Minnesota Craft Breweries Shine in National Rankings
The Brewers Association recently released its annual production figures for the U.S. craft brewing industry, and Minnesota craft breweries are making impressive strides. Among the top 50 producing craft brewing companies, three hail from the North Star State: August Schell Brewing Company, Summit Brewing Company, and Surly Brewing Company.
Top Minnesota Craft Breweries in National Rankings
August Schell Brewing Company, located in New Ulm, has climbed to the 24th spot in total production. Summit Brewing Company in St. Paul is ranked 37th, and Surly Brewing Company in Minneapolis holds the 43rd position. This is a significant achievement, showcasing the strength of Minnesota’s craft brewing scene.
Changes in Rankings Over the Past Year
In the previous year’s report, August Schell was ranked 29th, so moving up five spots is a notable advancement. However, Summit Brewing Company fell from 26th to 37th, indicating a drop of 11 spots. Surly Brewing Company experienced a slight decline, going from 42nd to 43rd.
Trends in the Craft Brewing Industry
The craft brewing industry continues to evolve. In 2023, the number of operating craft breweries reached an all-time high of 9,683. There were 495 brewery openings and 418 closings, showing dynamic changes within the market. Interestingly, the number of openings decreased for the second consecutive year.
Production and Market Share
Despite these changes, small and independent brewers collectively produced 23.4 million barrels of beer in 2023. This marked a 1.0 percent decline from the previous year. However, craft beer’s market share by volume grew to 13.3 percent, up from 13.1 percent in 2022. This indicates a growing preference for craft beers among consumers.
Leading Overall Brewing Companies
While Minnesota craft breweries are performing exceptionally well, the top overall brewing companies in the U.S. are larger conglomerates. Anheuser-Busch in St. Louis holds the first position, followed by MolsonCoors in Chicago at second, and Constellation also in Chicago ranking third.
Top Minnesota Breweries Across the State
Minnesota is home to many stellar breweries beyond the top producers. Here are some notable mentions:
- Surly Brewing Company
- Summit Brewing Company
- August Schell Brewing Company
Growth and Sustainability of Minnesota Craft Breweries
Minnesota craft breweries like August Schell Brewing Company, Summit Brewing Company, and Surly Brewing Company are setting benchmarks. Their continuous growth and contributions to the craft brewing landscape are noteworthy, making Minnesota a key player in the national craft brewing industry.
| Brewing Company | Location | 2023 Ranking | 2022 Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| August Schell Brewing Company | New Ulm | 24 | 29 |
| Summit Brewing Company | St. Paul | 37 | 26 |
| Surly Brewing Company | Minneapolis | 43 | 42 |
Minnesota craft breweries are not just brewing beer; they are crafting excellence. By focusing on quality and innovation, they continue to captivate beer enthusiasts. So, raise your glass to the remarkable achievements of Minnesota’s craft breweries!
