Craft Beer Industry Adapting To New Normal, Brewers Association Says
The post Craft Beer Industry Adapting To New Normal, Brewers Association Says appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. Bart Watson, President and CEO of the Brewers Association, addresses thousands of representatives of small and independent breweries from 61 countries attending the Craft Brewers Conference. Don Tse The Brewers Association, the trade association representing America’s small and independent breweries, delivered its annual state of the industry address today. The address was given by Bart Watson, in his new role as the Association’s president and CEO, a position he has held since January 6, 2025, though he has given the address in recent years as the Association’s chief economist. Watson’s strong economic background and data-driven analysis is annually one of the highlights for attendees of the Craft Brewers Conference, being held this year in Indianapolis, Indiana. Lower Overall Volume In his address, Watson reiterated the Association’s previous report that craft breweries in America produced 4.0% less beer in 2024 than in 2023 and for the first time since 2005, the Association recorded more breweries closing—524—than opening—430. Despite this, 43% of breweries increased production volume in 2024, indicating that difficulties were not universal and that it is possible to thrive in the current climate. Watson noted that breweries making non-beer beverages—hard seltzer, ready-to-drink cocktails, flavored malt beverages or cider, for example—were more likely to have shown growth. The hardest hit segment of the industry was the smallest breweries—those brewing less than 500 barrels per year—which collectively produced 9.5% less beer in 2024 than in 2023. Those smaller breweries often lack the capital to invest in equipment needed to make alternative products or to have their beer distributed through retail channels, which channels are becoming more selective in what SKUs they carry in light of declining craft beer sales. Shifts In Consumer Behavior While the industry has, in recent years, described its stagnant growth as “headwinds,” Watson’s presentation for 2025 distinguished between…
The post Craft Beer Industry Adapting To New Normal, Brewers Association Says appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com.
Bart Watson, President and CEO of the Brewers Association, addresses thousands of representatives of small and independent breweries from 61 countries attending the Craft Brewers Conference. Don Tse The Brewers Association, the trade association representing America’s small and independent breweries, delivered its annual state of the industry address today. The address was given by Bart Watson, in his new role as the Association’s president and CEO, a position he has held since January 6, 2025, though he has given the address in recent years as the Association’s chief economist. Watson’s strong economic background and data-driven analysis is annually one of the highlights for attendees of the Craft Brewers Conference, being held this year in Indianapolis, Indiana. Lower Overall Volume In his address, Watson reiterated the Association’s previous report that craft breweries in America produced 4.0% less beer in 2024 than in 2023 and for the first time since 2005, the Association recorded more breweries closing—524—than opening—430. Despite this, 43% of breweries increased production volume in 2024, indicating that difficulties were not universal and that it is possible to thrive in the current climate. Watson noted that breweries making non-beer beverages—hard seltzer, ready-to-drink cocktails, flavored malt beverages or cider, for example—were more likely to have shown growth. The hardest hit segment of the industry was the smallest breweries—those brewing less than 500 barrels per year—which collectively produced 9.5% less beer in 2024 than in 2023. Those smaller breweries often lack the capital to invest in equipment needed to make alternative products or to have their beer distributed through retail channels, which channels are becoming more selective in what SKUs they carry in light of declining craft beer sales. Shifts In Consumer Behavior While the industry has, in recent years, described its stagnant growth as “headwinds,” Watson’s presentation for 2025 distinguished between…
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