Craft Beer Market Size
- The market is projected to grow at a 10.6% CAGR between 2023 and 2032.
- By product category, Ales led with a 32.6% share, followed by Porters and Stouts.
- By type, Alcoholic craft beer dominated, representing over 80% share of the global market.
- By distribution channel, on-trade and off-trade combined accounted for around 60% share in 2023.
- Regionally, North America led the global market, holding a 38% share of worldwide craft beer sales.
(source: market.us)
Regional Analysis
North America continues to lead the global craft beer industry, accounting for 38% of total market revenue. This dominance is supported by a strong culture of microbreweries, consumer preference for premium and locally brewed products, and the presence of well-established craft beer associations that drive both quality and innovation. The region has benefited from rising demand among younger consumers who actively seek distinctive flavors and authentic brewing traditions.
The expansion of taprooms and brewpubs across the United States and Canada has also strengthened direct-to-consumer sales, allowing smaller brewers to capture significant market attention. With its combination of scale, consumer appetite for variety, and supportive distribution networks, North America holds a central role in shaping the growth trajectory of the global craft beer market.
(source: market.us)
National Beer Sales & Production Data
- The U.S. beer industry in 2024 experienced notable shifts, with overall beer sales volume declining by 1.2% to reach 170,896,608 barrels. Craft beer sales showed a steeper drop of 3.9%, totaling 23,103,985 barrels, while imported beer saw positive momentum, climbing 3.9% to 41,635,276 barrels.
- In terms of market value, the overall beer market generated $116.8 billion, with craft beer contributing $28.8 billion – reflecting a 3.4% increase in dollar sales, even amidst lower volumes. This indicates that value growth was driven by premiumization, persistent demand for quality, or higher price points within the craft segment.
- Craft beer accounted for 13.3% of total beer volume share (about 22,708,985 barrels), while import brands captured 24.4% and other domestic beers made up 62.4%. The uptick in imported beer’s market share alongside craft beer’s volume decline may signal evolving consumer tastes and increased competition in the premium category.
- Overall beer production dropped 1.2% in 2024. Craft beer fell 3.9%. Regionals produced the most at 67.2%, followed by microbreweries at 16.4%. Taprooms made up 8.3%, brewpubs 6.6%, and contract brewing companies 1.5%.
(credit: brewersassociation.org)
Structure and Employment
- As of 2023, the U.S. is home to over 9,000 craft breweries.
- Around 70% of craft breweries are locally owned and operated, highlighting strong community roots.
- The industry employs more than 165,000 people nationwide.
- Starting a craft brewery typically requires an investment between USD 250,000 and USD 2 Million.
- Nearly 80% of breweries produce fewer than 5,000 barrels annually, reflecting small-batch operations.
- About 65% of craft breweries are located in urban areas, close to consumer hubs.
- In 2022, industry employment grew 3%, adding approximately 4,900 jobs.
Demographics and Consumer Behavior
- India Pale Ale (IPA) is the most popular style, accounting for 45% of craft beer sales.
- The number of women craft beer drinkers has risen by 20% in the past 5 years.
- Beer tourists spend an average of USD 100 per visit in craft brewery regions.
- Half of all craft beer consumers (50%) prefer their beers unfiltered or hazy.
- Millennials make up about 60% of the total craft beer consumer base.
- The median age of craft beer drinkers is 37 years old.
- In 2023, the top three beer styles sold in the U.S. were IPA, Pale Ale, and Stout.
- Nearly 90% of craft beer drinkers purchase beer at least once per month.
- Consumers aged 21–35 now represent 55% of the market, up significantly over the past decade.
Recent Developments and News
- Indian craft beer brand Simba won silver and bronze awards at the 2025 World Beer Awards, marking growing recognition for Indian brewers on the global stage. Additionally, UK’s Brew York expanded internationally with exports to China in September 2025.
- Brew York (UK) began exporting to China in 2025, shipping 14 beers overseas. The company is hosting tap takeovers in multiple Chinese cities to expand its presence in one of the fastest-growing craft beer markets.
- Anchor Brewing (USA) has been silent since its 2023 acquisition by Chobani’s founder. The original San Francisco brewery remains closed with beer now contract brewed offsite. The future reopening is uncertain due to facility challenges.
- Sierra Nevada Brewing (USA) released its 2025 Impact Report emphasizing sustainability goals, including reducing emissions and waste. They continue to lead with innovations like non-alcoholic and pilsner styles and sustain community engagement through events and partnerships.
- Boston Beer Company (USA) reported growth despite shipment declines in Q2 2025, with net revenue rising to $587.9 million and net income up 15.5%. They announced a CEO transition in August 2025 and are executing stock buybacks while focusing on future growth strategies.
References:
- https://www.brewersassociation.org/statistics-and-data/national-beer-stats/
- https://www.beveragedaily.com/Article/2025/07/25/craft-beer-mid-year-2025-market-data/
- https://gitnux.org/brewery-industry-statistics/
- https://www.soocial.com/craft-beer-statistics/
- https://market.us/report/craft-beer-market/
- https://www.insidehook.com/beer/wondering-happened-anchor-brewing-youre-not-alone
- https://www.thestreet.com/restaurants/one-of-americas-oldest-breweries-may-really-be-shut-down-forever
- https://sfstandard.com/2025/05/31/anchor-steam-chobani-hamdi-ulukaya-reopening-one-year-later/
- https://www.craftmasterstainless.com/blog/2025/1/10/craft-beer-brewing-trends-that-took-over-in-2024
- https://www.guildsomm.com/public_content/features/articles/b/jeff-siegel/posts/history-of-craft-beer