Sustainability Takes Center Stage in Brewing Practices
Environmental sustainability is rapidly becoming a core priority for breweries worldwide. A recent comprehensive review published by researchers at the University of Florida highlights how breweries are adopting greener methods amidst a global production exceeding 190 billion liters of beer in 2024. Packaging alone accounts for 40% of beer’s carbon footprint, with innovations such as reusable steel kegs, which emit only 0.05 kilograms of CO2 per liter compared to 0.45 kilograms for single-use glass bottles, showing promise in reducing emissions (UF/IFAS Food Science, 2025).
U.S. Craft Beer Sector Faces Contraction Amidst Changing Consumer Habits
The U.S. craft beer industry is experiencing ongoing headwinds, with 9,269 craft breweries operating as of mid-2025—a 1% decline year-over-year. Production volume dropped approximately 5%, disproportionately impacting distribution-focused microbreweries. Conversely, hyperlocal business models such as taprooms and brewpubs demonstrate relative resilience, with half of smaller brewers reporting growth. This trend corresponds with a growing but less frequent consumer base, as 9.8% of legal-age adults consumed craft beer recently, up from 6.6% in 2013, albeit with decreased drinking frequency (Brewers Association, 2025; The Drinks Business, 2025).
Innovative Brewery Expands North Korean Beer Exports to Russia
Reflecting deepening commercial ties, North Korea’s innovative Mangyongdae Kyonghung Food Factory plans to export a 4.5% light pasteurized beer to Russia’s Far East market through the Kupol company. This move marks an unusual but strategically important cross-border trade link in the beer sector amid evolving geopolitical dynamics (NK News, 2025).
Craft Beer Market Forecasts Global Growth Fueled by Consumer Demand
The global craft beer market is projected to expand robustly from $110.94 billion in 2025 to $263.73 billion by 2034, at a compound annual growth rate of 10.1%. Demand for distinct, flavorful brews and increasing popularity of beer tourism drive this growth, with Asia Pacific identified as the largest regional market. Notably, off-trade segments such as supermarkets, liquor stores, and e-commerce are fueling accessibility and sales for home consumption, representing a crucial growth avenue (TowardsFNB, 2025).
Technological Collaborations Target CO2 Capture in Brewing
In an effort to innovate environmentally friendly brewing processes, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation has entered a collaboration with Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute and TTL Jhunan Brewery to conduct demonstration tests on CO2 capture and utilization. This initiative reflects the brewing industry’s increasing commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through advanced technological solutions (Mitsubishi Electric, 2025).