Ontario’s The Beer Store Announces Multiple Retail Closures
In a strategic adjustment to evolving retail dynamics in Ontario, The Beer Store has announced the permanent closure of eight retail locations across the province effective September 28, 2025. This decision includes stores in Bala, Brampton, Clinton, Morrisburg, Norwich, Red Lake, Rodney, and Sharbot Lake. These closures reflect The Beer Store’s response to changing market conditions and consumer behavior in the region’s beer retail environment (The Beer Store, 2025).
Craft Beer Market Poised for Strong Growth Through 2033
The global craft beer market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.74% from 2025 to 2033, reaching an estimated market value of USD 329.7 billion by 2033. Europe is the current dominant market, accounting for approximately 38.1% of the global share, driven by a rich beer culture, expanding microbreweries, and tourism. Key factors fueling this growth include rising consumer demand for unique, locally brewed, artisanal beers and innovative marketing aimed at millennials and health-conscious consumers. Prominent players in this space include Bell’s Brewery, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, and Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. among others (IMARC Group, 2025).
Shifts in U.S. On-Premise Beer Consumption Dynamics
Recent findings from CGA’s On Premise Impact Report highlight resilient consumer behaviors favoring beer on-premise consumption in 2025. Over 75% of consumers dined out early in the year, with half choosing bars for drinks, signaling ongoing strength for venues serving beer. Notable trends include increased consumer focus on health, with roughly one-third opting for healthier foods and drinks and a quarter moderating alcohol intake. Premiumization remains key, with 20% of consumers preferring high-quality beverage experiences. Additionally, value remains essential, with many consumers seeking deals and food pairing experiences to enhance their beer consumption (Craft Brewing Business, 2025).
Craft Beer Innovation and Emerging Trends for 2025
The craft beer sector is witnessing rapid evolution through innovative brewing techniques and distinctive product offerings. Key trends for 2025 include a continued rise in sessionable beers and cold IPAs—employing lager yeast to impart refreshing qualities. Non-alcoholic options are becoming mainstream, and yeast-based innovations are influencing beer haze and flavor complexity. Sustainability, while still developing, is gaining importance among brewers (Escarpment Labs, 2025).
Closures Reflecting Challenges in the Craft Brewing Community
In San Diego, El Cid Brewing, also operating as Der Achmë Secret Brewhaus, announced its permanent closure after struggles to maintain profitability and a failed crowdfunding campaign. Despite efforts to rebrand and sustain operations via a speakeasy-style model, the establishment will cease operations on September 28, 2025. The lease for the facility is now open for transfer, reflecting the ongoing volatility in the craft beer venue market (San Diego Beer News, 2025).
Scientific Advances Uncovering Beer Spoilage Mechanisms
A new genome study has identified critical genes in Pediococcus damnosus NIB 608, a bacterium responsible for beer spoilage, revealing how it withstands brewing stresses and causes quality defects. This insight provides brewers with potential strategies for improved spoilage control, safeguarding product quality and reducing economic losses. Understanding such microbial resilience is key for innovation in quality assurance across brewing operations (Bioengineer, 2025).
Technological Advances in Beer Quality Testing
Researchers have also developed a novel lateral flow test capable of rapidly detecting gluten concentrations in beer and foods with 98% accuracy. This development supports the growing demand for gluten-free options among consumers requiring or opting for gluten avoidance, enhancing safety and transparency in beer consumption (American Chemical Society, 2025).