Worldwide Beer Production and Rankings Shift in 2025
The latest report from BarthHaas reveals minimal change in global beer production, with an overall slight decrease of 0.3% to 1.875 billion hectoliters in 2024 compared to the previous year. Despite economic challenges and shifting consumer behaviors, the beer industry remains resilient, although not uniform across regions (BarthHaas, 2025). Notably, Russia has increased its beer output by about 9%, overtaking Germany to climb into 5th place globally, while Germany saw a 1% decline to 83.93 million hectoliters, causing it to slip to 6th position (BarthHaas, 2025). The top four beer-producing nations remain China, the USA, Brazil, and Mexico.
Craft Beer Market: Robust Growth and Emerging Trends
The craft beer segment is exhibiting strong growth dynamics, projected to expand at a CAGR of 8.74% from 2025 through 2033, potentially reaching a market value of USD 329.7 billion by 2033 (IMARC Group, 2024). This expansion is fueled by the rising number of microbreweries and brewpubs globally, which create vibrant local beer cultures and foster innovation through direct consumer engagement (IMARC Group, 2024). Supportive government policies worldwide continue to nurture small-scale brewing enterprises, contributing to market vitality.
Consumer health consciousness is influencing buying decisions, with an increasing demand for low-alcohol, non-alcoholic, and ‘light’ beers as lifestyle choices evolve. This shift broadens the appeal of craft beers, inviting new consumer segments who prioritize wellness but seek quality flavor experiences (IMARC Group, 2024). Similarly, consumer trends in on-premise venues show steady visitation rates coupled with preferences for health-conscious options and premiumization, favoring craft brewers who offer quality, innovative, and value-driven products (CGA by NIQ, 2025).
Freshly-Crafted Beer: Premiumization and Market Expansion
The freshly-crafted beer sub-market alone is valued at around $25 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow 5% annually through 2033, reaching $37 billion. This growth derives from rising disposable incomes and consumers’ preference for premium and authentic beer experiences. Social media and craft beer festivals play critical roles in promoting local breweries and unique flavors, further driving sales (Market Report Analytics, 2025). Despite positive demand, challenges such as pricing pressures, regulatory constraints, and fluctuating raw material costs require strategic management by breweries.
Innovations and Cannabis-Infused Beverages on the Rise
Emerging trends in 2025 highlight increasing consumer interest in cannabis and hemp-infused beverages within the craft segment, particularly in the U.S. With 78 million Americans reporting cannabis use and new laws permitting THC-infused drinks in taprooms (e.g., Minnesota), these products represent a growing niche that blends with traditional craft beer markets. While sales data remains preliminary, this ‘fifth category’ is poised for expansion alongside more conventional craft beer offerings (Hop Culture, 2025).
Corporate Craft Market Movements and Brand Innovations
Anheuser-Busch continues to strengthen its foothold in the craft beer market, recently announced as the top craft market share gainer among the leading craft beer manufacturers. Investments such as a $9 million upgrade to its Baldwinsville, NY brewery and strategic marketing campaigns (e.g., Bud Light’s new NFL-themed ads) signal ongoing commitments to brand innovation and consumer engagement (Anheuser-Busch Newsroom, 2025). Michelob ULTRA remains a leading innovation, particularly in the zero-alcohol and draft segments, reflecting consumer shifts toward health-conscious premiumization (Anheuser-Busch Newsroom, 2025).