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Beer Industry Trends 2026: Low-ABV Boom, Lager Revival and Craft Challenges Ahead Low- and no-alcohol beers solidify as a core portfolio element for breweries in 2026, shifting from niche to mainstream with enhanced branding as lifestyle choices (American Craft Beer, January 20th, 2026, https://www.americancraftbeer.com/8-beer-industry-trends-to-watch-out-for-in-2026/). Moderation Drives Non-Alcoholic Growth **Non-alcoholic beer sales** among craft brewers continue rapid expansion, with nearly half now offering at least one low-ABV or NA option, up significantly from prior years (OhBev, 2026, https://www.ohbev.com/blog/beer-market-forecasts-and-trends). U.S. NA beer volumes jumped 111% from 2021 to 2025, fueled by health-conscious consumers seeking sessionable lagers and functional brews (OhBev, 2026, https://www.ohbev.com/blog/beer-market-forecasts-and-trends) ...
Craft Beer Trends 2026: Hop Events Surge, Health Shifts and Winter Sales Challenges Grip IndustryFebruary 2026 brings a mix of vibrant craft beer events, evolving consumer trends toward healthier options, and persistent sales hurdles for U.S. breweries amid winter slowdowns.Hop-Forward Events Highlight Pacific Northwest StrengthHop Mob returns to Seattle on February 7, 2026, at Reuben’s Brews Ballard Taproom, focusing exclusively on **triple IPAs** from Pacific Northwest breweries. The event features Reuben’s acclaimed Blimey That’s Bitter!, a 10.5% ABV IPA rated highest in Washington on Beer Advocate, and the limited Triple Crush hazy IPA with explosive tropical fruit notes (Washington Beer ...
Beer Industry Trends 2026: Craft Brewers Face Tariffs, Lager Boom, and Low-ABV SurgeThe beer sector enters 2026 amid economic pressures that demand efficiency, premium positioning, and style innovations from breweries (SevenFifty Daily, 2026).
**Aluminum tariffs** have driven up can prices by more than 25%, squeezing craft brewers who must absorb costs or scale back niche production (Packaging Digest, 2026). Smaller operations bear the brunt in a market where material expenses erode thin margins.Lager Renaissance Reshapes Craft OfferingsCraft lagers evolve into premium, sessionable staples as drinkers favor drinkability over complexity (Backbar Academy, 2026). Bar inventory data reveals surging demand for **West Coast ...
**Aluminum tariffs** have driven up can prices by more than 25%, squeezing craft brewers who must absorb costs or scale back niche production (Packaging Digest, 2026). Smaller operations bear the brunt in a market where material expenses erode thin margins.Lager Renaissance Reshapes Craft OfferingsCraft lagers evolve into premium, sessionable staples as drinkers favor drinkability over complexity (Backbar Academy, 2026). Bar inventory data reveals surging demand for **West Coast ...
Beer Industry Trends 2026: Craft Brewers Face Tariffs, Lager Boom and Speed-to-Market ShiftThe beer sector enters 2026 with tightening economics pushing breweries toward efficiency, premium value, and innovative styles amid rising costs from aluminum tariffs. Industry observers highlight a barbell market where macro brands dominate value sales while craft focuses on luxury experiences (SevenFifty Daily, 2026).Aluminum Tariffs Squeeze Craft ProductionAluminum tariffs have increased prices by more than 25%, compelling craft brewers to absorb losses or reduce niche beer output (Packaging Digest, 2026). Smaller operations face heightened pressure as material costs for cans escalate, threatening margins in a competitive landscape.Lager Renaissance ...
Craft Beer Trends 2026: Lager Renaissance, Low-ABV Surge, and New Competitions Reshape the IndustryThe craft beer sector enters 2026 with a focus on balanced growth, driven by consumer demand for value-driven, sessionable styles amid economic pressures (Protis Global, 2026). US craft beer production is projected to expand at a 4.1% CAGR, a slowdown from prior double-digit rates, signaling a mature market prioritizing quality over expansion (Brewers Association, 2025).Lager Renaissance Defines Premium Value ShiftCraft lagers have matured into a premium category, with consumers favoring crisp, refreshing profiles executed to perfection (Backbar Academy, 2026). This trend, described as the 'lager renaissance,' reflects ...
Washington Breweries Transition to New Ownership Amid Regional Shifts Island Hoppin’ Brewery in Washington state has new owners, Tyler and Heidi Otten, taking over on February 1, 2026, promising continuity in beer quality with collaborative brewing efforts (Washington Beer Blog, January 2026, https://washingtonbeerblog.com/second-pours-washington-breweries-reopen-rebrand-and-reload/). Crucible Brewing is rebranding to **Uneek Brewing** under Erik Andresen and Johanna Watson, awaiting liquor license approval to finalize the ownership change (Washington Beer Blog, January 2026, https://washingtonbeerblog.com/second-pours-washington-breweries-reopen-rebrand-and-reload/). At Large Brewing transitions to new owners on February 1, 2026, following founders' retirement after nearly a decade (Washington Beer Blog, January 2026, https://washingtonbeerblog.com/second-pours-washington-breweries-reopen-rebrand-and-reload/). Redd Dog Brewing Company plans ...
