Heineken, the world’s second-largest brewer, is cutting up to 6,000 jobs globally—nearly 7% of its 87,000-person workforce—while downgrading its 2026 profit-growth guidance amid weak beer demand (Beer Street Journal, 2026).
This move highlights mounting pressures on industrial giants as consumer preferences pivot toward craft innovations. In parallel, the global craft beer market, valued at USD 134.60 billion in 2025, is projected to grow at a **CAGR of 10.62%** from 2026 to 2032, fueled by health-conscious trends (Stellar Market Research, 2026).
Craft Beer Embraces Low and No-ABV Options
Demand for **low-alcohol, non-alcoholic, and gluten-free beers** is surging as consumers prioritize healthier lifestyles, prompting breweries to innovate with high-quality alternatives (Stellar Market Research, 2026). Research indicates nearly half of Americans are drinking less in 2026, driving breweries to roll out low-ABV and alcohol-free craft options (Tastewise, 2026).
Innova Market Insights notes that technique-driven brewing is gaining traction in the US and Canada, with consumers eager to learn about processing methods that yield distinctive flavors, as seen in Untitled Art’s tropical beer featuring pineapple, lychee, and vanilla (Innova Market Insights, 2026).
Regional Highlights: Stout Month and Wisconsin Updates
Fort George Brewery in Astoria, Oregon, kicks off its 17th annual **Stout Month** on February 1, 2026, featuring 28 days of diverse stouts including Big Debbie Imperial Nutty Buddy Wafer Stout at 9.9% ABV and Horchata This Way with cinnamon and vanilla (Washington Beer Blog, 2026).
In Wisconsin, the Badger Beer Report covers fresh developments like Youngblood Beer Co. builds, Clockwork and Acronym updates, and the Boulder Junction opening, alongside festival recaps from Fondy Brewfest and Beer and Cheese Fest, tempered by closures of 2 Doors Down and Skeleton Crew’s homebrew shop (Badger Beer Report, 2026).
Upcoming Trade Events Signal Industry Resilience
Beer&Food Attraction, set for February 15-17, 2026, in Rimini, Italy, will showcase Italian and international beers, over 100 microbreweries, and BBTech Expo for craft producers, alongside new Mixology Attraction for beverage innovation (Brauwelt International, 2026).
Broader Market Dynamics
Hyper-localization sees neighborhood breweries sourcing local hops and fruits to match regional tastes, while hybrid styles, fruited sours, and smoothie beers gain popularity (Tastewise, 2026). Premium packaging and international flavors are reshaping consumer engagement in the US and Canada (Innova Market Insights, 2026).
Despite challenges like supply chain costs for hops and grains, craft beer’s 13% US market share in 2024 underscores its vitality amid industry consolidation (Tastewise, 2026; Brewers Association via Tastewise, 2026).