Brewers Association Annual Overview of Craft Brewing Companies 2023
The Brewers Association (BA) has released its annual overview of the craft brewing industry, shining a spotlight on the thriving craft brewing companies of 2023. This year’s report celebrates both milestones and challenges faced by small, independent breweries across the United States.
Record Number of Craft Breweries in the U.S.
Last year was a remarkable one for the craft brewing sector. The number of craft breweries reached an all-time high with 9,683 operational establishments across all 50 states, including Washington D.C. This impressive number comprises:
– 2,071 microbreweries
– 3,467 brewpubs
– 3,900 taproom breweries
– 245 regional craft breweries
However, it’s noteworthy that new brewery openings slightly decreased, with only 495 new establishments compared to approximately 550 in 2022. Despite this, the Brewers Association remains optimistic, noting that the closing rate, although increased, stood at a “relatively low” 4 percent.
Production and Market Share Insights
In 2023, small and independent craft brewers produced 23.4 million barrels of beer, marking a minor 1 percent decline from the previous year. On a brighter note, the craft beer market share grew to 13.3 percent in terms of volume, a slight increase of 0.2 percent from 2022. This growth is particularly impressive given that the overall beer industry witnessed a significant 5.1 percent decline in volume year-over-year.
Revenue and Resilience of Craft Brewing Companies
Craft brewing companies also witnessed a rise in retail value by 3 percent, bringing the market’s worth to approximately $28.6 billion. Bart Watson, the BA’s vice president of strategy and chief economist, highlighted the resilience of small brewers. Despite competitive and challenging conditions, these small, independent breweries have shown remarkable strength.
| Top-Producing Craft Brewing Companies 2023 | City | State |
|---|---|---|
| D. G. Yuengling and Son Inc | Pottsville | PA |
| Boston Beer Co | Boston, Milton | MA, DE |
| Sierra Nevada Brewing Co | Chico | CA |
| Duvel Moortgat USA | Paso Robles, Kansas City, Cooperstown | CA, MO, NY |
| Gambrinus | Shiner, Berkeley | TX, CA |
Success Stories Amid Slow Growth
Among the 50 top-producing breweries in the U.S., 40 are classified as small and independent craft brewing companies. Bart Watson emphasized that even in an era of slow growth, strong brands continue to resonate with beer drinkers, regardless of size or location. This resilience and popularity are what keep these craft brewing companies at the forefront of the industry.
Conclusion
The Brewers Association’s annual overview of craft brewing companies in 2023 paints a picture of resilience, growth, and potential. With a record number of operational breweries and an expanding market share, the future looks promising for small, independent breweries. The journey may be tough, but the spirit of craft brewing remains indomitable.
