Craft Beer Market Shows Strong Growth Potential Amid Industry Challenges
The global craft beer market continues its robust expansion, projected to reach $111.3 billion in 2025 with an impressive compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.9% from 2025 to 2032 (MetaStat Insight, 2025). Regionally, North America remains a leader with craft beer transitioning from niche to mainstream preference, driven by the rise in independent breweries focusing on unique, small-batch flavors. Europe also holds a dominant position, accounting for 38.1% of the market share, supported by consumer demand for premium, artisanal beers and a deep cultural heritage of beer consumption (IMARC Group, 2025).
Despite this growth, the U.S. market faces headwinds. NielsenIQ reports a 4.1% decline in off-premise craft beer volume in 2025, mirroring the overall beer category downturn (Craft Brewing Business, 2025). Brewery counts are declining slightly, especially among microbreweries that saw a 3% drop. However, resilient growth persists among the smallest breweries (under 1,000 barrels/year), with about half reporting production increases. Taprooms and brewpubs, comprising 73% of craft establishments, continue to outperform distribution-based breweries in volume and revenue (Craft Brewing Business, 2025).
Mixue Group Ventures Into the Fresh Beer Market in China
Notable cross-category expansion is underway as Chinese bubble tea giant Mixue Group takes a 53% controlling stake in Fulujia, a leading fresh beer chain operating around 1,200 stores nationwide (Dow Jones Newswires, 2025). With an investment exceeding $20 million, Mixue aims to leverage its strong low-cost brand presence to boost the fresh beer segment, which offers innovative products like tea beer and milk beer priced affordably for mass consumption. This strategic move positions Mixue to capitalize on rising interest in fresh and novel beer styles among Chinese consumers (Dow Jones Newswires, 2025).
Industry Leadership: DB Breweries Appoints Peter Hart as Managing Director
In New Zealand, DB Breweries named Peter Hart as its new Managing Director, signaling a strategic push to blend global expertise with local market roots. Hart comes with 15 years of international experience at Heineken and previously launched New Zealand’s first branded RTD. His leadership is expected to spur innovation and growth for DB’s iconic brands while strengthening the company’s presence in the competitive Australasian beer sector (Beer & Brewer, 2025).
Emerging Trends: Cannabis-Infused Beverages Gain Traction in the U.S.
An emerging trend reshaping the craft beer landscape is the surge in cannabis-infused beverages—described as the “fifth category” by industry experts. Approximately 78 million Americans currently consume cannabis, with 74% reducing alcohol intake in favor of cannabis products (Hop Culture, 2025). Products infused with THC or hemp, such as hemp-infused seltzers and CBD lemonades, are capturing growing demand. Legislative progress, like Minnesota’s new law allowing THC beverages in taprooms, further bridges craft beer and cannabis markets, signaling potential for retail shelf expansion (Hop Culture, 2025).
New Product Launches and Collaborations
Collaboration among craft brewers remains active, highlighted by the formation of B3 Beverage Company, a partnership uniting Bald Birds Brewing Co., Two Roads Brewing, and Yards Brewing Co. This collective seeks to innovate contract beverage manufacturing and broaden distribution channels (Beer Connoisseur, 2025). Additionally, brands such as Austin’s Meanwhile Brewing Co. launched the Darlin’ Lager, emphasizing local identity and drinkability typical of craft innovation (Beer Connoisseur, 2025).
Market Performance: Oregon’s Cider Segment Steady Despite Beer Consumption Dip
In the broader beverage market, Oregon distinguishes itself for per capita cider consumption, contributing over $32 million in sales annually. While national beer consumption declines by 5% and wine by 10%, cider sales maintain stability with fewer taproom closures, benefiting from a network of around 80 cideries that drive $320 million in state economic impact (New School Beer, 2025).