US Craft Brewing Companies Shine in 2023
The US brewing industry has recently seen a tremendous boost, especially among craft brewing companies. According to the newly released production figures from the Brewers Association, the top 50 producing craft brewing companies have made a significant mark on the industry. In 2023, a large portion of the top 50 overall brewing companies were small and independent craft brewing enterprises.
Top Craft Brewing Companies on the Rise
Many of the top craft brewing companies in the US are gaining widespread recognition. Leading the list were:
- D. G. Yuengling and Son Inc
- Boston Beer Co
- Sierra Nevada Brewing Co
- Duvel Moortgat
- Gambrinus
These companies have been influential in the craft beer market, showcasing tremendous growth and resilience.
Notable Overall Brewing Companies
When considering the broader brewing landscape, several giants stood out. Anheuser-Busch Inc topped the list, followed closely by Molson Coors, Constellation, Heineken USA, and Pabst Brewing Co. These companies continue to dominate the market, yet small craft brewers are closing in on their heels.
Surge in Craft Breweries
The number of operating craft breweries hit an all-time high in 2023, with 9,683 breweries spread across the nation. This impressive figure includes:
- 2,071 microbreweries
- 3,467 brewpubs
- 3,900 taproom breweries
- 245 regional craft breweries
Overall, the US had 9,812 operating breweries, a significant increase from the previous year.
Opening and Closing Trends
In 2023, 495 new breweries opened while 418 closed. Though the number of new openings decreased for a second consecutive year, reflecting a mature market, the closing rate remained relatively low at approximately 4%. This points to a stable yet challenging environment for newcomers.
Employment in the Brewing Industry
Owing to the rise in the number of breweries and the shift towards hospitality-focused business models, craft brewers directly employed 191,421 people in 2023—a minor increase from the previous year.
Craft Beer Production and Market Share
In 2023, small and independent brewers produced 23.4 million barrels of beer—a slight decline from 2022. Despite this dip, craft beer’s overall market share by volume grew to 13.3%, indicating that the losses in craft beer were smaller compared to the overall industry decline.
Changes in the Beer Market
The overall beer market saw a shrinkage of 5.1% by volume in 2023. However, retail dollar value grew to an estimated $28.6 billion, representing a 24.5% market share. This growth was primarily driven by pricing and stronger onsite sales compared to distribution.
Strategic Adaptations by Craft Breweries
Many craft brewing companies are adapting to the evolving beverage alcohol market by tweaking their operations, focusing on business models, and refining go-to-market strategies. These changes help them stay relevant and competitive.
Future of Craft Brewing Companies
Looking ahead, the craft beer industry is expected to continue its evolution. Even in a landscape of slower growth, strong brands within the top craft brewing companies are likely to resonate with beer enthusiasts, indicating a promising future for the industry.
| Rank | Company | City | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | D. G. Yuengling and Son Inc | Pottsville | PA |
| 2 | Boston Beer Co | Boston, Milton | MA, DE |
| 3 | Sierra Nevada Brewing Co | Chico | CA |
| 4 | Duvel Moortgat | Paso Robles, Kansas City, Cooperstown | CA, MO, NY |
| 5 | Gambrinus | Shiner, Berkeley | TX, CA |
The US brewing industry’s landscape is dynamic and filled with opportunities for both large and small breweries. With strategic adaptability and resilience, craft brewing companies are set to thrive in the ever-evolving market.
